Everybody is going green these days. You can't open up a magazine or newspaper without being hit with some concept of going green, or a topic with an eco-friendly slant.    Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle and others are all getting on the green bandwagon. Numerous past issues have had areas full of everything from features on how families have gone green to green home furnishings, plus sidebars about everything from green beauty tips to green air fresheners. 

Truth be told, I was green way long before green was cool. Alas, my coolness wouldn’t have impressed my peers had I dared to share that my underwear once too ragged to wear, was repurposed as dusting cloths. I even once had green hair: the result of dying my hair, several colors, several times, without proper knowledge of hair dying or skill. Who knew that green hair today wouldn’t even warrant a second glance? 

The concept of recycling, reducing and reusing was instilled in me by a mother raised during the Depression.  Thus, nothing in our house was ever wasted or thrown away. Everything took on new personas or gained new usage. Thread-bare bath towels were used as pet towels, pet beds or used to wash cars. Jam or jelly jars that looked cute were used as drinking glasses. Mayonnaise jars with their lids intact were washed, dried and used to house nails, screws, hair pins and other small items. Mother even reused aluminum foil. If it was still clean from its initial use, she would fold it neatly and put it away until needed.

Not a seasoned greenie, you say?  Well, there’s also plenty of room for newbies. You can give things an eco-slant by simply cleaning out your closets (donate, donate, donate, don't throw anything anyway). Go thru your dresser drawers, jewelry boxes and other places where things tend to clutter. If you haven’t used it or worn it in a while, you probably don’t need it, so why not donate it? Colorful scarves that you no longer wear make great runners for dressers or covers for small tables. Use that necklace with colorful stones or crystals as curtain or drapery tie-backs.

Other green tips that are good for your health, good for the planet or just plain good include enjoying fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Planting your own fruits and vegetables, and limiting the use of pesticides is another.

There are several ways to conserve or reuse water. No, I am not suggesting that anyone take the water conservation thing way too far by stopping bathing. Instead, consider planting flowers that don’t require a lot of water to maintain. Putting a large bucket outside when it is raining, rescues water that may be used to water flowers later. How about putting a bucket under the run-off from your air conditioner to water plants?

“Did You Know?” on my website I provide green tips that showcase my love of repurposing. For example, those plastic scoops from laundry detergent make great scoops for pet food, sugar, etc., once washed and rinsed thoroughly. I invite you to check it out.