This is the final Good Friday for the "Good Friday goes green" theme. Throughout the year, we've discovered tips and tricks to minimize our impact, save energy and help to make the world a little more sustainable for the generations after us.
Thank you for sharing this year's journey with me. I hope that you have learned at least one green idea that you will continue into 2010 and beyond, or something that you can share with others.
Although there may be opportunities to move to other planets, for now we only have this one, so let's try to take care of it as best we can.
'Til 2010...
Dec 25, 2009
Dec 18, 2009
#155: Get Lost! (Friday, December 18)
"The best thing about getting lost is what you find along the way."
So the other day I was wandering through my neighborhood, just exploring some streets I've never walked on before. I got "lost" in the hood, and happened to walk by a house with the shades open. The design inside completely contradicted the outer appearance. It got me wondering if there were any "green" brownstones in Brooklyn.
I went home did search, and guess what? The owner of the first completely green brownstone in Brooklyn is my neighbor, and he actually does green projects for a living. I'd spoken to him so many times before and admired his backyard, but had no clue. Imagine that.
It's good to get lost sometimes, just imagine what you can find.
So the other day I was wandering through my neighborhood, just exploring some streets I've never walked on before. I got "lost" in the hood, and happened to walk by a house with the shades open. The design inside completely contradicted the outer appearance. It got me wondering if there were any "green" brownstones in Brooklyn.
I went home did search, and guess what? The owner of the first completely green brownstone in Brooklyn is my neighbor, and he actually does green projects for a living. I'd spoken to him so many times before and admired his backyard, but had no clue. Imagine that.
It's good to get lost sometimes, just imagine what you can find.
Dec 11, 2009
#154: Powering 2010 (Friday, December 11)
So this week I heard about a fantastic idea: Duracell has kicked off its energy collection system that will power the iconic 2010 numerals on New Year’s Eve.
Regular folks like you and I can go to the Times Square Powerlab and sign up to pedal one of the 6 Power Rovers for a half hour. The energy generated will be stored and used to light the 2010 numerals when the ball drops on December 31.
The energy will also be be made available to tourists to power up their portable electronic devices and play Xbox games. Neat huh?
So you know I'm signing up right? I'll probably either go during the day on Friday, December 18 or Sunday, December 27.
Dec 4, 2009
#153: Real or Fake? (Friday, December 4)
Imagine my shock and dismay when my favorite cousin proudly informed me that she had gone out and bought a real, live shedding CHRISTMAS TREE.
"How could you contribute to the deforestation of our earth?" I asked. "Why would you not buy a fake tree that you can store and reuse for years to come?!" I wondered.
Turns out I was completely wrong, according to this article from MSN.
As a matter of fact, a real tree is greener on several levels: it minimizes harmful gases in the environment, provides powerful income for small rural communities and most are recycled to make compost and reinforce sand dunes. On the other hand, plastic trees (although they last longer) are shipped from China which increases transportation costs, many contain harmful dust particles and the plastic will often stay in a landfill for many years.
Who knew? The MSN article is fantastic, so you should spend a few minutes and read the whole thing:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/IsAFakeChristmasTreeTheGreenChoice.aspx
"How could you contribute to the deforestation of our earth?" I asked. "Why would you not buy a fake tree that you can store and reuse for years to come?!" I wondered.
Turns out I was completely wrong, according to this article from MSN.
As a matter of fact, a real tree is greener on several levels: it minimizes harmful gases in the environment, provides powerful income for small rural communities and most are recycled to make compost and reinforce sand dunes. On the other hand, plastic trees (although they last longer) are shipped from China which increases transportation costs, many contain harmful dust particles and the plastic will often stay in a landfill for many years.
Who knew? The MSN article is fantastic, so you should spend a few minutes and read the whole thing:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/IsAFakeChristmasTreeTheGreenChoice.aspx
Nov 27, 2009
#152: Tea Time (Friday, November 27)
I love tea. I drink at least 3 cups each day. If you're a mass tea consumer like me, here's how you can have "green tea":
- Microwave is greener than the stove, so consider using the microwave to heat your water.
- If you must use a kettle or a pot, don't fill it up all the way; just boil the amount of water you need.
- If you drink tea throughout the day, consider using a thermos which keeps your beverage warm and reduces the likelihood that you'll have to keep reheating it.
Bottoms up!
- Microwave is greener than the stove, so consider using the microwave to heat your water.
- If you must use a kettle or a pot, don't fill it up all the way; just boil the amount of water you need.
- If you drink tea throughout the day, consider using a thermos which keeps your beverage warm and reduces the likelihood that you'll have to keep reheating it.
Bottoms up!
Nov 20, 2009
#151: Smell the Fresh Air...In Your Home! (Friday, November 20)
Instead of getting an air purifier, which will increase your energy output, plant (or buy) plants and place them all around your home.
Indoor house plants can help clean and purify the air, especially these 10 plants which research has shown are effective against counteracting chemicals in the air:
Indoor house plants can help clean and purify the air, especially these 10 plants which research has shown are effective against counteracting chemicals in the air:
- Areca palm
- Reed palm
- Dwarf date palm
- Boston fern
- Janet Craig dracaena
- English ivy
- Australian sword fern
- Peace Lily
- Rubber plant
- Weeping fig
Nov 13, 2009
#150: Bank on This! (Friday, November 13)
"You're green ideas are too long and cumbersome," my friends have recently been telling me. "We need stuff that we can do immediately that don't require much effort!" LOL.
Apparently, they've missed Good Fridays 106 through 110, 111-114, 115 and 117...well you get the idea. But I like to listen to the people, so this Good Friday's idea is simple, easy to do, and you'll be helping to conserve paper and save trees:
On your next visit to the ATM, decline the receipt.
Yup, that's it. That's the green idea of the week. It's so easy, even a caveman could do it (well, if they had ATM machines back then).
Apparently, they've missed Good Fridays 106 through 110, 111-114, 115 and 117...well you get the idea. But I like to listen to the people, so this Good Friday's idea is simple, easy to do, and you'll be helping to conserve paper and save trees:
On your next visit to the ATM, decline the receipt.
Yup, that's it. That's the green idea of the week. It's so easy, even a caveman could do it (well, if they had ATM machines back then).
Nov 6, 2009
#149: 15 Easy, Green Tips for Winter (Friday, November 6)
For those in states/countries where the seasons change, now is a great time to start thinking about winterproofing your environment. Here are a few easy tips that don't require a lot of effort, but can help make your winter a little bit more bearable:
1. Wrap the windows in plastic to keep out those arctic blasts.
2. You can also use bubble wrap to cover your windows. The air in the bubbles helps to insulate even more.
3. Add a door sweep to each exterior door.
4. Have your furnace serviced to make sure that it is running properly and safely.
5. Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans. This will push the hot air down and help it recirculate through out the house.
6. Installing storm doors and windows can save you up to 45% on your energy bill.
7. Move furniture off your vents.
8. If you have an old fashioned radiator use a fan to help spread the warm air and a put a reflector behind it.
9. Buy organic cotton thermal long johns for everyone in the family.
10. Wear layers of clothing made from breathable organic fabrics.
11. Shut the door on rooms you don't use, if there are any.
12. Grow some herbs and vegetables inside. Not only are they great to add to soups and stews but plants filter toxins out of the air.
13. Open the curtains on the south/west side of the house during the day to get the most of the sun's warmth. Close up at night to keep out the cold.
14. Cold feet? Put a little ground cayenne or ginger in your socks. You can do the same with mittens but don't do this with small children. If a finger goes into an eye it is painful!
