i have basically come to the realization that i’m not very good at this whole "green" thing.
seriously y’all, i suck.
yes, i use my green bin in the kitchen (aka "the stink box") and i use my blue bins (we have one on each floor and a giant one in the garage).
yes, i turn my computer off at night. and try not to print things unless they absolutely need printing. and i try to make my copies double-sided.
yes, we use compact flourescent light bulbs. and rechargeable batteries. and turn the water off while brushing my teeth.
but that’s pretty much where my green abilities stop.
i am trying so hard to get used to this mug thing. i promise. i’m trying. My office gave out a mug to each employee for use in the cafeteria. $.80 for a coffee if you use your mug. so, of course, i tried it. but, alas, the coffee gets cold after about 30 seconds. and i’m saving no money, really, since the mug is about half the size of the disposable cup…so i’m buying two…and then it’s actually more expensive. 80×80= $1.60….which is more than the $1.25 i was spending before.
also…because i’m constantly washing the mug out…my coffee has this slight palmolive aftertaste.
i’m thinking that i may have to give up the whole mug idea.
i sit in meetings at work. and listen to people talk about using hankerchiefs instead of tissues. and i perish the thought. blowing your nose into a cloth and carrying it around all day??? is anyone else replused by this idea? and if i’m at a restaurant that doesn’t have a green bin…i don’t take my greenbin-ables home with me. i toss them. oh, and also…that whole only flush the toilet when it’s #2 thing??? seriously?
i feel like i’m the worst "green" person alive. i’m, like, yellow.
Wow…I think you sound at least light green. I hate the “stink box” but use it too. Isn’t there a better way? I am doing about as well as you, Ali. My only problem is my daily Starbucks addiction and the paper cups. Can I use a mug for a Grande, non-fat, no-water, Tazo Chai Latte? Who..me pretentious? ;0
The “chalkboard” mug we got at work is cute (I work with Ali), but my issue is this: the caf is on the first floor, we’re on the third floor–am I supposed to carry an uncovered mug up all those stairs? I’ll spill it for sure, and I refuse to use the elevator (another *huge* office petpeeve of mine, but never mind).
oh, and ge one of those thermal mugs…a big one!
oh, and ge one of those thermal mugs…a big one!
I think you’re doing awesome! You do what you can, and every little thing helps. Oh, and screw the handkerchief idea — just useyour sleeve — one less thing to overload your wash with! 😉
Assuming they don’t restrict you to the company-supplied mugs, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) sells insulated stainless steel mugs in a variety of sizes (I believe I have the 20oz) that are quite effective at keeping heat in, despite not having a lid (and therefore not a travel mug, making it appear to be a regular – albeit large – mug).
You could also go to a gadget store like Radio Shack and buy an electric mug warmer, but that isn’t as green (and – take it from the engineer – would NOT work well with a stainless mug, since metal conducts heat really well).