MNN.COM > Lifestyle > My Green Day

How to green your morning routine

By Sarah F. Berkowitz
Wed, Nov 26 2008 at 5:27 PM EST
Read more: GREEN APPLIANCES, HEALTHY LIVING, NATURAL BEAUTY, TOXINS & CHEMICALS, WATER

Natural awakening


Photo: Lutherankorean/Flickr
 
Reducing your carbon footprint and living a healthier lifestyle begins with waking up on the green side of the bed. It's easy to do, but you need to begin the night before with some simple adjustments to your nightly routine.
 
Bedtime snacks: If you rarely jump out of bed perky and refreshed, take a hard look at what you did and ate the previous evening. A triple latte on the way to work may be an inexpensive way to help efficiency in the morning hours, but will turn against you when it matters most — at night. Raiding the fridge or wine pantry is equally dangerous — alcohol causes temporary relaxation for some, but can interfere with deep sleep later on.
 
Rich or heavy foods that cause heartburn are not a healthy bedtime snack — and certainly not a pleasant bedfellow. Consider a small organic, locally grown fruit that hasn't traveled the world or necessitated a ridiculous amount of packaging waste and fuel consumption before its entry into your kitchen. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away — and it helps freshen breath, too, another pre-bedtime bonus.
 
Sleep soundly and breathe easy: Maintaining a slightly cool bedroom temperature is also key to a good night's sleep and conserving energy, so turn down the thermostat, crack a window or install a solar-powered fan to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. Relying less on the thermostat and more on nature can save you lots of green — the average heating bill drops 3 percent for every push of that down arrow and 4 percent for upping the ante even one notch on the A/C.
 
When you do need to rely on the HVAC unit, be sure it's functioning optimally with routine check-ups and use the highest-quality air filters available. Changing filters every two to three months improves functionality, saves energy and wear and tear on your unit, and allows you to breathe cleaner air.
 
Wake with the sun: Sunlight streaming through the bedroom window provides a natural alarm clock that helps your circadian rhythm get in sync. Before checking in for the night, turn off lights and set the blinds to allow in morning sun. If you're blessed with a window view of concrete or have a job that requires you to rise at an unearthly dark hour, consider one of these creative alarm clocks or one that mimics dawn's early light.
 


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Posted By Hermans ECO INC. - Thu, Nov 12 2009 at 8:31 AM EST

Green shower curtains

The vinyl in the shower curtain gives off fumes. I make hemp ones. I have redued the amount of plastic in our home. Just say no to wall to wall carpets. We use wood andnatural rugs . Theres lots of little things you can do to cut down on plastic toxins. Paint,couches, curtains,pillows,bedding etc.. Use your imagination. Yah I like the older razors too.

Posted By Patrick - Thu, Aug 27 2009 at 9:36 AM EST

Razors

Straight razors? Ouch! (at least in my experience) Dull bades? Seems the humid environment of a bathroom is the primary cause (corrosion occurs at a near-microscopic level), not cutting thru your facial (or other) hair. Try this: Keep a covered jar with an inch or two of rubbing alcohol to swizzle your razor in after shaving. Shake it "dry", store in a dry place. My jar's deep enough to place the razor in, blade(s) up (you don't want your "lubricating strip" melting in the alcohol). I simply.... More

Posted By MNN User - Fri, Jul 10 2009 at 2:25 PM EST

My Quest to Green my Lifestyle

I really enjoy all of these articles on how to "green" everyday life. I took into consideration everything I've read and have been trying really hard to incorporate everything into my lifestyle choice. In addition to greening my life, my friend has also referred me to www.GREENWALA.com, the free green social network and I've fallen in love with going green!

Posted By firstborn40 - Wed, Jan 28 2009 at 5:51 AM EST

my life on a green rehab

i have put my life on a rehab and working on greening myself and the life that surrounds myself is part of the master plan...

i am more aware of packaging, re-usable bags, waste and cuts i can make to be a better partner to the earth. i have changed the way i eat, drinking more water (although i feel bad about the fiji bottles i toss - although i do reuse them throughout the day to refill as i drink.

i have always been active in my community and am on the urban agriculture.... More

Posted By Sarah - Thu, Dec 03 2009 at 11:06 AM EST

Still buying water bottles?

Hi Firstborn,

As a thirdborn (of eight) I probably shouldn't be telling you what to do - but here goes. Drinking water is crucial for health, so you're on the right track. But look for something called a Daily 8 water bottle. I got mine on Amazon, a friend said they have them at WalMart. It holds a full gallon, the recommended daily dose, and it's completely reusable. Granted, it's not a sleek slim design, it looks like a mini water cooler, but it does have a great handle and and.... More

Posted By Hope Dlugozima - Wed, Jan 28 2009 at 10:28 AM EST

Thanks FirstBorn

we agree about Atlanta becoming the next hotbed of substainable living....we see if all around us! We look forward to seeing you around the site.

Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Jan 21 2009 at 9:06 PM EST

Use a shaving brush

I've been using a shaving brush for twelve years now - works great.

Razor blades have always irked me - they seem to get dull awfully fast. Is it time to get back to a straight razor?

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