Little Switches That Make A Difference #LittleSwitches

Some things in life require huge changes - birth, death, divorce, moving are just a few that pop into my mind. But, sometimes you can make a difference with just a few easy changes. Those are the kinds I like. Easy is good especially in an overworked mom's life. Here are a few little switches we've made that make a difference in our life and in the environment.

1. Switch from standard to CFL light bulbs. This little switch can save you money on your electricity bill but it's also a better choice for the environment. These bulbs last much, much longer than standard light bulbs do. Granted they take a few minutes to warm up but they're so much less expensive to run over the long term.

2. Switch from paper to cloth. No matter how you look at it, buying disposable paper products costs more each week at the grocery store & it's worse for the environment. Consider switching from paper to cloth napkins, diapers, towels, and feminine products. If you don't feel comfortable switching in all of these areas, pick and choose the ones you do feel comfortable with. It only takes a second to toss a cloth napkin in the washing machine instead of tossing a paper napkin into the trash.

3. Switch from toxic to non-toxic cleaners. You don't need hazardous chemicals to clean your house. There are tons of green household cleaners on the market that work just as well as traditional toxic cleaners. They're much better for the environment and safer to use around children and pets. If you're concerned about the cost, consider making some of your own green household cleaners. It only takes a few minutes to whip up a batch of your own glass cleaner out of vinegar and water.

4. Hang clothes to dry when you can. Drying all of your clothes in the clothes dryer uses a lot of electricity which isn't good for the environment. Help save the planet and your electric bill by drying a few loads a week (or more) on a line in the back yard or a drying rack near the woodstove or over a furnace vent. I love the smell of fresh clothes from the line.

5. Buy a few more organic products each week. I don't even like to think about the artificial ingredients in many *normal* foods in the grocery store. While I certainly can't afford to feed my family only organic and all natural foods, I can pick up a few of these items every week. Spending my grocery money on these products lets manufacturers know that I value organic foods. If more consumers made these choices, more manufacturers would pay attention to what we value.

What are some ways that your little switches make a difference in your life? Share them so you can inspire others! Things you take for granted may encourage someone else to make a switch.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Cottonelle blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.