Comments on: We Are The World

By: Jessica G in NN

Jessica G in NN — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:49:34 +0000

Ummm…I would say you might be unusually slow, Becky? But I don’t want to say that. I only wash my hair every other day (my hairdresser convinced me after months…and my super-fine hair that used to show oil like-whoa has stopped.) But, even on those days, my showers are usually under 8 minutes at the most. I also feel you on the bare minimum shaving…and, if I have time will shave in the sink (legs, I mean) since it uses less water. I would say…start setting a timer? I grew up on well water (out in the country) and whenever we went through a water shortage, we had to time showers. In high school (when image mattered to me in my fishbowl “all about me” brain) I took 2 minute showers every day. Crazy. So yeah, think about cutting down…but also, ever noticed how, at the salon, they don’t leave conditioner in a long time? I thought I had to, but then realize that I can shampoo, blob on conditioner, scrub the face, wash the body, shave the pits, and rinse the conditioner…all in under 5 minutes. I think I rambled more than helped, but I’d suggest a timer and you might see how much time(and water) you were wasting? And don’t feel badly, my husband takes WAY longer than I do…and doesn’t shave or have long hair…so it’s NOT just you. ;)

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:14:34 +0000

Anyone have info for Becky on this? I just shampoo, rinse, condition, leave that in while I wash my body & face, and then rinse the conditioner. Sometimes I shave but not always (I’m lazy like that, haha). I think the key is just to start the water and jump in as soon as it warms up (instead of puttering around the bathroom for five minutes while the shower runs) and then just lather, rinse, repeat, etc. I don’t really stand there and zone out, even though I’m sure that would be amazing.

xo,
s

By: Becky S.

Becky S. — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:36:01 +0000

I know this is a really old post and I hope someone replies. I would LOVE to be able to take a 5 minute shower…but, between shampooing, conditioning, washing my body and face and doing the bare minimum of shaving (TMI I’m sorry but just my armpits) I cannot get below 15 minutes of shower time no matter how hard I try. Am I just unusually slow?? For all of you ladies out there…do you shave in the shower? Legs and all? Whats your routine like? Maybe you use shampoo and conditioner in one? I feel so bad and un-green with my 15 minute showers…

By: Elise

Elise — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:57:30 +0000

I know this is a really old post, but I wanted to add my two cents about the low-flow shower heads. I have one. And I LOVE it. It’s the Waterpik Eco-flow, handheld model- it’s only 1.5 gpm (gallons per minute), which is way lower than the government mandated 2.6 gpm flow rate for new shower heads.

The low-flow, non-aerating shower heads have come a long way from their original, only-crazy-hippies-would-use-this impression, and they really are worth the money- only $35! Just make sure you go with a non-aerating one. And the only downside is that they don’t have a lot of finish options for that under $50 price point- if you’re willing to spend more, your options increase substantially. Guess I’m just a cheapo. :)

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:59:48 +0000

Hey Rebekah,

There’s a picture of our under-sink recycling & garbage & compost system (basically it’s just three different bins) here: http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/04/how-ya-bin/

Hope it helps!

xo,s

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:58:17 +0000

I know this is going to seem silly, but do you think you could do a post on green living regarding recycling and the basics of keeping your kitchen green? I saw the composting post, and it was really helpful but we don’t have a yard or much space. We live in a tiny apartment and so I’d love some ideas for having separate recycling bins that are stackable/ don’t take up much space AND can be easily walked to the recycling bin near our apartment complex’s entrance.

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:43:21 +0000

Using a Kindle is a good way to use less paper. You can download all your books on it and read them whenever! I think you can even get text books. Knowing I am an avid reader my husband bought me on for my birthday this year but I have yet to use it. I just love the feel of books in my hand and the wonderful smell on them. I also like to decorate with them. I am so ashamed. :)

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:49:26 +0000

I have a really hard time shortening my shower. I know I should, yet I let the hot water run on, and on. I am working on that, however. I have a great book to recommend: Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett, who has 3 kids and is a dedicated consumer advocate. She talks about the ways our homes (and the products we bring into them) are making us sick and, way more importantly, alternatives to those toxins. The book is stuffed with tips to help us all make our lives more green.

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:15:50 +0000

Sweet! Thanks so much for even more fabulous eco-friendly tips & tricks. We love you all for taking the time to share the wealth of knowledge you’ve all amassed. Look forward to more green & proud of ‘em posts in the near future!

xo,
Sherry

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:39:27 +0000

Ride a bike! Commuting by bike one or two days a week will save you money, improve your health, and cut down on green house gasses. It’s a huge mood-booster, too.

If you can’t ride your bike to work, ride your bike for trips under two miles. Need to run to the store to pick up a few things? Hop on your bike! Enjoy the fresh air and the fact that you’re doing good things for both yourself and your planet.