15. Put hot baked potatoes wrapped in a piece of flannel in your bed about 15 minutes before you plan to get in it. Your bed will be warm and you will have potatoes ready to make hash browns at breakfast.
Oct 30, 2009
#148: A Green Halloween (Friday, October 30)
With a childhood obesity epidemic, reports of lead in candy and costumes and millions of pumpkins that could have been used for food, it's about time someone took steps to "green Halloween".
Here are some useful tips you can use this Halloween to make your holiday a little greener:
- Use free-trade, organic chocolate and other low-sugar alternatives for treats.
- Recycle decorations and costumes or make both from other recycled items.
- Pick a pumpkin, plant a pumpkin.
- Compost jack-o-lanterns to make soil for other gardening projects.
- Buy pumpkins from local farmers.
- Trick or treat for a cause, such as UNICEF or Treat-for-Trees.
To learn more about these ideas, visit:
- www.GreenHalloweenNYC.org
- www.GreenHalloween.com
Here are some useful tips you can use this Halloween to make your holiday a little greener:
- Use free-trade, organic chocolate and other low-sugar alternatives for treats.
- Recycle decorations and costumes or make both from other recycled items.
- Pick a pumpkin, plant a pumpkin.
- Compost jack-o-lanterns to make soil for other gardening projects.
- Buy pumpkins from local farmers.
- Trick or treat for a cause, such as UNICEF or Treat-for-Trees.
To learn more about these ideas, visit:
- www.GreenHalloweenNYC.org
- www.GreenHalloween.com
Oct 23, 2009
#147: My Big Green Bucket [List] (Friday, October 23)
One week from now I will be able to cross one of my bucket list items off my list: seeing Stevie Wonder live in concert.
It got me thinking that in addition to my regular bucket list, I should also have some green things I want to do with my life. So I decided to create a green bucket list, a list of eco-friendly things I wanna do at some point in my life.
- Take a cross country road trip (some of which would be accomplished by hiking the Rocky Mountain trail) which would entail a few nights camping at Mount Rushmore.
- Do a volunteer vacation trip either through Habitat for Humanity or Gap Adventures
- Own an eco-friendly house (solar panels, dual flush toilets, rain water tanks, etc.)
- Visit the Amazon, one of the most ecologically-rich places on earth (my current morbid fear of lizards prohibits this, but hopefully with some hypnotherapy I can emerge triumphant over my lizard fear)
What's in your green bucket list?
It got me thinking that in addition to my regular bucket list, I should also have some green things I want to do with my life. So I decided to create a green bucket list, a list of eco-friendly things I wanna do at some point in my life.
- Take a cross country road trip (some of which would be accomplished by hiking the Rocky Mountain trail) which would entail a few nights camping at Mount Rushmore.
- Do a volunteer vacation trip either through Habitat for Humanity or Gap Adventures
- Own an eco-friendly house (solar panels, dual flush toilets, rain water tanks, etc.)
- Visit the Amazon, one of the most ecologically-rich places on earth (my current morbid fear of lizards prohibits this, but hopefully with some hypnotherapy I can emerge triumphant over my lizard fear)
What's in your green bucket list?
Oct 16, 2009
#146: World Food Hunger Day (Friday, October 16)
Today is World Food Hunger Day, one of the causes that I'm very passionate about. Climate change and global warming means that a lot of farmable land now cannot be cultivated, which will affect food supply in the years to come. It is conceivable that in the next century, there may be a food shortage crisis on Earth without steps to reverse the effects of climate change. Maybe it won't happen in your lifetime, or your kids' lifetime, but it will happen.
Yet, in America we waste 14% of our food purchases per year, and the average American family throws out over $600 of fruit per year. Most of the food we waste is due to spoilage; we're buying too much and using too little of it. Consider the following statistics:
- Tonight 1 billion people will go to bed hungry
- 1 out of 6 people are chronically hungry, now
- 1.02 billion people go hungry every day. Of that number, 1/2 are in Asia and the Pacific and 1/4 in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 1 child dies every 6 seconds from malnutrion and related causes
What You Can Do:
- Click here for a list of things you can do today, World Food Hunger Day, to make an impact.
- When eating out, take your leftovers (although, apparently it is illegal to do so in Australia) and eat them another time or give them to a homeless person on the street.
- Don't buy perishable food in bulk.
- If you notice that fruit and other perishable foods are near expiration, share them with others (take them to work, to a local shelter, or give to your neighbors and friends).
- If fruit has already gone bad, take it to a compost heap (most local parks have one); at least your food will be used to create good, rich soil.
Click here for 50 Ways to Never Waste Food Again, a list of useful ways to reuse leftovers and use up food before it goes bad.
No one should have to go hungry.
Yet, in America we waste 14% of our food purchases per year, and the average American family throws out over $600 of fruit per year. Most of the food we waste is due to spoilage; we're buying too much and using too little of it. Consider the following statistics:
- Tonight 1 billion people will go to bed hungry
- 1 out of 6 people are chronically hungry, now
- 1.02 billion people go hungry every day. Of that number, 1/2 are in Asia and the Pacific and 1/4 in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 1 child dies every 6 seconds from malnutrion and related causes
What You Can Do:
- Click here for a list of things you can do today, World Food Hunger Day, to make an impact.
- When eating out, take your leftovers (although, apparently it is illegal to do so in Australia) and eat them another time or give them to a homeless person on the street.
- Don't buy perishable food in bulk.
- If you notice that fruit and other perishable foods are near expiration, share them with others (take them to work, to a local shelter, or give to your neighbors and friends).
- If fruit has already gone bad, take it to a compost heap (most local parks have one); at least your food will be used to create good, rich soil.
Click here for 50 Ways to Never Waste Food Again, a list of useful ways to reuse leftovers and use up food before it goes bad.
No one should have to go hungry.
Oct 9, 2009
#145: What's Your Six-Month Commitment? (Friday, October 9)
After last week's entry, I got a few emails from friends who wanted to do their own six-month commitment, but didn't want to take such "drastic" action. Although my commitment may seem drastic to some, it's something that fits into the lifestyle I want to have for myself, so I'm ok with it.
Whatever you decide to do for your commitment should be equally complementary to your life. It shouldn't be something so difficult or taxing that you're likely to quit after the first month. Yes, it'll be uncomfortable, but doing new things usually are. Here are suggestions that may be easier to implement for a green novice:
Learn about your community. For the next six months, take the time to learn more about where you live. See which businesses are making efforts to be more green and support them. Find the local farmer's markets. Identify charities and other local events (such as community gardens and parks) that could use your volunteerism. Identify green/eco-friendly projects that could improve your community and discuss them with your local council members.
Change a light bulb. Once a month for the next 6 months, change one lightbulb to a greener, energy-saving option.
Boycott a product/service. Identify 1 product or service you currently consume that is bad for the environment and boycott it for the next 6 months. Use that time to research other greener options.
Test drive paper billing. Commit to canceling one of your paper bills (telephone bill, electric, magazine subscription) and viewing it online instead. I promise you you won't go back to the paper.
Subsitute a harsh cleaner for a natural alternative. For the next six months, try using a baking soda/vinegar combination for your cleaning needs. This combo can clean bathrooms and kitchens; unclog drains; remove paint and carpet stains; neutralize odors such as garbage and pet urine.
What's your 6-month commitment? I'd love to know.
Whatever you decide to do for your commitment should be equally complementary to your life. It shouldn't be something so difficult or taxing that you're likely to quit after the first month. Yes, it'll be uncomfortable, but doing new things usually are. Here are suggestions that may be easier to implement for a green novice:
Learn about your community. For the next six months, take the time to learn more about where you live. See which businesses are making efforts to be more green and support them. Find the local farmer's markets. Identify charities and other local events (such as community gardens and parks) that could use your volunteerism. Identify green/eco-friendly projects that could improve your community and discuss them with your local council members.
