Frowzy Indulgences | As requested: some environmentally friendly tips this queer learned as a mormon

As requested: some environmentally friendly tips this queer learned as a mormon

As I was saying in response to the ask that prompted this list, I learned most of what I know about being kind to the environment while I was growing up as a Mormon. Here are some things you can do really easily on a daily basis.

-USE BAKING SODA FOR EVERYTHING- I use that shit as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, you name it. It’s super cheap and comes packed in cardboard which is much easier for the planet to deal with than shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, ect. If you have trouble with the taste or want to end up smelling like something after you shower, I like to add a couple drops of Dr Brohnner’s soap to the mix. It also makes it nice an bubbly.

Use as much of your food as possible- peel your broccoli stalks- they are just as good as top. I like to save my carrot tops, extra onion, and celery scraps in a bag in the freezer and make vegetable stock when I have enough.

-Clean with vinegar and again, baking soda- again, much easier on the planet than the harsh cleansers you buy at the store. I usually dilute the vinegar with 1/2 water or more, depending on what I’m cleaning. I keep it in a spray bottle, works great on just about everything you don’t end up going a million plastic jugs.

-Buy food in bulk and avoid buying food wrapped in plastic- Bulk food generally is way cheaper and allows you to circumvent all the garbage you would make with individually wrapped things. Check with your local food co-op for help.

-Turn off your lights when you aren’t in the room and unplug appliances when you aren’t using them.

-Take shorter, less frequent showers- nobody wants to do this, but really, your body will adjust to taking fewer showers and will produce less grime. I can usually go about 5 days before I start looking a little greasy.

-Repurpose everything- when something wears out, it usually can be used for something else. Any sort of cotton material (from worn out clothing) makes for great rags and hankies. Stitch around the edges if you want to be fancy.

-Never ever ever take plastic bags home from the grocery store- I’m terrible about bringing my reusable bags with me, but if I can carry what I’m buying in my hands I will. Everyone is so very much in the habit of having their groceries bagged and we make so much unnecessary garbage that way.

-Use public transportation/carpool/walk/bike- if you haven’t noticed, a lot of these things are money savers as well. I happen to be super broke all the time, so I like to walk/bike whenever possible.

-Stop buying new shit- you don’t need it, I promise. Start frequenting your local salvation army- actually no, don’t- they have some real nasty business regarding the glbtq community- find a different, more friendly thrift store.

-If you must buy new shit, buy it locally.

-Make birthday/Christmas presents - I knit which is real handy (you should learn), but peeps tend to appreciate anything handmade.

-Don’t buy plastic containers, work with what comes through your house- my food storage containers are mostly made up from washing takeout containers (the plastic resealable ones), yogurt containers, ziplock bags, and the various glass jars that pass through.