Sunday, January 13, 2013

7.3.2 Little on the Trashy Side

7 Experiment: based on the book by Jen Hatmaker
3rd Month: Mutiny Against Waste
2nd Post: Little on the Trashy Side
 
Waste was November.  Yes.  I am behind.
 
Some of the months of this experiment can be done alone.  Not this one.  Super Dad, Little Momma, and Fairy Child had to step in to accomplish our four waste reduction goals.
 
 
Goal: One bag of trash per week
 
Grade: A+
We totally did it! One bag of trash per week!  I was highly doubtful as to the attainability of this goal. I mean, I have kids. And not just my kids, but Sunrise School kids, too. Nine kids in and out of my house every week. Some of them still in diapers.
 
How We Did It:
1. Reuse - My cabinets runneth over with yogurt tubs and spaghetti sauce jars.
2. Recycle - Like crazy everything.
3. Intentionally buy things with recyclable containers/packaging.
4. Compost - More on this below
 

Goal: Conserve Energy and Water
 
Grade: A-
I thought we did pretty good with electricity, but I never could make myself give up my full, hot baths and long showers.  Sadly, I was about to give us a B-.  Then our electric bill came in.  Seventy.  Four.  Dollars.  BOOM, baby!  Bumped us back up to an A-.  Am I a hopeless teacher-dork?  I love grading myself!
 
How We Did It:
1. Become electricity Nazis - Not in the room, nothing on.
2. Use power strips behind entertainment units - Easy to flip switch off when not in use for long periods
3. Unplug anything when not in use - chargers, coffee pot, computer
4. A/C up a degree higher
5. Windows open when pleasant outside
6. Heat a degree colder
 
Goal: Compost

Grade: B
We are now members of the Compost Posse.  This one required work in the beginning, but once started has been quite easy.  And I have been surprised at what is compostable.  Had to give us a B because I need to do a better job maintaining our pile.  I hear tales of a composting bin that turns itself.  If I stay neon green, I might have to get one.

How We Did It:
1. Build a bin - Ours is made of zip ties and old pallets
2. Learn what can be composted - the Google machine has lots on this topic
3. Make to be composted container inside - No way we'd go out every time
 
 
Goal: Garden
 
Grade: F
Did not even attempt.  This feels like those standardized tests from elementary school.  I always scored at the top in every subject and failed spelling.  Gardening is my spelling.  I did get three houseplants.  Perhaps if they are still alive in the Spring, I could consider gardening. 
 
How We Did It:
1. Think about it.
2. Talk about it.
3. Stop.
 
Experiment-wise, I think this was a good month.  It made me more mindful of my wastefulness.  The down side?  I can't get the song "I Like My Women Just a Little on the Trashy Side" out of my head.

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