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Growing up in Oregon, I constantly heard wise words from my mother like "lets recycle that," "you can walk," "don't use too much water," "whole wheat is better than white," "no dessert if you don't eat your vegetables," "dark lettuce is better for you than light," "paper over plastic," "don't leave anything behind" and so much more. Her healthy ways got me into many sports and helped turn me into a record-setting track athlete. In 2006, my mother lost a 3 year battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease; something nobody would have ever expected. That was right around the time I joined the Surfrider Foundation in San Diego and had my first child, whom she never met. Now 10 years have passed since losing my mother, yet volunteering for the Surfrider Foundation, and becoming a mother, I've noticed her words have come through clearer than ever. In addition to personal training and triathlon coaching, I have done some blogging to help our planet, and improve lives. I hope you enjoy my content, and join me in my journey for a cleaner planet and promoting happier, healthier lives!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Save $$ While Saving the Planet

"Think Green" truly has a double meaning.  Look at all the ways you can save money while reducing waste, or getting more fit!  This estimate is for a family of 4 for 1 yr, but easily adjustable to any size family or individual.  Note: most reusable items last many years, increasing the savings.  There's also many brands at different prices for most items.  Many of these were from the Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Target.  Also many people have a good start by reusing grocery store bags as garbage can liners so they don't have to buy any, but when the bag bans hit, better get reusables...

Reusable napkins- (4 for $4) vs 3 meals/day or 4380 regular/yr = about $70
Cleaning cloths ($4 for 16 at Walmart) vs. paper towels 8/day: 2920/yr = $70
Reusable ziplock bags (4 for $20) vs 4 regular/day = 1460/yr = $146
Reusable kitchen bags ($13) vs. 3 regular/week or 156/yr = $30
Reusable water bottles for 4 ($32) vs. 2-8/person/day =  $3,650-$14,600
Cloth diapers 1 baby (12 for $100) vs 6 regular/day = 2190 = $592
Reusable party plates 20/party ($5) vs 20 regular x 6 parties = 120 = $23
Reusable party cups  20/party ($5) vs 20 regular x 6 parties = 120 = $23
Reusable silverware 20 sets ($20) vs 6 parties:120 sets = $30
Reusable gloves for family ($8) vs 1 box regular medical gloves = $12
Reusable feminine products (DivaCup $30) vs $10/12 months = $120
Good mop ($20) vs disposable mop w/replacements = $100

Other ways to save money, energy, and resources:

-Walk or ride a bike instead of driving
-Turn of lights when exiting a room and turn off TV/appliances
-Plant plants that require little water (save water plus $ on your water bill)
-Growing food at home    
-Avoid using oven when hot inside
-Open windows when its hot instead of turning on AC
-Using fire in fireplace instead of turning on heat
-Fishing/hunting- these can reduce an incredible amount of packaging and feed a lot with very little cost.  (Those who know me know I've NEVER been a fan of killing animals, particularly mammals, which is why I hover somewhere between different forms of vegetarianism and vegan.  Though I do admit can be cheaper to catch your own meat!)

Keep posted as I'll also write a post on ways to save $$ and reduce waste for cooking!
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