August is "Escape" month here, so I'm thinking a lot about getting away -- cabins, hotels, resorts, etc.
But sometimes when you get away you actually end up in someone else's home. This week, I'm at my parent's house in Southern California. While I'm not exactly a guest here (sleeping in my childhood bedroom), I'm still thinking about how to be green in their house, while I'm away from my own place.
Luckily, my parents are pretty green as it is. My dad is an avid recycler from back in the day. And I spent the morning picking peppers, tomatoes, squash, and eggplant from my mom's organic garden. I even ate her homemade strawberry jam on my toast.
But I'm also bringing a few of my own greenish quirks to the house. My parents aren't big towel reusers. I actually grew up using a towel once and tossing it in the laundry. Of course, this week I'll be reusing my one towel the whole time.
I'll also be reminding my mom to take her reusable bags to the grocery store. She bought a few, but hasn't really gotten used to using them.
No one wants to be an ungrateful or annoying while staying in someone else's home. So what's the best way to be a green house guest. Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
image via Greg: Flickr.com
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I used to put the canvas bag I was given at the farmers market and my reusable bags in the car so I don't have to remember them. I roll them up and keep it in the passenger door pocket. I just bought a bigger, sturdier bag for 5 bucks--on sale at a marine store--like a mini LLBean boating bag. I asked why it was on sale, was there something wrong with it? and the guy said it's been around a long time and we're making way for new stuff. I thought "this is a classic, and has been forever, so instead of the cheapies you can get at every store now for 99 cents, this canvas one will last forever."
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I just got back from a week at my cousin's lake house and she's greener than I am! I was impressed and tried to pick up some tips while I was there. The only thing I missed was a garbage disposal - they are on septic and don't have one. Cleaning the drain trap to put in the compost bucket is one chore I wish never to do again.
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