Monthly Archives: January 2009

Cutting Your Computer’s Carbon Footprint

I love my computer. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without it. But computers don’t necessarily have the best of carbon footprints, particularly if they’re left on more than necessary.

Some of this is pretty easy to handle. Shutting down the computer AND remembering to turn off all accessories at night is a good idea. If this is a challenge, try getting a Smart Strip for your computer. This will shut down accessories whenever you shut your computer down.

For times when you may be more off and on the computer, you can adjust your power settings on Windows computers through the control panel. You can tell it when to go on standby or hibernate, depending on your preferences.

I would also note that it’s a good plan to just not turn on speakers, printers and so forth until you’re actually going to use them. For me this is obvious, as I print very rarely and prefer my computer to be quiet, but less obvious to others.

What About Replacements?

The real challenge can come when you aren’t sure whether or not to replace a computer or its parts. Many people get a new computer every couple years or less.

I don’t replace mine lightly. It’s 3 years old and going strong. My husband’s is (I think) a bit older yet. It’s a handmedown from my older sister, so I’m not quite certain of its age. It has enough power for what he needs a computer for, and that’s quite enough for us.

Sometimes all an older machine needs is some more RAM or a better hard drive. I’ve switched RAM out myself on a computer, and it’s not that hard, but it’s been a while and I can’t explain it. If in doubt, just have a professional do it.

Another way to help an ailing system is to do a virus scan, an antispyware scan, and remove all unnecessary programs, especially things you don’t use that run in the background. It’s amazing how much stuff can clutter up a good system and slow it down. I like Avast antivirus and SuperAntiSpyware… both free. But I would also note that my preferences change as the programs get changed, so do some research as you pick how you protect your computer. You should always have antivirus and antispyware protection on your computer.

Monitors can be a separate matter. A flat screen monitor is much more energy efficient than a CRT. It comes down to when is it right to replace it in consideration of the energy used to create each, as well as what happens to the old monitor after.

Disposal is a Challenge

This is one problem with computers that just hasn’t been properly solved yet. There are recycling programs out there, but you have to be careful. Some programs just ship the problem off to some other country, where the toxic materials aren’t properly handled. It’s a mess for the environment and for the people living in that toxic mess.

If the computer is still usable other ways, you may be able to donate it to a program that will refurbish it. Goodwill has a program at many locations, for example, and also offers instructions on how to get your personal data off the hard drive first. Contact your local Goodwill to be sure. Earth911 is another good resource.

What Don’t You Need for a New Baby?

There’s a lot of stuff that stores will tell you that you need when you’re going to have a new baby. Some of it is very, very necessary. Other things, not so much.

When you look at suggested baby registries, such as this one from Babies R Us, the big thing you will notice is the amount of repetition. So many different kinds of strollers recommended. They list all the car seat sizes you’re going to go through. And accessories, accessories, accessories! Not to mention toys specialized for so many different areas of baby’s life.

It get ridiculous fast.

The decision for what you do and don’t need is pretty personal. However, I think most of us can get by with far less than the stores recommend.

Things I Have Never Needed for Baby

1. Changing table.

I’ve always found a changing pad and a nearby bed, couch or floor to be good enough. Not like you can take the changing table with you wherever you go.

Perhaps the one disadvantage is that none of my kids have ever been comfortable on those changing tables you find in stores and restaurants. I’ve always struggled with diaper changes on those.

2. Crib bedding sets.

Most especially the quilts or comforters, which you can’t use until baby gets older anyhow, and are more likely to end up as a decoration. They’re too heavy for newborns.

That said, I’m also biased because my grandmother makes quilts for my kids, which remain stored until each child is old enough for it. They are well treasured.

I also really don’t do themes or particularly special nursery decorations. Baby won’t notice for quite a while what his or her room looks like in terms of specific decor or if it all matches.

They can look nice if you want the whole room to match a theme, but otherwise I find it makes more sense to just buy the individual parts you’re going to need. So often there will be a mobile or lamp shade or wall decoration that you just aren’t going to use.

3. Nursing covers.

I do cover up if I’m nursing in public, or at least try to, but whatever baby blanket I have on hand is quite sufficient to the job. So far that has worked well enough, although neither of my kids really liked being covered while nursing.

4. Stroller after stroller after stroller…

A stroller is a big help, in my opinion, although a good sling could take its place, I have no doubt. But so many varieties are recommended!

I have two. The basic umbrella stroller and the one that goes with my car seat. That’s plenty.

The umbrella stroller is nice once baby can sit up and space is a consideration. The other is nice if I need to carry more things than just baby, since it has the basket in the bottom. It’s also better for more difficult terrain.

5. Walkers.

Walkers are loads of fun for baby, but they also carry risks. I’ve always stuck with the stationary entertainers. Baby can still bounce for leg exercise, but she’s not getting a false sense of how moving around the house works. Ours has gone through about 5 babies so far, between my sisters and myself.

