Jul. 6, 2007
Going Green..and helping our environment.
It seems like we’re finally hearing about a small but mighty force behind the attempt to make a positive change to doing what’s good for the environment. That should also mean it’s good for all of us too! “Global warming” is getting to be a conversation starter.
It’s working into our conversations on a daily basis and I’m seeing a lot of articles written addressing these issues.
This weekend (7/7/07) some folks are having a global concert which will last 24 hours. I hope you'll take time to watch, enjoy, learn and act on what you can do to help. We are in crisis mode now and each thing you and I do, CAN make a difference. Choose to make a difference! For more information about the concert click here.
Growing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is contributing to the warming of our earth and providing us with hotter summers and warmer winters. Each of us is responsible for some of that happening and we can all help in our own small way. We each leave a “carbon footprint”. A Carbon Footprintis a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. You can check your carbon footprint on the web by clicking here or here .
If you’re wondering what you can do as an individual, here are some ideas you might consider. Yes, you CAN make a difference!
The first and best way to help is to use your car less or modify your driving habits a bit. Try making a list of the places you need to go and do it in an orderly fashion. Make one trip out of it. Don’t speed and you’ll get better gas mileage and save at the pump too.
Walk or run to the gym; leave the car at home. Those feet were made for walking! You’ll get in better shape as a side benefit.
Keep your vehicle in good working order. A clean air filter and properly inflated tires can reduce pollution and improve gas mileage. (saving you more money!)
Ride bikes! Do you remember how?
Use a local car wash that is committed to being a “Green” provider. A local “Crystal Clear Car Wash” dealer is located in Webster Groves, Missouri. http://www.crystalclearwash.net/ They use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, recapture all pollutants attached to the car and use 60 gallons of water to wash the car rather than 120 if you do it yourself! To learn more about it, click here.
Use regular tap water rather than buy bottled water. You'll save putting more plastic into landfills or requiring it to be recycled. Here in St. Louis County, Missouri, we have the best water around! Save your money!
Buy products with less packaging. (It uses more CO2 to make that packing)
Purchase “Energy Star” products and appliances that use energy more efficiently.
Recycle: The more you reuse, the less energy is spent recreating and creating new goods.
Buy local, “in season”, produce and product to reduce the amount of shipped goods. When buying a few groceries, take your cloth or string bag to use. When buying lots of groceries, ask for paper (it's already been recyled!).
Purchase the new low energy light bulbs. They cost more up front, but will last longer and will save you 20% over the cost of the old style bulbs!
Turn off the lights and other energy eating items in your home when they are not being used. Unplug the items not frequently used as they continue to use electric even when turned off.
If you’re having a new home built, talk to them about using energy efficient appliances, building supplies (flooring) and possibly even solar water heater for home/pool. http://www.carbonfootprint.com/solar_water.html Did you know that carpet is being made using corn? It’s soft, great looking and long wearing.
You may not do everything on the list, but you CAN do something. Like the old saying, Waste Not, Want Not!
If you have other ideas as how to help, make your comment & watch the list grow!
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