How can I Help the Earth? - A Big Effort

TheGreenCommunity.org believes that we can all make a difference on this earth, even if each contribution is small. We don't all have to take our houses off the grid and power them by windmills, but if we would at least pick up a couple stray pieces of paper when we go to the park, things would be much better. Here are some ways that take a big effort:

At Home
  1. Insulate walls and ceilings in your home. According to the World Wildlife Fund, you will save approximately 25% on your heating bills and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2000 pounds per year.
  2. RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE
    Here are some guidelines for the Western Massachusetts area. Guidelines in your area may differ, but this should give you the basic idea.

    Look for this symbol on recycled products.

    • Support "bottle bills". These require consumers to pay deposits on glass bottles. In states where this is practiced, the compliance rate is high and litter is reduced.
    • Don't forget to recycle pie plated, frozen food trays, window frames, siding, and aluminum foil as well as your aluminum cans.
  3. Start a recycling program in your area or even in your work place. For more information on how to begin, as well as examples of existing programs, contact the
    Environmental Defense Fund.
    1616 P St NW
    Washington, DC 20036.
    1-800-CALL EDF.
  4. Check what your local center accepts and recycle even MORE items:
    a) Plastics- soda bottles, plastic wraps, water bottles, coffee can lids, plastic containers, clean milk Bottles, and six pack rings (cut up, of course).
    b) Tin cans- rinse and remove labels.
    c) Papers- corrugated paper, stationery, craft paper, etc.
    Photo by Diana Martin
  5. Plant shrubs close to the foundation of your house to add extra insulation.
  6. Use cloth diapers. Those of us who have had babies realize that this is a REALLY BIG EFFORT. According to 50 Simple Things….(underline), disposable diapers present many environmental problems:
    • They take 500 years to decompose.
    • Each year, they use vast amounts of resources here in the US: 1,265,000 metric tons of wood pulp and 75,000 metric tons of plastic.
    • Environmental Action estimates that because of disposable diapers, "Three million tons of untreated feces and urine end up in landfills rather than in the sewage system every year." This could result in groundwater contamination.
    • Degradable diapers still present the same health risks.
    Even if you don't switch over to cloth diapers completely, alternating will still contribute to alleviating these issues.
Your Yard
  1. Instead of using herbicides, pull weeds.
  2. Use organic fertilizers.
  3. Use mulch. It helps to conserve water.
  4. Start a compost pile! This is a great fertilizer and it cuts down on solid waste. You can begin with a small pile of clippings, weeds and leaves in the corner of your garden or build a receptacle. (You must stir it up once in awhile for good air circulation). Again, you may even want to get others involved and start a composting program in your neighborhood.
    Photo by Paul Dodds
  5. BUILD A BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITAT! This is a program started by the National Wildlife Federation. The NWF believes that conservation can literally start right in your own backyard. You can begin by contacting the National Audubon Society in your area for ideas on what flowers/trees/shrubs to plant. Please also visit our Enjoy Wildlife page for additional ideas. Next create a plan and send it to the NWF. Your backyard can then become an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Check out their website for more information. There may be a minimal processing fee.
  6. PLANT A TREE. For more information on trees and the environment, go to Focus on Deforestation. Trees need a little care when first planted such as support, mulch, and water.
  7. See if you can organize a community tree-planting event in your neighborhood. Get everyone involved! For more information, go to the American Forestry Association Global Releaf Program and WorldWatch.
    From: "Wild Woodlands-The Old Growth Forests of America"
    Photos and text by Bill Thomas
  8. PROTECT THE RAINFORESTS! This issue is CRUCIAL and requires your involvement. Please visit our page How To Help Earth Using Your Computer. For more information , please also contact the
    Rainforest Action Network
    301 Broadway
    Suite A, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Miscellaneous
  1. Change your eating habits. Simply, cut down on your beef intake. According to Diet For A New America by John Robbins, "If Americans reduced their meat intake by just 10%, the savings in grains and soybeans could adequately feed 60 million people- the number of people who starve to death worldwide each year." Try gardening and occasionally a vegetarian meal. Also, 25 million acres in Brazil and one-half the forests in Central America have been cleared for cows to graze. Remember above #8, PROTECT THE RAINFORESTS.
  2. Get involved. Write letters. Volunteer.
  3. Speak out. Encourage your family and friends to make a difference.
  4. Learn about environmental issues in your area. Support local efforts.
  5. TEACH your children what you have learned! Show them how to respect nature and the environment.





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