On the other hand a push toy that encourages walking once baby can actually walk isn’t so bad a thing.

6. A splat mat.

Babies are messy eaters when they start on solids, but a specialized splat mat probably doesn’t need to be bought. Grab a beach towel or a table cloth to slip under the high chair and you’ll get much the same effect with something you already own.

7. Other supplies you may not need.

There are a bunch of things you may not need for baby. Some of it will be because they’re too specialized. Toys for the crib are just as good for the daytime. Car seat toys may work for the stroller. And do you really need a bouncer, door jumper, stationary entertainer, swing and walker? That’s a lot of things that perform similarly enough that you can think about what really goes with the space you have and your needs.

Still more things may be replaced by things you already own. King size pillowcases fit cradle mattresses beautifully, in my experience.

You might decide that you only need a play yard rather than play yard, crib and cradle/bassinet. Or you may prefer to have these separately.

Then there are the things that go by choices you have made. If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, you aren’t going to need so many bottles, but you will certainly want some and a good breast pump if you ever want a break!

While I won’t need much new this time, since most everything is available through family handmedowns,  there are a few things I’ll want. But new or used, the best idea is to keep things simple. Cuts down on the clutter and wondering about why you got something in the first place.

Buying Cloth Diapers at Last

Here I am, in the final stretch. 8 months pregnant. Time to get those cloth diapers I keep wanting.

bumgenius 3.0

We’re keeping it simple at first; just a 3 pack of bumGenius 3.0 diapers. I want to try them out before committing to a full supply, just in case it turns out that some other brand actually works out better for me. It’s such a switch from before I’m feeling probably more cautious than I need to be.

My husband and I are pretty excited about this, if a little doubtful about how certain family members will view it at first. But I just look at all the reviews explaining how easy it all is, and I feel much reassured.

If nothing else, the cash savings should catch his parents’ attention. They’re not green most ways, but they certainly respect trying to save money.

I’m also getting cloth wipes. They’ll be an interesting switch from the convenience of disposable wipes, but as I pointed out to my husband, once you have cloth diapers, cloth wipes are sensible too. They all fit into the same load of laundry.

Sunday Links 1-4-09

Here’s your Sunday Links again. I was conserving my own energy last weekend, being rather exhausted from all the holiday events.

12 Health Warnings for Parents and Kids in 2008 – Did you miss any of these?

Seven Green Time-Savers for Busy Families – Simple, yet effective for many families. Great if you’re still trying to set your green goals for the year.

EarthTalk: Which Is Greener, Dryer Sheets Or Liquid Fabric Softener? – I have to be honest here, I’ve never tended to use either dryer sheets or fabric softener. My laundry turns out just fine. I do sometimes add some baking soda or white vinegar to the load if I think something extra is needed that time.

OK Grasshopper, This Is What You SHOULD Have Done to Prepare – Ways to cope with winter… planning ahead required!

Handmade at Home: Keeping the Skills Alive – Sewing I can do. Gardening too. Canning is on the list to learn. Cooking I can do. Knitting and crocheting… I’ve been thinking more on quilting than those. Hospitality my family limits me on for family gatherings until we live in a place with more room. But the kids’ friends are always welcome.

FDA Pushing Plan to Promote Mercury-Laced Seafood Diet for Pregnant Women and Children. – Oh FDA, I loathe you so some days. There are better ways for pregnant women to get omega-3s than by eating fish without worrying about mercury.

Add Clothing and Subtract from Your Heating Bill – So simple a reminder, and very worth doing. Even when the kids grumble.

I Dream of An Earthship – Me too, Tiffany. Me too.

Dear President Obama – Don’t forget about breastfeeding – A topic near and dear to my heart, especially with my due date so near.

Hand-Me-Down Clothes in the Post Hand-Me-Down Era: Consumer Protectionism Gone Too Far? – CPSIA’s reach is insanely long. Even thrift and resale shops will be in trouble with it.

Update: New Hope For Handmade Industry in Lead Law Exceptions – On the plus side, a touch of sanity may be headed CPSIA’s way. We need to keep this up, folks!

Cooking with One Power Source

Cooking at home is one of the best things you can do for your family. As a rule it’s healthier, and encourages family time, especially if you get the kids involved.

One of my favorite things is to cook with just one power source. The classic is the crock pot, of course. Very easy to make a one dish meal in one, and the power consumption is low. But you can do the same in the oven.

I can start a meal with whatever meat, and maybe some potatoes. Towards the end, start a pan of vegetables to roast. If you don’t try roasting vegetables, you may just be missing out on a treat! They can be wonderful. Very different from steamed veggies.

The trick, of course, is finding foods that can be cooked all at the same temperatures. Time is easy enough to handle just by figuring out when to start things.

If you can cook in this way, you’re minimizing the power used, and using it as efficiently as possible. It won’t work all the time, but when you can swing it, great!