InnerSelf.com

Earth Day Every Day

by Nancy B. Stewart

Why not let Earth Day serve as an inspiration to start each of the next twelve months with a new habit or project that will modify your lifestyle and make it more environmentally friendly?

Recycling alone is not enough. Consumers must rely on their ingenuity to generate less trash, to reduce energy consumption, and to provide multiple uses for items before they are returned for recycling.

Here are suggestions for 12 months worth of earth friendly ideas.

1. Select the product with the least packaging in the largest convenient size. If your favorite brand is the one with a bag inside a box inside a plastic overwrap, complain to the manufacturer. Often you'll find a toll-free number on the package asking consumers for their comments. Your opinion counts.

2. Do as the Europeans do, carry things home from the store without a bag, or use your own. Most items are already over-packaged. It's silly to put a box of bottled aspirin or a loaf of bread into another wrapper.

3. Avoid single-use or disposable items. Give up paper towels and use a sponge or rag to wipe up small spills. Cloth napkins can see a lot of duty before they're relegated to the rag pile. Buy refillable pens, razors, and lighters.

4. When cleaning anything, try using only water first. Many times you'll find you can do the job without detergents or harsh chemicals.

5. Run large appliances after peak usage hours. Do your laundry as late in the evening as possible. Let your dishwasher run after you've gone to bed.

6. Don't heed manufacturers' recommended usage guidelines. "Lather, Rinse, Repeat" is a great way to sell twice as much shampoo. Experiment to find out exactly how much of a product is really required to do the job. (Editors Note: When a product of detergent says use one cup, try 2/3 or even 1/2 cup. It will usually do the job just as well.)

7. Replace electrical gadgets with mechanical ones. Do you really need machines to brush your teeth or open cans?

8. Install a low-flow showerhead and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Water is a precious commodity. Restricting its flow can cut your usage by 50%! You can save even more by stopping the flow when not in use.

9 "Cut it high and let it lie." Grass left 2-3" long will grow longer, healthier roots. Leave cuttings as mulch to naturally fertilize your lawn.

10. Don't "warm up" your car. This unnecessary action not only wastes gas and adds toxic fumes to the air. It also takes its toll on your engine.

11. Limit your additions to the landfill. Find a charitable organization that will accept your discards or hold a garage sale. Your trash can be another person's treasure.

12. Plant a tree. Trees filter pollution and add oxygen to the air, as well as providing homes for birds and other animals.

Featured book:

The Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair
by Denis Hayes.

Earth Day leader and renewable energy expert Denis Hayes tells us how changes in individual, local, and national energy choices can slow or even stop the dangerous build-up of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, while at the same time saving us money, helping the economy, creating new jobs, and enhancing human health. A how-to home improvement guide for the planet.

Info/Order this book.

About The Author

Nancy Stewart is a freelance writer who specializes in environmental issues. You may reach her at: 3341 Kapot Terrace, Miramar, FL 33025.

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