Change a light bulb. Once a month for the next 6 months, change one lightbulb to a greener, energy-saving option.
Boycott a product/service. Identify 1 product or service you currently consume that is bad for the environment and boycott it for the next 6 months. Use that time to research other greener options.
Test drive paper billing. Commit to canceling one of your paper bills (telephone bill, electric, magazine subscription) and viewing it online instead. I promise you you won't go back to the paper.
Subsitute a harsh cleaner for a natural alternative. For the next six months, try using a baking soda/vinegar combination for your cleaning needs. This combo can clean bathrooms and kitchens; unclog drains; remove paint and carpet stains; neutralize odors such as garbage and pet urine.
What's your 6-month commitment? I'd love to know.
Oct 2, 2009
#144: The Six-Month Commitment (Friday, October 2)
So every year, I choose a different theme for Good Fridays. In 2007, the theme was impacting the lives of others through little deeds. In 2008, the theme was "Enjoy Life", and this year we've gone green. In January I'm going to have another theme, but I also want this green concept to be one that sticks, so I began thinking of something I could do to keep green at the forefront of my daily life after December 31, 2010.
That's how I came up with The Six-Month Commitment. It's choosing a green idea that you will implement now and continue for the next 6 months (which will take you into the new year). We all know that habits are hard to break, so the goal is to form a green habit that you can continue and build on after the 6 months are over.
So my Six-Month Commitment is to green my clothing habits. After today, I am committing that for the next 6 months, I will not buy any new clothing for myself (except 1 suit, if needed for an interview and undergarments). Instead, I'll rely on the clothing and shoes I already have in my closet, and if I need something, I will buy it recycled from a thrift shop. I am also donating clothes I don't need to local shelters and other organizations where those in need don't have to pay to get them.
Of course since I've made that commitment, I've heard about a 7 jeans sale this weekend; I've found out that the Hunter boots I've wanted for a year are available in the color I want--and are on sale; and I just got a 20% off coupon for a bag that I've been dying to get. Go figure.
The holiday season will be hard, especially since I'll be celebrating my birthday at the same time. But I won't lose sight of my goal.
What's your Six-Month Commitment? Choose something today (it could be giving up bottled water, driving one less day per week, joining a co-op; supporting your local farmer's market; taking shorter showers...). Whatever you decide, just make sure it is eco-friendly and you can sustain it for six months.
That's how I came up with The Six-Month Commitment. It's choosing a green idea that you will implement now and continue for the next 6 months (which will take you into the new year). We all know that habits are hard to break, so the goal is to form a green habit that you can continue and build on after the 6 months are over.
So my Six-Month Commitment is to green my clothing habits. After today, I am committing that for the next 6 months, I will not buy any new clothing for myself (except 1 suit, if needed for an interview and undergarments). Instead, I'll rely on the clothing and shoes I already have in my closet, and if I need something, I will buy it recycled from a thrift shop. I am also donating clothes I don't need to local shelters and other organizations where those in need don't have to pay to get them.
Of course since I've made that commitment, I've heard about a 7 jeans sale this weekend; I've found out that the Hunter boots I've wanted for a year are available in the color I want--and are on sale; and I just got a 20% off coupon for a bag that I've been dying to get. Go figure.
The holiday season will be hard, especially since I'll be celebrating my birthday at the same time. But I won't lose sight of my goal.
What's your Six-Month Commitment? Choose something today (it could be giving up bottled water, driving one less day per week, joining a co-op; supporting your local farmer's market; taking shorter showers...). Whatever you decide, just make sure it is eco-friendly and you can sustain it for six months.
Sep 25, 2009
#143: Three Real Effects of Climate Change (Friday, September 25)
"Our children will curse our selfishness and inaction on climate change." -Matthew McDermott, New York, NY
This week was an important week in NYC: Clinton's climate change symposium and the UN meeting both drew attention to an issue, which if not addressed, will have catastrophic effects on the generations to follow us. Most of the time, climate change and global warming are talked about as an abstract concept. But as an avid traveler, there are some sights and places that may not be around much longer because of global warming. I thought it would be good to highlight some of the things that will be affected (or obsolete) because of climate change:
Climate change in the Alps may leave Europe with one less tourism destination and a water shortage crisis. The Alps provide 40 percent of Europe's fresh water. However with temperatures in the Alps increasing at a rate more than twice the global average, Europe faces the challenge of changing water resources.
The Cateret Islands, part of Papua New Guinea, are being submerged by the sea. One island has already been divided in half, and the islanders are living mostly on fish and coconut as the lands they formerly used to grow vegetable crops are no longer fertile. Lack of food has caused the schools on the islands to have to close for part of the year. Residents are being relocated, and just 2 cents from every New Yorker could help relocate the majority of the residents. And that's just the tip of the iceberg: forecasts estimate that 20 million people in Bangladesh will be displaced because of rising seas, which will affect both rice production as well as overcrowding in surrounding cities and employment rates.
Climate change will cause global health catastrophe, according to 18 of the world's leading medical organizations. Unless serious progress is made in fighting climate change the world faces a slew of threats: stronger infectious diseases (sound familiar?), increased starvation and malnutrition (as lands and crop production become less fertile), and more heat-related deaths.
I don't mean to be the harbinger of doom; there are things we can do today to help slow down the effects of climate change: reduce our carbon emissions (cleaner air), recycle (less waste that has to be disposed of), consume less or look for greener alternatives, and influence others to change their behaviors as well.
This week was an important week in NYC: Clinton's climate change symposium and the UN meeting both drew attention to an issue, which if not addressed, will have catastrophic effects on the generations to follow us. Most of the time, climate change and global warming are talked about as an abstract concept. But as an avid traveler, there are some sights and places that may not be around much longer because of global warming. I thought it would be good to highlight some of the things that will be affected (or obsolete) because of climate change:
Climate change in the Alps may leave Europe with one less tourism destination and a water shortage crisis. The Alps provide 40 percent of Europe's fresh water. However with temperatures in the Alps increasing at a rate more than twice the global average, Europe faces the challenge of changing water resources.
The Cateret Islands, part of Papua New Guinea, are being submerged by the sea. One island has already been divided in half, and the islanders are living mostly on fish and coconut as the lands they formerly used to grow vegetable crops are no longer fertile. Lack of food has caused the schools on the islands to have to close for part of the year. Residents are being relocated, and just 2 cents from every New Yorker could help relocate the majority of the residents. And that's just the tip of the iceberg: forecasts estimate that 20 million people in Bangladesh will be displaced because of rising seas, which will affect both rice production as well as overcrowding in surrounding cities and employment rates.
Climate change will cause global health catastrophe, according to 18 of the world's leading medical organizations. Unless serious progress is made in fighting climate change the world faces a slew of threats: stronger infectious diseases (sound familiar?), increased starvation and malnutrition (as lands and crop production become less fertile), and more heat-related deaths.
I don't mean to be the harbinger of doom; there are things we can do today to help slow down the effects of climate change: reduce our carbon emissions (cleaner air), recycle (less waste that has to be disposed of), consume less or look for greener alternatives, and influence others to change their behaviors as well.
Sep 18, 2009
#142: Climate Week 2009 (Friday, September 18)
Next week (September 21-25) is Global Climate Week. Throughout the week, synchronized activities will take place in more than 100 cities to urge world leaders to seal a fair and effective climate agreement at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen this December.
