Instead of Green living

Ever did something and thought, instead of that I should have done this?! This summer leave your shoulda woulda coulda sorrows behind. more when it comes to being earth-friendly and green. Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Certified Sustainable Product Standard, is giving you the can-do and easy-to-do quick switches you can make for your summer habits, hobbies, gardening and lifestyle. Whether you're doing yard cleaning, enjoying the beautiful weather or disposing of waste, theres always more you can do to be kind to planet earth.

•   Instead of watering your grass via sprinkler, which uses four gallons of water a minute, a more efficient route is water deeply and infrequently so the water reaches a depth of 12 inches.

•   Instead of using lawn fertilizer, leave the grass clippings from the previous mowing as they act like instant and natural fertilizer.

•   Instead of using a toxic chemical weed killer, spray pickling vinegar (which has a higher percentage of acetic acid than regular vinegar) on young weeds.

•   Instead of mowing your lawn in the heat of the day, mow in the morning or evening so that the emissions don't mix with sunlight and create more smog.

•   Instead of the traditional lemonade stand, use fresh squeezed organic lemons, filtered water and compostable corn plastic cups. Have the kids donate 5% of their profits to an environmental non-profit.

•   Instead of a cruising the lake with a motor boat or jet ski, get some exercise and give nature a break by cruising in a canoe, paddle boat or row boat.

•   Instead of using sunscreen, wear sun protective clothing.

•   Instead of using a chemical pesticide as a repellent, use the good old barrier method and wear insect protective clothing.

•   Instead of throwing your yogurt containers, bring them the beach to shape sand castles.

•   Instead of pitching your milk cartons, clean it out, cut an opening in the middle, prop it in a tree and let a bird raise a family in it.