Things to do to help save the environment

[ssandra]

Hi,

Because of Steve´s recent post I got thinking about what else we can all do (small and large) to help save the environment.

Here´s my suggestions, I hope to hear more good ideas!

• Turn OFF the computer when you are not using it
• Turn off and disconnect everything when you are not using it (including modem, printer, tv, vcr, dvd player etc)
• Walk or take the bike wherever you can instead of the car
• carpool if you have to use the car, not just for work and school but also for doing shopping
• Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible instead of using a blowdryer
• Use electricity saving light bulbs
• Open windows in the morning and evenings instead of having the airco on.
• Turn off the Airco/Heating when you are not at home
• Don´t let the water run while brusing your teeth
• Turn off lights in rooms you are not in
• Use water saving toilets (or use the small flush whenever possible)
• Put on another sweather in winter or fall so you can turn the heating down a bit
• Have solar panels (at least for your warm water)
• Cut vegetables yourself whenever possible instead of using a machine

[Sami]

Here are a few more;

• Don't buy bottled water (use a reusable metal water bottle instead).
• Reduce your general consumption and only buy what you need.
• Use eco friendly cleaners, washing powders & detergents.
• Buy organic when possible.
• Support green businesses and green investments.
• Use both sides of printed paper (put paper through the printer again or use the unprinted side for scrap paper).
• Skip receipts when you can (eg bank machines/ATMs).
• Buy second hand or used.
• Use water saving taps and shower heads.
• Use natural fertilizers and pest/weed control in the garden (buy organic versions or find a recipe online and make your own).

[Beuford]

-Set up rain water tanks(for use with the reusable water bottle mentioned in the last post) particularly if you don't want to drink fluoride

-Buy or build windmill turbines and/or solar panels(I think windmill turbines are a bit more cost effective at this stage)

-Get fit and active so you rarely need to use your car

-I once read an article on a study that showed how much energy would be saved if no one was over weight. It was a damn lot.

[aelle]

What I already do:

• Go vegan
• Don't drive a car
• Use a thermostat at a reasonable temperature, and set it to shut off at night and when you're not home
• Don't use plastic bags
• Buy mostly local
• Grow some of your own food (I live in a city appartment btw, and work full time - still doable)
• Don't use air conditionning
• Reduce, reuse, repurpose, repair, recycle
• Work on your craft skills and buy less (also a source of income)
• Take the train instead of the plane
• Don't rely on fossil fuels for electricity

What I plan to do in the future:

• Have no more than 2 kids
• Heat and power my home with solar energy (solar cells are not the only solution, solar tubes that heat water can provide for all your heat needs for cheap - this is widely used in China already)

[runningbird]

Install insulation in your walls if you own a house; there's a good chance you don't have any.
Plant trees and plants in your yarden, or a vegetable garden
Create habitats for wildlife, promoting biodiversity
Compost!
Growing mushrooms in your yard can greatly improve soil quality and cleanse stormwater runoff
Get a composting toilet (you can get such toilets that look just like standard models)

[ns123]

If you all already do the things you suggest - I totally applaud you.

The only thing I have an issue with is sometimes, it's easier to tell other people what to do than to do it yourself. I'm not saying this about you guys specifically, but I have encountered too many people (not you guys!) that tout environmental saving through daily living... but they really mean for some one else to do it, not themselves. Some how, they are exempt.

Kind of like having an Earth Day concert to save the environment, but in the mean time, from the concert, generate tons of non biodegradable trash, fly in performers on gas guzzling learjets, use coal burning energy for electricity, etc.

Sorry for the tangent, but it's a touchy subject for me because the best way to inspire me to do more for the environment is to already do it yourself, let me see how it really helps, and then, let me choose to follow it myself. Somehow, serving as an example is never enough and it always delves into forcing some policy upon me.

Not saying that you guys specifically do this, but it seems to be a very common trend for environmental types.

[ssandra]

I do all the things that I have mentioned, except for the solar panels, because we live in a rented appartment.

Some things I don´t always do.. i am only human and sometimes comfort wins over what I know I should do... But, doing most things most of the times is still better than not doing any of them ever..