Also during the week of September 20th, hundreds of government and business leaders from around the world will converge upon New York City for a series of high-level meetings and events on climate change in advance of the Copenhagen meeting. As a result, NYC is also hosting its own Climate Week (September 20 - 26) to draw attention to the meetings.
If you're in NYC, here's a host of events you can participate in:
http://www.climateweeknyc.org/events
If you're outside of NYC, there's also stuff you can do:
http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/global-climate-week
Also during the week of September 20th, hundreds of government and business leaders from around the world will converge upon New York City for a series of high-level meetings and events on climate change in advance of the Copenhagen meeting. As a result, NYC is also hosting its own Climate Week (September 20 - 26) to draw attention to the meetings.
If you're in NYC, here's a host of events you can participate in:
http://www.climateweeknyc.org/events
If you're outside of NYC, there's also stuff you can do:
http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/global-climate-week
(Climate) change begins with you!
Sep 11, 2009
#141: Sharing is Caring...And Cheaper Too! (Friday, September 11)
Here are a few things that you can share with others that can cut your costs and make the world just a little bit better.
Share your home: thinking of going on vacation abroad? Chances are someone abroad wants to be in your city. You can both share your homes and have a win-win situation. Yeah, yeah, I know...your parents told you never to trust strangers. But you'll be staying in their home too, so I'm sure they feel the same way. Plus, if you do your homework and get proper identification (passport #, travel ticket info, etc.) you can avoid most of the scams that people typically perpetrate. Check Craigslist housing swap in the city you're traveling to.
Share your car: do you spend more time moving your car from one spot to another than you spend driving it? Do you use your car at odd hours of the day/night? Are your insurance, gas, and maintenance taking a toll on your wallet? If your answer's yes, then car sharing is the perfect solution for you. You can share your car with another friend who has opposite transportation needs from yours (e.g. if your car is parked all day, but you have a friend who needs a car at that time, it's a perfect match), or you can do away with your car altogether and rely on sharing services such as Zipcar or the Car Sharing Network for the times you do need transportation.
Share/borrow your tools: Unless you're Ty Pennington or you're a professional contractor, chances are you don't need your own set of high tech tools. You can save hundreds of dollars on tools like lawnmowers, saws, ladders, etc. by borrowing them from the tool-lending library. Here's a challenge, if there's not a tool-lending library in your neighborhood, why not start one?
There. Aren't you happy I shared these resources with you?
Go green or go home!
Sep 4, 2009
#140: Wasted Energy (Friday, September 4)
en⋅er⋅gy [en-er-jee] –noun, plural -gies. The capacity for vigorous activity; available power.
Physics. the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy. Symbol: E
Any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation.
The word "energy" has multiple meanings. There are also different types of energy: kinetic energy, heat energy, solar energy, renewable energy, nuclear energy, positive energy, negative energy...I could go on.
Whether or not you're an environmentally-conscious person, one thing we can all agree on is that wasted energy is a terrible thing. To exert or use energy--be it physical, emotional, heat or electric--without a goal in mind, or to a useless end is wasteful and destructive.
If someone told you to carry a large, heavy rock to the top of a hill, but could provide no reason or goal for using your energy would you do it? Probably not. Or what if someone asked you to leave all the lights on in your house for an entire day, for no purpose at all? You likely wouldn't do that either.
But if someone asked you to carry a pebble to the top of the hill or to leave your lights on for 5 minutes, you'd be more likely to do either of those tasks...even if there is no clear goal in mind. Why? Because it requires very little energy.
Sometimes our relationships are lot like these examples: there are some that require lots of energy but provide very little reward or we are unable to justify them; there are others that require very little energy, so we maintain those bonds just because it requires little effort on our part...even though we know that those liaisons are not rewarding.
In both cases, you're wasting energy. You don't have to be green to conserve energy. What are you wasting your energy on today?
Physics. the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy. Symbol: E
Any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation.
The word "energy" has multiple meanings. There are also different types of energy: kinetic energy, heat energy, solar energy, renewable energy, nuclear energy, positive energy, negative energy...I could go on.
Whether or not you're an environmentally-conscious person, one thing we can all agree on is that wasted energy is a terrible thing. To exert or use energy--be it physical, emotional, heat or electric--without a goal in mind, or to a useless end is wasteful and destructive.
If someone told you to carry a large, heavy rock to the top of a hill, but could provide no reason or goal for using your energy would you do it? Probably not. Or what if someone asked you to leave all the lights on in your house for an entire day, for no purpose at all? You likely wouldn't do that either.
But if someone asked you to carry a pebble to the top of the hill or to leave your lights on for 5 minutes, you'd be more likely to do either of those tasks...even if there is no clear goal in mind. Why? Because it requires very little energy.
Sometimes our relationships are lot like these examples: there are some that require lots of energy but provide very little reward or we are unable to justify them; there are others that require very little energy, so we maintain those bonds just because it requires little effort on our part...even though we know that those liaisons are not rewarding.
In both cases, you're wasting energy. You don't have to be green to conserve energy. What are you wasting your energy on today?
Aug 28, 2009
#139: Real Conversations (Friday, August 28)
This week during conversations with a couple of my friends, I discovered things I never knew about them...after so many years.
Real conversations uncover things that are often buried under layers of superficial ideas. Sometimes you have to dig deep, or search long and hard to find the authenticity. I found a few places on the web where there are real conversations taking place about climate control, green initiatives and how to make this earth more eco-friendly for those who will come after us:
Real conversations uncover things that are often buried under layers of superficial ideas. Sometimes you have to dig deep, or search long and hard to find the authenticity. I found a few places on the web where there are real conversations taking place about climate control, green initiatives and how to make this earth more eco-friendly for those who will come after us:
- The Global Ideas Bank has 855 ideas, submitted by people like you and I
- Treehugger has a bunch of forums on green ideas, and you can even search to find the best conversations on the site
- I was also happy to discover that my bank, despite their other shortcomings, is making an effort to have some real conversations about climate change
Aug 21, 2009
#138: Getting Over the "Ick" Factor (Friday, August 21)
Ok, so this post is primarily for the ladies, but it's a great suggestion for guys who want their wives, daughters, sisters and other women in their lives to consider a green option for menstrual cycles.
Introducing the menstrual cup, a reusable alternative to pads and tampons. Now before you get all grossed out, consider the facts:
Thoughts?
Introducing the menstrual cup, a reusable alternative to pads and tampons. Now before you get all grossed out, consider the facts:
- Over 55.9 million women (in the U.S. alone in 2000) are monthly users of disposable feminine hygiene products.
- The 41-year menstruation span (ages 11-52) creates billions of pounds of disposable feminine hygiene products.
- In 1998, the annual figures for the U.S. were estimated at 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons going into over-burdened landfills each year.
Thoughts?
Aug 14, 2009
#137: The Greenest Place on Earth (Friday, August 14)
The other day I was thinking about where the greenest place on earth is. I did some research and found out Costa Rica is the greenest (and happiest!) place on Earth, followed by Dominican Republic (didn't see that one coming) and Australia (makes perfect sense). Thought Jamaica would be in the top 3, but considering our high crime rate, probably not. Check out the article below:
Not surprisingly, US ranks 114th (out of 143). LOL.
Aug 7, 2009
#136: Rescue Mission (Friday, August 7)
Sign the Petition to Save Brooklyn Rescue Mission’s Farm!
In 2005, Brooklyn Rescue Mission partnered with local organizations to create an urban farm. They turned a vacant lot into an edible Eden that provides freshly grown food to thousands of needy Brooklynites. But the Brooklyn Rescue Mission, an emergency food pantry in Bedford-Stuyvesant, could lose half of Bed-Stuy Farm (its 5,000-square-foot facility on a long-neglected lot) if plans go through to build on it.
