If you're like most people, including me, you honestly want to do more for the environment. Most Americans say that they know the environment is going to hell and are pained by it. But you're not sure how. You feel impotent. (About what to do, not in a "Melty Man" kind of way, geez boys.) (Bonus points for the Melty Man reference.)
So, I've been doing some research on what we, as individuals, can start doing to help. Here's some ideas that are easy starting places.
Set your printers, computers, copiers, and fax machines to go into sleep mode when not in use.
Print and copy in double-sided. Yeah, it can be more work if your printer or copier only does single sides. It saves a tree. Just think about that pretty tree in your front yard. It'll get easier.
Instead of throwing out a piece of paper printed only on one side, stick it blank side up in a binder and use that for notes at work, printing directions, etc. at home, taking notes in class, taking phone messages, grocery lists, etc.
Fix all your sink leaks and toilets that won't stop running. Know how much money is going down the drain if your sink leaks or your toilet runs? That's money out of your pocket.
Take shorter showers. I know, I know, this one hits me hard, too. *sigh* And, I learned this trick at my parents' house where they have approximately a five-gallon hot water tank: turn the water off when you lather up. You move faster ('cuz you're cold) and save water. Plus, your water bill goes down!
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, shaving, lathering up your face, etc. And when washing hands or rinsing dishes, don't turn on the faucet all the way, especially if you have decent water pressure. You don't need it.
Save old t-shirts and raggedy towels to use during cleaning instead of paper towels store-bought rags and sponges.
Do you *really* need to wash your jeans or sweaters after every wear? If they don't get dirt on them, or get sweated on, why do they need to be washed? And, hellooooo -- if you hang up your towels and wrung-out washcloths after every use, they will dry fresh and you won't have to wash them for a week or so. They're designed to dry, and it's just water off your clean body, after all.
Switch to florescent bulbs rather than incandescent ones. They last longer, give off more light per watt, and use less electricity. Turn off the lights in rooms you're not using (I'm very guilty of this). Install motion sensors on lights in places where light is not regularly needed, like garages, outdoor pathways, stairwells, etc.
On hot days, keep your drapes closed during the day. On cold days, keep your drapes closed at night and open on sunny days. Let Mom Nature help you out with that whole energy thing. And if you live in a hot climate, plant more trees around your house! They'll shade your house and keep your AC costs down.
Programmable thermostats. I'm just sayin'.
Regularly clean or replace your furnace and air conditioning filters to keep them running at peak efficiency.
Save and re-use wrapping paper, or buy gift bags which can be used over and over again. I've used some Christmas gift bags for five years now, and they aren't wearing out at all.
Buy organic foods. Whenever possible, buy produce from farmer's markets, supporting local farmers and organic farming methods, as well as getting superior produce.
If you're concerned about your drinking water, buy a filtration system. Bottled water is evil. If you need a bottle for water transportation, buy a single bottle then just keep refilling it from your filtered tap. Voila.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper.
Use canvas bags, string bags, or anything else bag-like for groceries, instead of those evil plastic bags. I know, you have been dutifully recycling those evil bastards for years. The problem is -- there aren't that many good reuses for them yet. Mostly they end up in landfills. They're totally useless.
Freecycle your crap. If you've got something with some use left in it, join your local freecycle mailing list (http://www.freecycle.org). Someone might want it, and you avoid putting something into a landfill that someone else can use. For example, I got rid of old carpet, old curtains, old handheld computer games, etc.
Buy recycled products whenever possible. Toilet paper, office paper, etc.
If you spot something that can be recycled in a garbage can, fish it out and recycle it. Just because someone else was a lazyass, doesn't mean you have to be.
I know, you've been reading this list and noting that things like organic produce and recycled paper products cost more. Think of the money you'll save on electricity and water usage, and you'll actually come out ahead monetarily. Seriously.
I really hope this blog helps inspire someone to make a bit more effort towards the environment. I know doing this research has helped me!
*leaves the room and flips off light*
