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The Collins Family Takes
The Green Living Challenge
by Kristy Brannen
 To Russ and Kelly Collins taking the Green Living Challenge seemed like an ideal way for them and their children, Eva, six, Peter, five, and Violet, two, to learn more about what they can do to live a greener life. Being respectful of the Earth and taking care of the environment is a family rule, Kelly Collins said.
She explained that her reason for implementing and teaching green practices to their children is simple. “I want the environment to be as healthy as possible for my kids and future generations,” she said.
Living a green life
Prior to meeting with green expert, Daniel Lawse, the Collins family had already implemented various earth-friendly practices into their household, including the following.
• Recycling: The family sorts paper, glass, and aluminum to be recycled.
• Reusing materials: Plastic bags are just one example of the materials that the Collins’ reuse in an effort to minimize waste.
• Reducing waste: The family rarely uses paper plates, napkins, or cups. Recently, they made the move to reduce the number of paper towels they use by creating more rags that can be used as an alternative.
• Buying locally: As a member of a food co-op, the Collins’ buy a majority of their food locally.
• Opting to walk: Whenever possible, the family walks instead of drives. When they do drive, they try to consolidate errands and carpool.
A chance to learn and improve
After learning more about the Collins’ lifestyle, Lawse was able to compute the family’s carbon footprint. Collins said she was pleased that it was less than what she anticipated, but definitely surprised by the role electricity played. Electricity accounted for nearly 40 percent of the family’s carbon footprint.
However, the family was still well below the national average for a family of five. According to Rocky Mountain Institute, the average carbon footprint for a family of five in the United States is a little more than 100,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. The Collins family came in right around 70,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year.
Collins said the meeting with Lawse was extremely helpful and educational. “I learned a lot about simple and affordable ways to reduce the amount of electricity we are using,” she said.
Taking it to the next level
Lawse and Collins identified six goals that the family would try to implement in the course of three weeks. The goals focused on reducing electricity, water, and the amount of trash created.
Goal One: Install faucet aerators
Total cost: Approximately $10
The family agreed to install aerators on the kitchen faucet and the two bathroom faucets. Collins said she was initially worried that the amount of water in the bathroom sinks wouldn’t be sufficient, but said there is plenty of water for brushing teeth and washing hands. In the kitchen, she opted for an adjustable aerator, which enables her to increase or decrease the amount of water as needed. Appearance is the only issue she has had with the installation of the aerators and that has been with just one of them.
Goal Two: Install a low-flow showerhead
Total cost: Approximately $6
There was definitely some apprehension in installing a low-flow showerhead, but Collins said they have been pleasantly surprised. She explained that the plan was to try it out for a couple of weeks and if the family disliked it, they would install it in the guest bathroom. They chose one that reduced the water flow to 1.75 gallons per minute and she said they barely have noticed a difference.
Goal Three: Replace kitchen light bulbs with compact fluorescents
Total cost: To be determined
Collins said that while they have replaced almost all the light bulbs in lamps and closets with CFLs, they have yet to do any overhead lighting. “We are still debating this one, but in the meantime we have made a conscious effort to reduce the amount of light we use in the kitchen and dining room,” she said.
Goal Four: Cut phantom electric loads by 50 percent
Approximate cost: $5 for a power strip
According to Collins, her kids have taken the initiative on this one. “They now turn off the TV and then the power cord,” she said. Originally, she thought this would be more of a nighttime habit, but because of the kids, this has become part of the family’s daytime routine as well.
Goal Five: Add outlet foam gaskets
Approximate cost: $3 for two packages
With the help of her five-year-old son, Collins installed approximately ten outlet foam gaskets and eight light plate gaskets. With these gaskets acting as an air sealant, this will help increase the efficiency of the furnace and air conditioner.
Goal Six: Keep a waste journal and weigh trash
Approximate cost: none
After expressing interest in worm composting, Lawse recommended that the Collins family keep a waste journal and weigh their trash weekly. At the end of the challenge, Collins said they have realized they are definitely ready to move toward worm composting, which would significantly reduce the amount of trash the family produces.
This particular goal also has forced Collins to think about how they buy food and other products, with the ultimate goal being to reduce the amount of packaging, which would in turn help reduce the amount of trash.
Next steps
The family is in the early stages of researching and planning for their worm compost. “We have concerns in regards to setting it up and the time commitment involved, but are ready to give it a shot,” she said. “We hope to have it ready to go in the spring.”
Lessons learned
“I think everybody in our family gained some new perspective from this experience,” Collins said. “One of the biggest lessons I learned is that there are a lot of simple things you can do that don’t necessarily require a lot of time or money to make positive changes.”
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