Blog Action Day - What I'm Doing

Today is Blog Action Day (just in case you are living under a rock and don't know. or if you're my mom and don't read any blogs other than mine.)

So, for the under-rock dwellers (and my family), here is a summary of Blog Action Day, direct from their website:

On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.

I figured that the best thing I could do today is to share with you the changes that I have made to better the environment. If you have your own blog, you should sign up on the site and write your own post about the environment. If you don't have your own blog, feel free to tell me about your green-ness in my comments. I'm always looking for ways to get greener, and I know that many of my friends (and readers) are seeking the same thing.

So, here is what I'm doing:

• I have become a big fan of the tote bag. I don't have the $300 (on eBay) version that is pictured above, but we have about 10 tote bags in our front closet, and I grab a few before heading out to Whole Foods or to the farmer's market. I do wish that there was some way to eliminate the gajillion plastic bags that I get when I order from Peapod, but for now, I bring the totes when I can, and try to avoid taking a plastic bag at the store if it's not essential.
• I have taken a pledge to stop using (and buying) water bottles. Brita filters (my client) created this site, and I think it's pretty awesome. I added the pledge badge to my blog (on the right, scroll down) and if you have a blog, and are also down with eliminating water bottles, you can get that badge as well. Or you can just take the pledge and pass it on.
• We don't use disposable paper or plastic cups in our house.
• As our lightbulbs burn out, we are replacing them with those ultra long lasting swirly kinds.
• We use primarily non-toxic cleaners in our house, such as Method and Mrs. Meyer's. I also like Seventh Generation stuff.
• We recycle, though Chicago makes it very hard! But, things are changing (thank goodness).
• I try to give things away on Craig's List or Freecycle (like cardboard boxes filled with packing peanuts) instead of just throwing them in my alley. One man's trash...

So, what are you guys doing??