Sign the petition here at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/save-bed-stuy-farm
In 2005, Brooklyn Rescue Mission partnered with local organizations to create an urban farm. They turned a vacant lot into an edible Eden that provides freshly grown food to thousands of needy Brooklynites. But the Brooklyn Rescue Mission, an emergency food pantry in Bedford-Stuyvesant, could lose half of Bed-Stuy Farm (its 5,000-square-foot facility on a long-neglected lot) if plans go through to build on it.
Sign the petition here at http://www.thepetitionsite.
Jul 31, 2009
#135: Do What You Love (Friday, July 31)
There is an old proverb, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
With unemployment at some of the highest levels since the depression, unfortunately a lot of people can't afford to choose.
But if you're lucky enough to be able to choose, or you're seeking a career change, there's a way to make a difference and get paid for it.
Here are some green job opportunities from Treehugger.com:
http://jobs.treehugger.com/
With unemployment at some of the highest levels since the depression, unfortunately a lot of people can't afford to choose.
But if you're lucky enough to be able to choose, or you're seeking a career change, there's a way to make a difference and get paid for it.
Here are some green job opportunities from Treehugger.com:
http://jobs.treehugger.com/
Jul 23, 2009
#134: Idling Isn't Green (Friday, July 24)
Sometimes the most obvious choice isn't always the greenest. I used to have FreshDirect delivered to my house. I thought, "Fresh produce, they find the shortest distance from farms and I can choose local or organic produce." Totally green, right?
Not so much. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that FreshDirect trucks were spending minutes per delivery idling and polluting our neighborhoods. It was so much of a problem that they actually got fined for it! Thankfully, they have paid their fine and have also agreed to install controls that automatically shut off.
Until then, I've discovered other options, namely Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where individuals can buy "shares" in a farm, which entitles them to seasonal produce from that farm. The farms are usually local (just like FreshDirect), but the added "greenness" is that you're purchasing seasonal produce, which means that the food doesn't have to travel from somewhere else when it's "out of season". You're also sharing in the failure and/or success of the farm, and some CSAs even donate a portion of their earnings to local schools and other community organizations.
How's that for green? :)
Not so much. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that FreshDirect trucks were spending minutes per delivery idling and polluting our neighborhoods. It was so much of a problem that they actually got fined for it! Thankfully, they have paid their fine and have also agreed to install controls that automatically shut off.
Until then, I've discovered other options, namely Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where individuals can buy "shares" in a farm, which entitles them to seasonal produce from that farm. The farms are usually local (just like FreshDirect), but the added "greenness" is that you're purchasing seasonal produce, which means that the food doesn't have to travel from somewhere else when it's "out of season". You're also sharing in the failure and/or success of the farm, and some CSAs even donate a portion of their earnings to local schools and other community organizations.
How's that for green? :)
Jul 17, 2009
# 133: Finding Personal Balance (Friday, July 17)
The other day, I mentioned that I was going on a trip to Barbados. A friend of mine who knows about my green theme this year said, "For someone who's green, you sure take a lot of plane rides."
Yes, I take "a lot" of plane rides (although I really don't think 4 overseas trips a year should be categorized as "a lot"), but it's about balance. As Holter Graham says in his blog (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/find-balance.html?campaign=daylife-article), "you cannot just abandon everything and switch to a fully green lifestyle overnight."
Plus, I balance out my love of travel which may not be so green with other things that are: I try to walk to as many places as I can, or take public transportation; I have my reusable grocery bag; I take my reusable coffee mug to the coffee shop instead of getting a cup there. I request online statements; I only do full loads of laundry; I donate items to freecycle.com and other places where others can reuse them...the list is endless.
It's not so much about becoming the Total Green Person as it is about making small steps towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Here are a couple more small steps, courtesy of Holter:
- If you can't upgrade to lower-flow faucets, buy soap from this guy, justsoap.com, who uses recycled packaging, rides a bike to power his mixers, and has a tiny carbon impact in his manufacturing.
- If you can't buy a hybrid or heat your house with biodiesel, drive smoothly to lower your fuel usage and turn the thermostat down three degrees in winter—or better yet, get new digital thermostats that let you program more specifically and save energy throughout the season.
Yes, I take "a lot" of plane rides (although I really don't think 4 overseas trips a year should be categorized as "a lot"), but it's about balance. As Holter Graham says in his blog (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/find-balance.html?campaign=daylife-article), "you cannot just abandon everything and switch to a fully green lifestyle overnight."
Plus, I balance out my love of travel which may not be so green with other things that are: I try to walk to as many places as I can, or take public transportation; I have my reusable grocery bag; I take my reusable coffee mug to the coffee shop instead of getting a cup there. I request online statements; I only do full loads of laundry; I donate items to freecycle.com and other places where others can reuse them...the list is endless.
It's not so much about becoming the Total Green Person as it is about making small steps towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Here are a couple more small steps, courtesy of Holter:
- If you can't upgrade to lower-flow faucets, buy soap from this guy, justsoap.com, who uses recycled packaging, rides a bike to power his mixers, and has a tiny carbon impact in his manufacturing.
- If you can't buy a hybrid or heat your house with biodiesel, drive smoothly to lower your fuel usage and turn the thermostat down three degrees in winter—or better yet, get new digital thermostats that let you program more specifically and save energy throughout the season.
Jul 10, 2009
#132: What's Killing Your Drive? (Friday, July 10)
You carry around a lot of baggage. Clean out your car, since the heavier your car is, the more gas (and energy) it'll take to move it.
You're moving too fast. Every mile per hour you drive over 55 decreases your fuel economy by 2%. Driving slower gives you better gas mileage (and it's more likely that you'll get to your destination safely).
You never come up for air. Locate and remove your car's air filter. Use a vacuum cleaner to rid it of dirt and put it back. You'll get 7% more miles per gallon. Or if you're mechanically challenged, you can also buy new cotton air filters for less than $100.
You've lost your spark. Replace old spark plugs with eco-friendly substitutes, such as the Halo spark plug. The switch may help you reduce toxic fume emissions from your car.
You idle for long periods of time. Next time you stop at a fast food place, skip the drive thru if there's a long line since you'll spend more time with your engine idling. Idling engines increase carbon emissions and waste gas.
You're moving too fast. Every mile per hour you drive over 55 decreases your fuel economy by 2%. Driving slower gives you better gas mileage (and it's more likely that you'll get to your destination safely).
You never come up for air. Locate and remove your car's air filter. Use a vacuum cleaner to rid it of dirt and put it back. You'll get 7% more miles per gallon. Or if you're mechanically challenged, you can also buy new cotton air filters for less than $100.
You've lost your spark. Replace old spark plugs with eco-friendly substitutes, such as the Halo spark plug. The switch may help you reduce toxic fume emissions from your car.
You idle for long periods of time. Next time you stop at a fast food place, skip the drive thru if there's a long line since you'll spend more time with your engine idling. Idling engines increase carbon emissions and waste gas.
Jul 3, 2009
#131: Are You Prepared for An Emergency? (Friday, July 3)
After one of my recent hour-long conversations with my dad (whom I've always known to be the pragmatic planner), I realized that if he were to die unexpectedly, all hell would break loose. He doesn't have a will.
It got me thinking about my own life and how prepared I am for emergencies. I don't think I even own a flashlight. LOL. Shocking, considering that my new favorite housewarming gift is the first aid kit.
