Ceiling Fans

Looking for a simple way to stay cool and save electricity this summer - install ceiling fans in your house. With ceiling fans you can save up to 40% on your air conditioning bill while only using as much power as it takes to light a 100-watt incandescent bulb. While ceiling fans themselves do not cool the room, the air circulation will produce a comfortable breeze which will make you feel cooler. Be sure to check to make sure you blades are rotating in a counterclockwise direction during the summer.

Adopt a Shelter Cat

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Last June we adopted our cat Shane from our local shelter and he is one of the greatest cats I've ever owned. We are not sure what kind of life Shane had before his 3 months at the shelter, but he is definitely enjoying the good life now. Also this year we fostered several kittens to get them healthy enough to adopt. If you are unable to adopt a shelter cat, I recommend fostering kittens - you get the joy of cuddling kittens while helping out your local shelter without the commitment of providing a forever home for an animal. I have also volunteered with the adoptions for shelter animals, the day I helped saved a life of an adorable orange tabby kitten by placing him with a local family is a special day I will always remember. If you are unable to adopt a pet you can help the shelter out by fostering animals short term, donating food, volunteering your time, or donating money. Be a responsible pet owner and spay or neuter your pet and the next time you decide to add a pet to your family, check the local shelter first.

Twitter your gratitude

Care2 is sponsoring a twitter your gratitude day today. Take a moment to express your gratitude to your family, friends, and members of the community for making a difference in your world. Giving thanks for the special people in your life will remind you of the wonderful people who surround you everyday.

How do you join Care2 in expressing your gratitude?

1. Start your tweet with the hashtag “#caretuesday”.

2. Follow this with a message of gratitude and the names of the great people you want to thank.

See what I am thankful for at http://twitter.com/chartreuselife

Greening Your Kitchen

Looking for some easy ways to green your kitchen?

1. Give up disposable paper napkins by switching to cloth napkins.

2. Whenever possible, use your microwave to save energy.

3. Become a label reader and educate yourself about different certifications like organic and Fair Trade.

4. When buying dishes, bakeware, and pots look for eco-friendly products.

5. Opt for a bamboo or natural wood cutting board.

6. Use your dishwasher instead of handwashing dishes. As strange as it sounds, dishwashers use less energy and water than handwashing.

7. Fill your pantry with products with minimal packaging and recycle as much packaging as possible.

8. Make your own natural cleaners from items found in your pantry like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons.

9. Instead of paper towels, use reusable cloths for cleaning up spills.

10. Relax with a glass of biodynamic wine with a cork closure. Cork is recyclable and earth-friendly since cork is sustainably harvested from living trees.