I think this is an extremely good principle.

The transportation thing is frustrating to me. I would love to have a newer hybrid or electric car. But being four people living on one income, it isn't going to happen anytime soon. I drive my gas guzzling Jeep Cherokee because that's what I have. It's what I could afford at the time and it isn't getting replaced anytime soon. Same with solar panels. As soon as I get a spare $10,000 I'll pop one right onto the roof.

Our public transportation system is ridiculous. It takes several hours to get 15 miles away. Totally not an option. Michael will be getting a motorcycle in the next few months though, which will be much more efficient for him.

I think the more effort thing definitely applies to the way people eat. Organic locally grown produce has huge environmental benefits (not to mention health benefits). It costs a bit more, but all you need to do is give up packaged food in most cases to even out your grocery bill. The busiest person can set aside a few hours a week and prepare meals and freeze them. It's all time management and priorities.

I totally agree. Especially when they show them wiping toys with the bleach cloths. We don't want our kids to get sick, so let's wipe pesticides on their toys! Good idea. :rolleyes: Soap does a fine job of cleaning most things. If you compare disinfectant soap to regular soap there is only a miniscule amount of difference as far as germ elimination.

The paper towel thing I totally need to work on. They are hard to give up.

Our town is giving away free compost bins right now. I need to call and get one. We were doing earthworm composting for a while, but I now have a bin of 1000+ dead earthworms in my garage. :blush:

I'm going to do a big above ground garden this year, but that's more for hobby reasons than earth wise reasons.

Bleach is a great disinfectant, but I wouldn't call it a pesticide. I love the smell of bleach. To me it equals clean. I do agree about the disposable wipes though. I need to get some microfiber cloths at the store to use instead of disposables.

You can grow your own veggies and herbs!

Bleach is a registered pesticide.

If I recall, bleach has been linked to asthma and other health problems. You don't need to completely eliminate bacteria to get things clean. Vinegar kills germs really really well. A naturalish company just came out with the first non-bleach cleaner that is approved for use in hospitals. It kills the HIV simplex virus. It's made with thyme oil. Looks promising. Bleach is murder on the environment.

ETA: Wikipedia on bleach:

I try to buy things in larger packages, but I admit that I buy individually packaged foods for convenience.

I read (in this month's Vegetarian Times, I think) that Stonyfield Farms is recycling their yogurt cups to make toothbrushes and razor handles. Of course, you have to mail the cups to them.

The biggest thing I've done recently is get rid of my Explorer and bought a compact car. I didn't do it to be greener persay, but I was tired of how much it was costing me to fill up and it felt wasteful to drive. And even after 2 years of payments, the car is cheaper than the Explorer.

I re-use paper bags and recycle plastic bags. When possible boxes are re-used for moving or storage.

But I've read and heard (too tired looking for links) that recycling just causes more pollution. The recycling plants release fumes and waste that would not be there if they were not in operation.

It is an antimicrobrial pesticide which is not what most people mean when they say pesticide. Vinegar also is an antimicrobial pesticide.