So I started to do some research on emergency kits with green alternatives. I found a fantastic company called Freeplay Foundation, which makes eco-friendly products such as solar/crank flashlights and radios. And the best part? They've been working in Rwanda, donating their products in an effort to bring clean, renewable energy to the country. Your emergency home kit should contain, at minimum the following (you can thank me later):
- Food and water
- Change of clothes
- Copy of important documents in a watersafe container
- Medical supplies (including a month's supply of any prescription medication you need)
- Flashlight (get a crank or shake version, similar to those offered by Freeplay)
- Radio (which is also available in crank or solar versions, or crank/solar combos)
- Batteries (should be rechargeable)
- Water purification tablets (in the event that you run out of clean water and water's hard to get)
- Dust masks
- Matches (in a watersafe container)
- Consider getting a solar panel charger ($30+) or a crank charger ($19) for cell phones
For more tips and items for your emergency kit, visit: www.ready.gov
It got me thinking about my own life and how prepared I am for emergencies. I don't think I even own a flashlight. LOL. Shocking, considering that my new favorite housewarming gift is the first aid kit.
So I started to do some research on emergency kits with green alternatives. I found a fantastic company called Freeplay Foundation, which makes eco-friendly products such as solar/crank flashlights and radios. And the best part? They've been working in Rwanda, donating their products in an effort to bring clean, renewable energy to the country. Your emergency home kit should contain, at minimum the following (you can thank me later):
- Food and water
- Change of clothes
- Copy of important documents in a watersafe container
- Medical supplies (including a month's supply of any prescription medication you need)
- Flashlight (get a crank or shake version, similar to those offered by Freeplay)
- Radio (which is also available in crank or solar versions, or crank/solar combos)
- Batteries (should be rechargeable)
- Water purification tablets (in the event that you run out of clean water and water's hard to get)
- Dust masks
- Matches (in a watersafe container)
- Consider getting a solar panel charger ($30+) or a crank charger ($19) for cell phones
For more tips and items for your emergency kit, visit: www.ready.gov
Jun 26, 2009
#130: Man In The Mirror (Friday, June 26)
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make a change."
- Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
A friend called me the other day. "Aaaaaarrgghhhh!!!" she yelled as soon as I picked up the phone.
"What's the matter?" I asked, alarmed.
"You're in my head! Whenever I go to do something non-green, one of your Good Friday blogs just pop into my head and I'm forced to do the right thing!"
I ran into another friend of mine last night as I got off the subway. He drives a gas-guzzling Range Rover, but yesterday I saw him sweating in a suit and tie heading home. Apparently my comments about his lack of green endeavors finally got to him. He was coming back from walking to a meeting a mile away from his house.
I think I smell a couple converts. LOL.
A flood is one of the most devastating and powerful natural disasters...yet each flood starts with just one drop of water. You are the man in the mirror, the drop of water, that can effect change. Imagine if you decided to implement just ONE of these Good Friday ideas in your daily life how powerful the effects could be?
Here's one that's easy: Stop buying single-serving packaged products.
Single serve packets, bottled water, beverages, chips, etc. have become more popular as people get busier or try to actively control their portions. Yes, they're convenient, but they typically cost more than the family/regular size, and have a bigger toll on the environment.
So how do you control your portions, get convenient meals/snacks and still help the environment? It's easy: buy the bigger size containers and portion them out in reusable ziploc containers or tupperware (instead of bottled water, buy a water filter and tote around your water in a reusable cup/bottle). The servings will still stay fresh and you'll reduce your trash (and carbon footprint)!
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make a change."
- Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
A friend called me the other day. "Aaaaaarrgghhhh!!!" she yelled as soon as I picked up the phone.
"What's the matter?" I asked, alarmed.
"You're in my head! Whenever I go to do something non-green, one of your Good Friday blogs just pop into my head and I'm forced to do the right thing!"
I ran into another friend of mine last night as I got off the subway. He drives a gas-guzzling Range Rover, but yesterday I saw him sweating in a suit and tie heading home. Apparently my comments about his lack of green endeavors finally got to him. He was coming back from walking to a meeting a mile away from his house.
I think I smell a couple converts. LOL.
A flood is one of the most devastating and powerful natural disasters...yet each flood starts with just one drop of water. You are the man in the mirror, the drop of water, that can effect change. Imagine if you decided to implement just ONE of these Good Friday ideas in your daily life how powerful the effects could be?
Here's one that's easy: Stop buying single-serving packaged products.
Single serve packets, bottled water, beverages, chips, etc. have become more popular as people get busier or try to actively control their portions. Yes, they're convenient, but they typically cost more than the family/regular size, and have a bigger toll on the environment.
So how do you control your portions, get convenient meals/snacks and still help the environment? It's easy: buy the bigger size containers and portion them out in reusable ziploc containers or tupperware (instead of bottled water, buy a water filter and tote around your water in a reusable cup/bottle). The servings will still stay fresh and you'll reduce your trash (and carbon footprint)!
Jun 19, 2009
#129: Why Is Envy Green? (Friday, June 19)
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
It's the best-selling book of all time, and the most widely distributed. And for some of us, it's the guideline by which we live our lives, and the yard-stick with which we measure right and wrong. Yet surprisingly (considering the countless passages that talk about the earth and our treatment of living things), until 2007, the bible wasn't very eco-friendly. (My guess is that it was probably due in part to the thinness of the pages, which might have required a special paper.)
Then in October 2007, Thomas Nelson, Inc. released the world's first bible printed on recycled paper, and the heaven's rejoiced.
It's the best-selling book of all time, and the most widely distributed. And for some of us, it's the guideline by which we live our lives, and the yard-stick with which we measure right and wrong. Yet surprisingly (considering the countless passages that talk about the earth and our treatment of living things), until 2007, the bible wasn't very eco-friendly. (My guess is that it was probably due in part to the thinness of the pages, which might have required a special paper.)
Then in October 2007, Thomas Nelson, Inc. released the world's first bible printed on recycled paper, and the heaven's rejoiced.
I haven't been able to find any statistics on the sales of bibles printed on recycled paper, but can I get an Amen??
One step closer to protecting God's green earth. :)
Jun 12, 2009
#128: It's A Wash (Friday, June 12)
Laundry: it's the bane of my existence. Unfortunately, it's one of the necessities of life. Thankfully there are ways to be green about it (and I don't mean wearing your clothes twice like the celebrities do and calling it a green effort).
Aside from using eco-friendly laundry detergent, here are a few tips that can help make your laundering chores a little more friend.
- Only do full loads of laundry to cut down on the amount of energy expended.
- Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year.
- Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.
- Buy washable clothes instead of clothes that need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning uses harmful chemicals.
- If you must dry clean, try to wear items several times before cleaning them.
Aside from using eco-friendly laundry detergent, here are a few tips that can help make your laundering chores a little more friend.
- Only do full loads of laundry to cut down on the amount of energy expended.
- Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year.
- Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.
- Buy washable clothes instead of clothes that need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning uses harmful chemicals.
- If you must dry clean, try to wear items several times before cleaning them.
Jun 5, 2009
#127: 3 Easy Ways To Make Your Bathroom Greener (Friday, June 5)
I spend a lot of time in my bathroom. As a matter of fact, some of my most brilliant ideas have been developed in that room. So it's always nice to find ways to make it greener. Here are 5 easy, easy tips (did I mention they were easy) to green your bathroom:
- Fill a 1/2 gallon milk bottle with water, cover it and put it in your toilet tank. Older toilets can use up to 5 gallons of water with each flush. Newer toilets use about 2 gallons. By putting a sealed bottle in your tank, it'll reduce the amount of water that is consumed with each flush. Click here to watch a video of this idea.
- Substitute your plastic/vinyl shower curtain for one made out of cotton, linen, hemp or other natural materials. This will reduce your VOC exposure, and will also be greener, since you can wash it and re-use it many times.
