So far, I have replaced 12 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. I was able to get a very good price on the CFLs through eBay, and plan to replace the remaining 8  incandescent bulbs next month.

I also purchased two outlet strips with timers, and our television equipment is completely shut down at night, with no phantom loads. Computer equipment is on power-saving mode.

The weather has been clear enough that we have been able to line-dry our clothing, but we know that solar drying is seasonal in Oregon, so we had been looking for a back-up dryer. This was a fortunate month for us.

We acquired a nearly-free electric dryer through our online ReUseIt group. It needed a power cord replaced. Counting a courtesy and fuel donation to the friend who helped with transport, a new power cord from BiMart, and a vent hose assembly from Habitat for Humanity's local ReStore, we obtained a functional clothes dryer for less that $22.00.

If it is recent enough to have a working moisture-sensor cycle, it would be absolutely perfect. Hope to test that out soon.

I realize that there is a media mania going on right now about "going green", but rather than being disgusted at how long that has taken, have decided that it is a good thing. If it makes more people re-consider their consumer habits, I'm all for that.

I remember my most committed "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" days. It was called being a single parent. with no cash. And it wasn't all that bad.

Over time, as my health changed, I began focusing on healthcare and disability issues much more than environmental issues. They hit the closest to home for me, and for many of my loved ones.

Over the last few years, the combination of low income, decreased mobility, and aging have all contributed to a gradual slide into complacency. About a month ago, I took a good look around me, and decided it was time for a change. I hate to admit it, but I needed a swift kick in the bum to get going.

Since I have never had any success in my attempts at changing the world, I decided to start with myself

I recently moved back into an area where I have recycle pick-up service. I joined the Change.org community and started taking a serious look at my consumer choices.

It blew me away completely when I started "seriously" recycling again. I found out that I am able to use the smallest garbage container that my service has, and still have room to share the garbage can space with a local friend.

Now, I can't wait to see what happens when I can really start composting.

I may be producing less than a paper grocery bag full of waste in a month if all goes well, because that appears to be about what is left over that cannot be recycled or composted.

I am not saving the world, but I am starting to feel much better about the world around me, and that has been a blessing in itself.

Well, it's finally happened. The blog is here. Better late than never. Over the next few weeks, I will be going back to edit and revamp both the main site and the shopping directory. Bear with me as I slog through the massive updates.