individuals: 10 things
10 things you can do to start giving back to mother earth...
1. Switch out your old light bulbs for energy efficient CFLs
This is a quick and easy one. Yes, they cost more than their cheap energy-gobbling brothers, but the money you save on your energy bill will pay for them, and then some. They should be coming out with dimming bulbs in the near future, so look for those as well.
2. Recycle
If your city has trash cans for it, then there is no excuse NOT to recycle. If it doesn't, contact your waste management company and find out where you can recycle. At the very least, take your cans and bottles to your local supermarket - most have bins for recycling.
3. Buy local food
We are not saying you have to give up Costco. However, there are farmers markets popping up all over the place. Find out where the nearest one is to you, and commit to shopping there once a month, at first. That is how we started, and now we buy 99.9% of our produce at our weekend farmers market. Talk to the vendors to find out where they are from, where the food is grown, and how they grow it. You will find it is not only fun, but also informative - and you just may make some friends in the process. I know we have found that we are also starting to cook more seasonally, which is so much fun.
4. Energy Efficient (Energy Star) Appliances
We are not suggesting that you run out and buy all new stuff (unless you are just looking for an excuse). However, do consider buying certified energy efficient appliances as you replace your existing ones.
5. Carpool or work at home one day a week
Talk to your employer about a "work at home" day. Many employers are more open to the idea then you may think. Also, if your company does not have a formal carpool program, try sending out an email to your department or company and see if you live near one of your co-workers. This is not a life change. Just try it one day a week for one month. Again, you might make a new friend.
6. Use canvas totes for groceries
If you are lucky enough to live in a city with a Trader Joes, then just buy a couple of their totes. Tote bags are always a give-away at some event, which means we all have at least a few lying about the house. Throw them in your trunk and use them as grocery bags. Some supermarkets even give you a few pennies off your purchase for your effort.
7. 1970's flushing rule
"If it's yellow then be mellow -- if it's brown flush it down." Water is one of our most valuable resources and toilets are some of the worst offenders. We are not suggesting you subject dinner or party guest to this process, especially if you are serving asparagus! However, your family should be able to give it a try.
8. Low-flow showerhead
This is so easy and cheap, do it today. The low-flow showerheads (the aerated kind) are about $15 at any DIY store or are $12 through www.Gaiam.com. The product claims "This head cuts water use by 50 to 70% and can save a family of four up to 250 a year." We have used them for years. They have a nice strong flow and you can shut them off when shaving or sudsing up. You may also want to investigate low-flow bathroom sink faucet heads.
9. Buy Organic clothes
This is becoming easier everyday. We were in Target the other night and saw some organic sheets. Just look for certified organic products and you will notice they are becoming more commonly carried. A wonderful earth friendly material is Bamboo. Try it, you will love it.
10. Buy Organic food
Again, this is getting so much easier to do. We were recently at Costco and found organic beef, chicken, crackers, hair products, fruit and juice. If you love The Costco, keep in mind that they respond to consumer feedback, pick up a comment card and let them know you would like more organic products - it will work!
This is not the definitive list on being green. Our hope is that we are just getting you moving in the green direction and motivated to learn more. To continue down the green path, see our Resources page for green sites and more.
"If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."
- Anita Roddick