- Switch to recycled toilet paper. Do you know that if every household in the United States replaced just one roll of regular toilet paper with 100% recycled toilet paper, we’d save almost half a million trees? Personally, I use Marcal; it's a fraction of the cost of brand name toilet paper, and 100% recycled.
May 29, 2009
#126: Garbage In, Garbage Out? (Friday, May 29)
Since my theme this year is going green, I've gotten called a lot of names by friends: the eco-fanatic, Greenpeace, Hulk, and Kermit (that's my favorite, 'cos it's really not easy being green) to name a few.
Unfortunately, I don't think many people realize the long lasting effects of not adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Air pollution, for example, can be the source of many health problems (wheezing, coughing, respiratory diseases and asthma) and can even shorten one's life.
I was reading an ad on the subway this morning that NY has a carbon footprint that is 75% less than the national average, largely owing to the fact that many people use public transportation. It prompted me to research pollution levels across the country. I was suprised to find out that California, which I thought to be one of the most health-conscious states, is the most polluted state in the country. The state appears at least 4 times on each of the top polluted lists. Another surprise? New York doesn't appear on any of the lists.
Here is some food for thought, courtesy of City Mayors. It's especially noteworthy for people who have kids or are thinking of settling down in those cities (click here to read the entire article):
Most polluted US cities
(By short-term particle pollution)
1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2. Fresno, California
3. Bakersfield, California
4. Los Angeles, California.
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Sacramento, California
8. Logan, Utah
9. Chicago, Illinois
9. Detroit, Michigan
Most polluted US cities
(By ozone pollution)
1. Los Angeles, California
2. Bakersfield, California
3. Visalia, California
4. Fresno, California
5. Houston, Texas
6. Sacramento, California.
7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
9. Phoenix, Arizona
10. El Centro, California
Most polluted US cities
(By year-round particle pollution)
1. Bakersfield, California
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. Los Angeles, California
4. Visalia, California
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Hanford, California
7. Fresno, California
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Detroit, Michigan
10. Cleveland, Ohio
Unfortunately, I don't think many people realize the long lasting effects of not adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Air pollution, for example, can be the source of many health problems (wheezing, coughing, respiratory diseases and asthma) and can even shorten one's life.
I was reading an ad on the subway this morning that NY has a carbon footprint that is 75% less than the national average, largely owing to the fact that many people use public transportation. It prompted me to research pollution levels across the country. I was suprised to find out that California, which I thought to be one of the most health-conscious states, is the most polluted state in the country. The state appears at least 4 times on each of the top polluted lists. Another surprise? New York doesn't appear on any of the lists.
Here is some food for thought, courtesy of City Mayors. It's especially noteworthy for people who have kids or are thinking of settling down in those cities (click here to read the entire article):
Most polluted US cities
(By short-term particle pollution)
1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2. Fresno, California
3. Bakersfield, California
4. Los Angeles, California.
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Sacramento, California
8. Logan, Utah
9. Chicago, Illinois
9. Detroit, Michigan
Most polluted US cities
(By ozone pollution)
1. Los Angeles, California
2. Bakersfield, California
3. Visalia, California
4. Fresno, California
5. Houston, Texas
6. Sacramento, California.
7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
9. Phoenix, Arizona
10. El Centro, California
Most polluted US cities
(By year-round particle pollution)
1. Bakersfield, California
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. Los Angeles, California
4. Visalia, California
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Hanford, California
7. Fresno, California
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Detroit, Michigan
10. Cleveland, Ohio
Remember, every little bit helps...opting to take public transportation even 1 day per week, could dramatically decrease your city's air pollution. What you inhale could be affecting your health.
May 22, 2009
#125: You Can't Take A Holiday From Who You Are (Friday, May 22)
This is a big holiday weekend in the United States: Memorial Day Weekend. All throughout the country, people will be barb-b-queing, jetting off to visit friends and family and just letting loose in preparation for the summer. Even though it's a holiday, we shouldn't take a vacation from trying to do our part to make the Earth a greener place.
Here are some eco-friendly tips that you can implement this Memorial Day Weekend:
Consolidate - If there are several people having BBQs, why not pool your efforts and throw one event?
Carpool - Whether you're going to be beach or a nearby state, link up with some friends (or use a rideshare service) to make your trip a little greener.
If you do decide to host a BBQ keep the following in mind:
1. Even though it cooks a little slower than a regular grill, a solar powered stove best option for outdoor cooking. If that's not available, your other choices are (in order of greenness): natural gas grill, electric grill, propane. Avoid charcoal if possible.
2. Use re-usable dishes and utensils, instead of plastic. If you must use disposable, choose materials that have been recyceled, or those that are biodegradable. Also try to use napkins that can be washed and re-used, but if you have to go with paper napkins choose the ones made from recycled paper.
3. Keep separate bags for your recyclables and regular trash and make sure your guests know that you recycle.
4. Get your produce and ingredients for your BBQ from your local farmer's market.
5. Start a compost heap in a corner of your backyard for scraps of food. The soil from compost can be used to fertilize your garden.
6. Urge guests to take leftover food so that it doesn't go to waste, or donate leftovers to a nearby shelter.
Happy Memorial Day!
Here are some eco-friendly tips that you can implement this Memorial Day Weekend:
Consolidate - If there are several people having BBQs, why not pool your efforts and throw one event?
Carpool - Whether you're going to be beach or a nearby state, link up with some friends (or use a rideshare service) to make your trip a little greener.
If you do decide to host a BBQ keep the following in mind:
1. Even though it cooks a little slower than a regular grill, a solar powered stove best option for outdoor cooking. If that's not available, your other choices are (in order of greenness): natural gas grill, electric grill, propane. Avoid charcoal if possible.
2. Use re-usable dishes and utensils, instead of plastic. If you must use disposable, choose materials that have been recyceled, or those that are biodegradable. Also try to use napkins that can be washed and re-used, but if you have to go with paper napkins choose the ones made from recycled paper.
3. Keep separate bags for your recyclables and regular trash and make sure your guests know that you recycle.
4. Get your produce and ingredients for your BBQ from your local farmer's market.
5. Start a compost heap in a corner of your backyard for scraps of food. The soil from compost can be used to fertilize your garden.
6. Urge guests to take leftover food so that it doesn't go to waste, or donate leftovers to a nearby shelter.
Happy Memorial Day!
May 15, 2009
#124: Forgiveness (Friday, May 15)
I've been struggling a lot lately with the concept of forgiveness. Then this week, a light bulb went off. It appears that I've been a little hypocritical in my thinking. Since January, I've been giving you green tips to make a difference and save the Earth, one of the most forgiving organisms known to mankind.
For years -- no centuries--the Earth has put up with our abuse and neglect, never once complaining and still bearing us fruit, keeping us warm and providing us life. Even now, when she's forgiven us so many times and the results of her forgiveness has started causing a strain on her frail frame, she's continued to bear the brunt of our frustrations and thoughtlessness without complaining.
Even now, when we've started implementing lofty ideas of deserting her for other "inhabitable" planets, she's still forgiving and patient. She never reminds us of the harm we've heaped upon her head, and bears her load in silence.
What have we done to repay her forgiveness? Have we planted trees, saved water, tried to become more eco-friendly? Or have we taken her for granted, and continued to go about our lives?
How many times would a friend have to betray you before you stop forgiving them?
Prove that you're worth the earth's forgiveness, do something eco-friendly today.
Need an idea? Check out the forgiveness garden...
May 8, 2009
Good Friday #123: It's All In The Mind (Friday, May 8)
Did you know May is National Mental Health Month? As a Caribbean person, mental health often comes with such a stigma in our community that a lot of people don't get the treatment or help they need.
