Paperless in 2010 Recap

Well, 2010 was full of so much beauty, and you have been along for the ride the whole time, so no need to recap the year in full.

I have had a few people ask me exactly what I did while we were trying to use less paper and plastic. So I thought that I would do a recap just in case any of you want to add a campaign like this to your new year resolutions.

Here is a list of paper/plastic items and their substitutions:

• Paper Towels - Cloth towels/sponges
• Napkins - cloth napkins
• Tissues  - flannel handkerchiefs
• Zip Lock Bags - handmade Velcro baggies
• Produce bags - tulle reusable bags
• Grocery bags - cloth bags
• Swiffer Duster - flannel duster refill
• Panty Liners/tampons - washable flannel liners
• Bottled Water - water filter + water bottles
• Coffee Filters - reusable metal filter

I think that might actually be everything. We didn't forgo all paper and plastic at once, I just sort of thought of replacements or was inspired by someone as the year progressed and i had my paperless radar on. These were very easy gradual changes. Not only have we hopefully saved some of our environmental resources and lowered our negative impact through consumption, but also we have saved money! Imagine, all of these products we  will no longer need to buy and dispose of ever again.  That's awesome.

Of course, there are several other things that we can do for the environment when it comes to our consumption and impact, but this just covers our paperless campaign. The husband has been so very sweet to humor me and follow these guidelines this last year. Some of them he's gung-ho about, and some of them he'd rather abandon. Sometimes it may seem silly to make changes, as with other lifestyle decisions (like what kind of transportation you choose, where you buy your food from, etc...) because the impact we are making is so minuscule as a single family, as simply two people in the world. But if everyone were to make these tiny tiny changes now, imagine the impact that we could all make with all of the years of our lives together living with an awareness of our stewardship. Especially if our own decisions could inspire others.

I love to discuss crafts and cooking and stewardship and environment, so don't hesitate to ask questions or share your ideas as well.

Live intentionally in 2011.