Family Fitness Challenge 2009

Yesterday began the Horne Family Fitness Challenge. Colby and I have $350 on the line in a wager over who can exercise the most in the next four weeks. I knew that money is a major motivator for Colb, so I bet him $350 he couldn't keep up with me in the next month. I also knew that I am super-competitive, so having the incentive to kick Colb's butt at something will drive me to work out EVERY day. It's a win/win... although I will get $350, a buff bod and bragging rights so I will really WIN! Ariana gets a little side incentive of $30 if she exercises every day... which is simply silly since she gets more exercise by 9am than I do in a week. But, it's still fun for her to be part of the Challenge.

LET IT ALL HANG OUT: DAY 18 EARTH HOUR TO EARTH DAY CHALLENGE
The biggest thing we have done to go green in our house is air drying our laundry. For the last year and a half, I have only used our dryer a handful of times. I have an antique drying rack that hangs on the wall in our bathroom and in the warmer months I hang outside. It has saved huge amounts on our energy bills and lots of carbon dioxide. Just consider:

• If all Americans line-dried for just half a year, it would save 3.3% of the country’s total residential output of carbon dioxide, experts say.
• Sunlight bleaches and disinfects naturally.
• Clothes small better without adding toxic chemicals that will be touching your body.
• It saves a ton of cash: My electric bill has dropped by at least $25-$30 per month.
• It gives yourself and your family an added reason to step outside and get fresh air.

Ebay Drying Racks: They have some great antiques racks like the one I use in bathroom from the 1800's.
Retractable Clotheslines
Project Laundry: A website based in Concord, NH that advocates making air-drying laundry acceptable and desirable as a simple and effective way to save energy.