If you are at all culturally aware these days, you’ve no doubt noticed that just about everything is being promoted as “Green,” “Organic,” “Low Carbon Footprint” or “Earth Friendly.” I’ve seen advertising for a green housing development, organic bamboo sheets, earth-friendly pest control, an organic dry cleaner, a low carbon footprint carpet (really?) and even an organic nail salon.  I never knew getting a manicure contributed to global warming, but there you have it.

So what does being green have to do with blended families? Well, my husband pointed out that in a way, blended families are recycled - and that’s not a bad thing! More than that however, we should all do our part to make the planet a better place to live. We can all be just a bit more environmentally conscious. Make it a family project – something you can all participate in. Remember: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! Here’s some tips to get you started:

If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, consider buying a hybrid, an alternative fuel vehicle or one that gets excellent gas mileage. If you aren’t in the market for a new car, try to drive less often, and combine trips to reduce fuel consumption.

When light bulbs in your home burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs. They not only save energy, they last for years. And, when those CFC bulbs burn out, recycle them at your local Home Depot!

Recycle as much and as often as you can. Most communities have a recycling drop off spot for aluminum cans, glass bottles or newspaper. If your city or town doesn’t offer a recycling program, start your own! Get the kids involved.
 

Donate used clothing and unwanted household items to charities like the Salvation Army or Goodwill, instead of throwing them away. Someone in need will benefit from the donation, and you can claim a tax credit at the end of the year!

Use reusable cloth bags at the grocery store and avoid plastic bags that just sit in landfills.

Did you know only 12% of plastic water bottles are recycled? If you must use a water bottle, (or soda can, etc) recycle it. Or better yet, carry your drinks from home in reusable bottles.

Donate old magazines, calendars and newspapers to your child’s school or art department! Teachers always need these items for projects.

Encourage your children to read by visiting your local library. You can check out books, CDs, movies, and use their computer – all for free! If you like to own your books, shop at a used book store.

Consider going solar –or at least energy efficient – in your home. Many utility companies offer rebates for energy efficient upgrades like solar hot water heaters, low-flow faucet adapters, and energy efficient appliances.
 

Plant a tree. Make it a family project, and a symbol of your blended family’s growth.

Visit The Rainforest Site, and click to save the rainforest for free.

Check out the work of Heifer International. This charity gives you the opportunity to donate a farm animal to a family in need, who then passes on their animal’s offspring to another family, and so on. They are known for environmentally friendly practices and changing the world one goat at a time.

Then God said, “Let Us make human beings in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  Genesis 1:26

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5: 14, 16.

Here’s to Recycled Families Everywhere!