WHAT IT MEANS TO BE GREEN
What’s it worth to save the earth?

By Glenda Lehman Ervin, Lehman’s Hardware

This is the third of a three-part series on how to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. It will help you make eco-friendly choices that are easy on your budget, as well as Mother Nature.

One of the most attractive benefits of living green is that it will save you money. That’s right – save cash as you save the earth. What could be better than that? Here are tips on how to live a greener life, without ruining all your fun.

Quit buying bottled water: Bottled water costs about $8 per gallon, compared to a gallon of tap water that costs a fraction of a penny. The plastic bottles are littering the streams, woods and landfills of our country. Get a reusable bottle and, well, reuse it!

Stop mowing and start growing: Our obsession with an acre of perfectly fertilized and mown lawns is uniquely American. Why not take a portion of your lawn and plant flowers, or better yet, a garden. Then you can cancel your gym membership – think of all the calories you are burning as you grow food for your family.

Plant perennials: I love flowers, especially ones that bloom very early in the spring. What other product will reproduce year after year with no input from you? A landscaper once told me the first year you plant perennials they weep, the next year they creep and the third year they leap. We planted lots of perennials three years ago, and this is so true. Our patio is a burst of color!

Fill it first: Never run your dishwasher or washing machine unless you have a full load. This is a small change that requires no investment on your part, but can save you water and energy costs.

Close the loop: We recycle all our garbage, and we look for recycled products to purchase. Our patio furniture, which looks just like Adirondack chairs, is made from recycled milk jugs. I can’t prove it, but I like to think our favorite breakfast drink has contributed to our outdoor seating.

Use people power: Pull a wagon, push a wheelbarrow, grab a rake, pick up a shovel, use the broom. Avoid the easy, automated way to do every choir around the house.

Take a hike: Looking for family fun? Go for a walk. Swim at the beach. Pack a picnic. Ride your bike. Set up the tent. Watch the birds. Check out the moon. Enjoy the outdoors. It’s good for you, and it’s free.

Re-purpose something: I know, I know, it’s the latest buzzword, but I think it’s fun. Got an old retro lunchbox? Carry it as a purse. Those jeans with rips in the knees? Cut them off for cool shorts. That water-can that leaks? Turn it into a planter. That stack of coffee cans that you are planning to recycle? Store your nails, screws, buttons or pencils in them. Think of it as your chance to be creative . . . and cheap.

Plant a tree: Over the years, my father Jay Lehman (founder of Lehman’s) has planted thousands of trees. Some are large, and some are just seedlings. He considers this part of the legacy he leaves for his grandchildren.

Pay your bills and do your banking on-line: You’ll save time, paper and a stamp. Some companies are actually starting to charge extra for paper mail.

For more eco-friendly products that are easy on your budget, visit www.Lehmans.com or stop by Lehman’s massive retail store, on the Square in Kidron, Ohio, approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland. It is open every day except Sunday. Call for details at 330-857-5757.