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 little more effort:
At Home
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Photo by Diana Martin
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- Stop junk mail by writing to:
Mail Preferences Service
Direct Marketing Association
11 West 42nd Street
P.O. Box 3861
New York, NY 10163-3861
This action will decrease the junk mail you receive up to 75%. Don't forget to recycle what you have now.
- Get a furnace tune-up - Gas funaces should be serviced every 2 years and oil furnaces annually.
Electric Heating Systems - You may want to have a heat pump installed. This can be very costly, but will actually reduce your heating bill by about 40% annually.
- Reduce the amount of water your toilet uses:
A) Simply put a small plastic bottle (remove any labels first) in your tank. (You may need to experiment with different sizes). Fill the bottle with water, a few stones to weigh it down and replace cap. Make sure that placement of the bottle does not get in the way of the flushing mechanism. By utilizing this easy method, you save 1 to 2 gallons per flush.
B) Use a displacement bag (available at utilities, plumbing supply, or hardware stores for a minimal investment). You fill them with water and hang them on the inside of the tank. You save 1 to 2 gallons per flush.
C) Install toilet dams. They make your toilet tank smaller. Up to 2 dams can be placed in a tank. You save 1 gallon per toilet dam installed.
When Shopping
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Photo by Diana Martin
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- Buy unbleached coffee filters. (They are white usually from being bleached. This process creates dioxin. (link to chemical page)
- Use more biodegradable wax paper than plastic wrap. ("Plasticizers" are potentially harmful chemicals added to the plastic wrap. You are adding them to your food).
- Buy phosphate-free or low-phosphate detergent. (Phosphates are the cause of "algae blooms" when they find their way into our freshwater lakes or streams. "Blooms" occur when the algae is fertilized by the phosphates and thus grows out of control. The algae eventually dies. The bacteria which breaks up the algae uses a tremendous amount of oxygen. This depletes the oxygen required for survival by other marine species present in the water. Then they too die. Also, try cutting back on the amount of detergent that you use.
- When replacing older home appliances, buy more energy efficient models.
- When replacing windows, buy energy-saving models.
- Instead of buying standard light bulbs, consider buying compact (energy-efficient) light bulbs. The cost is more, but fluoresce4nts last longer and according to the World Wildlife Fund, you will be saving a whopping 500 pounds per year per light bulb of CO2 emissions contributing to global warming.
- PRECYCLE Make a conscious decision to reduce waste even before buying. For example:
-buy eggs in cardboard, not styrofoam
-buy beverages in easily recyclable containers such as aluminum and glass.
-try to avoid plastic containers: but if you can't, please re-use or recycle them.
-buy vegetables like carrots or onions loose and not in plastic bags.
-buy products in cardboard that has been recycled (the boxes are gray on the inside). Many
labels even carry a "recycled" logo.
-buy in bulk if possible. There is less packaging and you can save money.
Sometimes it is almost impossible to avoid buying plastics. However, if we as consumers can cut
Back, even a little, the impact is significant.
- AVOID styrofoam. It IS possible to completely avoid this substance. Choose paper products instead
if you can't get something reusable (when dining out, for example).
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Photo by Diana Martin
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- Don't buy aerosol cans containing CFCs (check the label). In fact, if you can, try avoiding aerosols
altogether. Many products today come in spray pumps which are just as effective. For more
information on the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer, write to:
Natural Resources Defense Council
40 W. 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
or check their website.
- According to 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth, (underline) "If every American shopper took just one less bag each month, we could save hundreds of millions of bags every year." If your purchase is small, don't take a bag. Plastic bags are not biodegradable and paper bags are always made from "virgin paper" for the long fibers. They are not made from recycled materials. Try using a cloth bag when you shop. String bags are available from:
Seventh Generation
10 Farrell Street
Burlington, VT 05403
or check their website.
- Buy locally grown food whenever possible.
Your Car
- Recycle motor oil and other fluids. (link to how to properly dispose of chemicals)
- Buy a more fuel efficient model.
- Keep your car tuned up. It will make your car more fuel efficient.
- Keep fuel filters clean.
- Don't let your car idle. It actually takes less gas to start the car than to leave it running unnecessarily.
- Do you really need an air conditioner? (leaking CFCs, added weight to the car, decreased fuel efficiency, etc. Need we say more?)
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Photo by Diana Martin
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- Keep tires properly inflated. This preserves the life of the tires and helps to save gas.
- Make sure that tires are properly aligned. This saves wear on the tires and is much safer.
- Steel-belted tires are generally most efficient and radial tires do improve gas mileage. Always buy the most efficient, longest lasting tires.
- Support your area's attempts to recycle tires.
- Patronize tire dealers that recycle.
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