now that earth day is over...
Posted: April 23rd, 2009
ok, so life goes on right? maybe you made a few mid year resolutions to be a better steward. here are a few simple suggestions. every little bit helps.
1. vote with your $ - more than ever, we're in a position to make our voices heard as consumers at the cash register. read labels. become informed. where was it made? what is it made of? do you support that country's choices?
2. compost - it's much easier than you think. keep a little tub on the counter (a gallon size tupperware will do, but you can buy nice ceramic post made specifically for this). start with just your raw fruits & veggies. empty it every day. you can build your own composter (that's how I started). there are plenty of guidelines avail... http://www.howtocompost.org/
3. eat less junk - it's plain & simple. junkfood takes more energy & resources to manufacture, package & transport. junkfood produces more waste (in more ways than one). junkfood ultimately makes people so unhealthy that the resources exhausted on healthcare are exponential (but the pharmaceutical, oil, medical industries amongst others aren't complaining about the business)
4. eat good food - it should go without saying (see # 3). the gains are huge on all fronts. the more locally grown, fresh produce you can buy the better. this also goes for local meat, eggs, dairy as well. organic is always better in the grand scheme of things (for you & the planet). join a CSA (community supported agriculture - a co-op in which you buy a "share" of a local farm)
5. save the rain - whether on city water or well water, you can use rain barrels to store rain water. in turn, this water can be used to water your flower beds, lawn, wash your car, etc.
6. recycle EVERYTHING - recheck what your friendly sanitation guys will pick up. we recycle ALL paper (kids' homework, every scrap, junk mail, etc.), every plastic pag, paper bags, cardboard containers, etc. you'd be surprised how little "trash" one actually has once you start composting & seriously recycling.
7. buy less plastic - same principles as above. petroleum based plastic, made overseas under less than ideal worker conditions, disposed of irresponsibly in america on a regular basis is a rampant problem. just do the math. but - it's really freaking hard to avoid. it's hard enough trying to buy american made goods, let alone locally made goods. try not buying plastic. just be aware. sometimes there are options. there are good companies out there (ie. patagonia) that are trying.
8. green power! - you can switch your utilities over to exclusively green resources for a few extra dollars per mo. we did this years ago & get all of our power from local windmills.
9. walk - not just to work, the store etc. but next time you have a choice, take the stairs if it's only a few flights. after awhile, it becomes 2nd nature. it starts to feel weird when you can't find the stairs.
10. ??? what are you doing? tell me.