In keeping with the AAFCS (American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) focus on "Sustainability" and the emphasis on "Going Green", LAFCS members are sharing ideas they have implemented. Implementing some of these ideas can also help sustain our finances. Members can contribute suggestions by emailing them to: lafcs@bellsouth.net.
We got started with this during the 2009 LAFCS Annual Meeting in March 2009 in Natchitoches, LA. Here are some of the ideas gained from that meeting:
Speaker Lynn Dix talked about Gardening from A to Z and all the things that can be used in our gardens instead of being thrown away.
Connie Jones, 2009 VP of Annual Meeting, both spoke and modeled ways to reduce the amount of things going to the landfills. She said that she started using re-usable shopping bags because she prefers to drink bottled water. She furnished one to each attendee instead of the usual plastic ditty bags.
Connie also recycled a deck of cards by adding numbers on them with a permanent marker and used that for door prize drawings, avoiding the use of paper that would be thrown away.
LAFCS Board Members Submit Ideas to Further this Initiative
I purchased a filtering pitcher and filter the faucet water instead of purchasing bottled water. (Reduces the use of plastic.) - Jan Zeringue
My friend Shasa has started using cloth napkins instead of paper towels and encouraged her sorority members to do the same. They are purchasing cloth napkins for great bargains at garage sales. (Reduces the use of paper.) She says if we all do a little, it makes a difference. I am following her example. - Jan Zeirngue
Local animal shelters appreciate donations of used towels, sheets and newspapers. - Jan Zeringue
I make decorative wreaths out of things that most people throw away or take for granted. I've made wreaths from plastic bottle caps, pennies, 35 mm film canisters, old game pieces, etc. - Doze' Butler
I found an old fashioned popsicle mold with the plastic re usable sticks. You can make four great popsicles yourself. I got it for my great grands and they are having a ball. The first time we did it the most accessible liquid was sweet tea which we used. Later when we were tasting, I asked Gracie (age 2) what it tasted like and she said 'tea'. They learn fast for sure. - Harriette Black
I use the shopping bags that last a long time. Some were passed out here on Earth Day that are ideal. - Harriette Black
One thing that works is to save soap slivers in a jar. When you have a supply add water and heat a little and you have your own liquid soap that works. You can also put soap slivers in a little net bag and swish them around in water to make water for washing delicates like hose. You can wash all clothes with cold water. They get just as clean. I have done it for years with no problem. Be sure to pre treat any stubborn spots. - Harriette Black
Many consumers today are making fewer automobile trips, using less gas. Instead of running to the store for one or two items, we make lists and buy everything we need ahead of time. Also, we use our creativity with what we have rather than making a trip to the store for just a few items. - Betty Robertson
Members, we look forward to hearing what you are doing - and being reminded of more ways to save money and reduce the amount of garbage going to our landfills.
