HAPPY EARTH DAY!!
And what a perfect occasion to finally complete my A-Z going green series. Sorry for prolonging this series but I hope you enjoyed the information and even learned something. My goal is that it made you pause and reflect on your own life. My hope is that you will adapt at least one green tip into your daily routine.
Q-Z:
Q – Question businesses that do not have a written and implemented green policy and philosophy. Find about what your favorite stores say about green issues.
R – RECYCLE: Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can positively impact the environment. Even when at-home recycling pick up is not available, your apartment complex does not offer the service, or when your current recycling service is limited, there are local facilities which accept a greater variety of recyclable products including plastics, metals, glass, cardboard, paper etc. In many states, these facilities are even free. Please check out your local resources and recycling everything that is recyclable.
S – buy in Season: April – zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce, pineapples, and mangoes. May – okra, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce, cherries, pineapples, and apricots. Check out this site!
T - Think green when you Travel: Be aware of your CO2 footprint (take a train over flying when possible, carpool, or choice non-stop flights), support the local economy while avoiding tourism souvenirs like shells and animal products, which harm the local environment and animal life, and never liter especially while camping.
U – Use reusable diapers! Never have I been a proponent of reusable diapers. But I recently learned about a diaper service that sets to-be parents up with reusable diapers and deliver fresh diapers and picks up foiled diapers weekly. I very well could be the only person who didn’t know about a service but this changes everything! I am warming up to the idea and several wise mothers have informed me that reusable diapers help children become potty trained sooner. YIPPIE! National Association of Diaper Services
V – aVoid overnight shipping: In fact, ground shipping tends to be six times more energy efficient than air. Avoiding overnight delivery will also save you a bundle of money, since companies add a hefty price for the service.
W – Wrap, that is try new Reynolds Wrap, made from 100% recycled aluminum foil. And yes, recycle and reuse tin foil.
X – Xing! I can’t think of anything for X so I must repeat one of my favorites… Use Reusable Bags!! I LOVE them.
Y - You, and You alone, can make a big impact on the environment, both positively and negatively. Start by talking about green issues at home. Making reusing, recycling, and conserving a part of your family’s routine.
Z – Zipcar: See if a car exchange service like Zipcar is right for you.
Thanks for reading and have a great Earth Day!! Stop reading this and get outside…. Seriously stop reading J
9 comments:
Great blog with lots of good ideas. I just bought some of the new recyclable tin foil and am anxious to use it. I'm with you, I love the useable bags you gave us. They are very handy and sturdy.
We just decided to get rumpke to install large recyling bins in our office as we throw away soooooo much paper it is ridiculous. So I guess we are doing our part.
A part of me wishes that you and Josh weren't moving to Baltimore for the summer, but I am happy for the two of you and your successes. I'm sure you will have a great time.
People who (at least try to)
cloth diaper are awesome!Thanks for the great meal. And, I'm with Nick; I wish you were staying, but we are excited for your adventure. Hope to see you soon!
Colleen, Let me know how you like the cloth diapers! I am very interested now, not that it really will impact me anytime soon!! Glad we were able to see you guys. It is always a good time with you two.
Nick, I am very proud of you and your office. Way to take some initiative. I know if I was a client, I would appreciate knowing your office is proactive about recycling. We will see you guys soon, like tonight at dinner and at the beach. You are welcome to come visit us in Baltimore anytime!
I think there is a trade-off in cloth diapers because the diaper service uses gas to come pick them up (if you use a service), then there's the water used to clean them and the detergents that go down the pipes. Then again, disposables pack the landfill, so like I said, it's kind of a trade-off.
Our city is about to start curbside recycling and I'm excited because they will be taking things our city bins didn't before, like junk mail, office paper, and plastics #1-5 (versus just 1 & 2 at the bins).
Thanks Krista. I've enjoyed your A-Z series and learned a few new things. I recently read an article (for the life of me I can't remember where) that compared the enviromental impacts of cloth diapers and disposable diapers. It was fascinating (yes, I find discussions on poop receptables fascinating) and their conclusion was basically what Angie said; there are trade-offs and neither can be considered great. But to be fair there is nothing great about poop.
Thanks Angie and Kristin. I failed to consider the "transportation aspect" of reusable diapers. I guess the best of both world is to wash your own diapers but who want to do that anymore!? My mom painted me a picture about her diaper washing days... not attractive! Maybe someone needs to invent a new high tech diaper genie where soiled cloth diapers are placed, cleaned, and then freshly pressed sanitized diapers are dispensed. Of course this new machine would have to operate on solar or wind energy!! (I am dreaming!)
Karens new tin foil was mine last month. I thought your series was great. There are so many things we can do to help. We are pouring the first "green" concrete road in Utah. Used tires and new baby diaper waste from the factory are some of the things used to make cement.
Kenneth,
Ummm awesome!!! Cement made out of used diapers and tires... what a great idea. Take pictures for me and I will be sure to blog about it. I think that is such a fantastic innovation. I love it!
Krista
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