Forgive me for bumping an older thread, but I would be so happy to see this discussion rejuvenated. I wasn't sure how much the thread started wanted to focus on simple = easy or plain, and how much on being green, so I thought I'd try to cover both.
My first challenge is living with a 25 yo and a 22 yo (my son and his girl). They have a lot of "stuff". The second challenge is living in a city that makes recycling incredibly difficult for apartment tenants. So much so that I have given up. But I also try to buy products with little packaging whenever possible.
For myself... I purchase very little, and repurpose as much as possible. Most baked goods during the winter are homemade, and I maintain a potted garden with herbs... indoors in winter and outdoors on our deck during the summer. This summer, we also tried mini tomatoes. If it works, next year we will try a few more veggies.
I drive a five speed Civic hybrid that I love beyond reason. It gets anywhere from 37 - 50+ mpg (depending on traffic, and road conditions), and is the most fun I have had driving in many years. I've had it for almost five years now. Even so, and despite how much I love to drive, I try to keep the mileage to a minimum, and pre-plan all outings.
We try to rely on open windows and box fans as much as possibly before turning on the a/c. Other than that, our electric usage is higher than I would like, due to numerous computers, game systems, tvs, etc. And no option for hanging laundry to dry, which I dearly miss.
Food tends to be made from scratch whenever possible. if there are ingredients I can't pronounce on a label, I pretty much assume that it isn't good for us. We have dietary challenges so it can be "interesting"... Those what can eat certain things and those what can't.... Plus a young'un with a penchant for junk food full of lots of unpronounceable things (the girlfriend). Luckily, almost nothing she brings home appeals to me in the least, but I would be so much happier for her sake if she lost interest in that sort of stuff.
As for cleaning products, I use the least complex option whenever possible... and very much subscribe to the train of thought that most things can be cleaned with a combination of vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and castile soap. Even my oven, even though it is quite a bit more work. And when I have to buy a cleaning product, i try to stick to brands I trust, such as Seventh Generation, Ecover, or Mrs Meyers, despite the higher cost.
As for personal care products, I lean fairly heavily on the EWG website for guidance. Tried to post the website, but I don't have enough posts yet - fair enough. Google Environmental Working group, or EWG to access their personal care product ratings page. Alceste, I tried the crystal deodorant - it lasts forever, but frustrated me.
Hopefully, some other RF'ers will jump back in with some other ideas and suggestions? And I sincerely hope this wasn't too wordy or too much like a know-it-all, especially since I most certainly am not!
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