Mental illness encompasses more than just the "popular" diseases like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Anxiety, stress and panic attacks (which are more common) are all included.
Since this year our theme is going green, I'm giving 3 green ideas that can also improve your mental health:
Take a hike. Exercise increases endorphins, which will make you feel better, and it's always good to get out and get some fresh air.
Volunteer. Doing good for others always improves your mood. Whether it's helping to build eco-friendly homes, cleaning up a school yard, or donating your time to a worthy cause, you'll feel better afterwards.
Plan an ecofriendly vacation. There's nothing like getting away to appease anxiety and relax. One of my girlfriends went on an eco vacation last year and she said it's the best trip she's been on. Take the Green Vacation Quiz (http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/environment/2008/05/15/how-green-is-your-vacation.html) then start planning your own.
Mental illness encompasses more than just the "popular" diseases like schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Anxiety, stress and panic attacks (which are more common) are all included.
Since this year our theme is going green, I'm giving 3 green ideas that can also improve your mental health:
Take a hike. Exercise increases endorphins, which will make you feel better, and it's always good to get out and get some fresh air.
Volunteer. Doing good for others always improves your mood. Whether it's helping to build eco-friendly homes, cleaning up a school yard, or donating your time to a worthy cause, you'll feel better afterwards.
Plan an ecofriendly vacation. There's nothing like getting away to appease anxiety and relax. One of my girlfriends went on an eco vacation last year and she said it's the best trip she's been on. Take the Green Vacation Quiz (http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/environment/2008/05/15/how-green-is-your-vacation.html) then start planning your own.
May 1, 2009
#122: Spring Cleaning (Friday, May 1)
Admittedly it's a little late for spring cleaning, but better late that never. Here are some tips that I'm using to help my spring cleaning along:
- I've committed to switching out at least 1 cleaning product for a greener/eco friendly alternative. Even if it's something as simple as switching from paper towels to reusable cleaning rags, it's a step in the right direction. If you're a parent, this is probably an even better idea: in 2004, traditional cleaning products were responsible for about 9% of the calls to poison control centers. Method Mint Window Cleaner is the new Windex. :)
- I'm hosting another clothing exchange party at my house. If I haven't worn it in more than a year, it's going in the clothing exchange pile. If you can't make it to my party, check out organizations like Clothing Swap and Swap-O-Rama-Rama for adults; Swap Baby Goods and Zwaggle for babies; Paper Back Swap for books; and Zunafish for books, CDs, DVDs and videograms. And of course, there's always Freecycle.
- I'm giving my old jeans which are no longer wearable to Habitat for Humanity. They'll use them as insulation in the houses they build.
Apr 24, 2009
#121: Capture the Sun (Friday, April 24)
The sun is a powerful resource in our efforts to go green; it can help you lower electricity, heating and cooling bills...and it's a great source of Vitamin D! :) Whenever I go to Barbados, I'm always impressed by their ability to harness solar energy. For a small island, they are very progressive in that regard.
Here are some tips to capture the sun's power:
- In winter, leave shades open during the day to help heat your home.
- In the summer, close shades during the day to help keep your home cool.
- Install a skylight (or larger windows) in your home to let in more light. That way you can capitalize on daylight instead of turning on electric lights.
- When the weather is nice, do outdoor activities (cooking, reading, etc.) to maximize your use of the sun. You use more energy when you stay inside.
Capture the sun!
Apr 17, 2009
#120: Beauty (Friday, April 17)
One thing is certain: even in times of recession, women still need to feel beautiful. As a result, a woman will do whatever it takes to maintain her beauty regimen. We spend so much time making ourselves beautiful; imagine how powerful it would be if we expended half that energy on doing the same for our planet.
I'm not a big make up person perse, but recognizing that many of the women I know are, this may be a good time to share some eco-friendly make up suggestions.
Use products that have not been tested on animals. The Body Shop is known for its proactive stance against animal testing.
Buy products that donate to environmental causes or are otherwise eco-friendly. Check out The Body Shop's Community Trade, Protect Our Planet and Human Rights programs.
I'm not a big make up person perse, but recognizing that many of the women I know are, this may be a good time to share some eco-friendly make up suggestions.
Use products that have not been tested on animals. The Body Shop is known for its proactive stance against animal testing.
Buy products that donate to environmental causes or are otherwise eco-friendly. Check out The Body Shop's Community Trade, Protect Our Planet and Human Rights programs.
M·A·C Cosmetics also has a strong commitment to the environment by accepting returns of its primary packaging through the Back to M·A·C Program. Ladies (or men, we don't judge) who return six [6] M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics online, will receive a free M·A·C lipstick of their choice as a show of the company's appreciation.
Audit your beauty provider. Do you know how the products you use are made? What about the companies? Are they proactively supporting eco-friendly practices? If you don't know, make it your business to find out. And if they don't have a cosmetic recycling program, suggest that they start one.
You want to feel beautiful; let's keep the earth beautiful too.
Audit your beauty provider. Do you know how the products you use are made? What about the companies? Are they proactively supporting eco-friendly practices? If you don't know, make it your business to find out. And if they don't have a cosmetic recycling program, suggest that they start one.
You want to feel beautiful; let's keep the earth beautiful too.
Apr 10, 2009
119: Travel Light (Friday, April 10)
Greetings from Paris!
Today's entry is something that I'm guilty of myself: not traveling green enough. Sure I commute as green as I can (Walk to Work Day was a success by the way), but I also take several trips outside of the country each year by plane which diminishes my greenness in the States.
Thankfully I'm in a city that is quite eco-friendly so it helps to remind me of the things I could be doing to be greener. If you travel frequently, here are some tips you can implement to cut down onyour carbon footprint:
Try to fly direct. Each time you make a connection, it uses more energy since the plane has to use more energy and fuel to take off and land.
Fly coach. First/business class traveling uses more energy (they get more specialized services). The energy consumption per passenger is much more efficient.
Offset your travel. There are companies that you can donate money to who will use offset the carbon emissions of your travel by using the money to fund eco-friendly ventures.
Travel light. The more luggage you bring, the more energy it takes to get it there.
Bon voyage!
Today's entry is something that I'm guilty of myself: not traveling green enough. Sure I commute as green as I can (Walk to Work Day was a success by the way), but I also take several trips outside of the country each year by plane which diminishes my greenness in the States.
Thankfully I'm in a city that is quite eco-friendly so it helps to remind me of the things I could be doing to be greener. If you travel frequently, here are some tips you can implement to cut down onyour carbon footprint:
Try to fly direct. Each time you make a connection, it uses more energy since the plane has to use more energy and fuel to take off and land.
Fly coach. First/business class traveling uses more energy (they get more specialized services). The energy consumption per passenger is much more efficient.
Offset your travel. There are companies that you can donate money to who will use offset the carbon emissions of your travel by using the money to fund eco-friendly ventures.
Travel light. The more luggage you bring, the more energy it takes to get it there.
Bon voyage!
Apr 3, 2009
#119: National Volunteer Week (Friday, April 3)
I read some sobering statistics today. According to Volunteering in America (http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/national.cfm), New York rank's LAST (yup, you read right) in volunteering in the 50 states and Washington D.C. (Utah was first, in case you were wondering.)
Well, the great news is we'll have an opportunity to jump rank. National Volunteer Week is April 19 - 25, and I want YOU, yes YOU reading this, to do something in your community.
No matter where you live, find a community service project that could benefit from your time and talents. If you're in New York City, it just so happens that New York Cares (www.nycares.org) is having Hands On New York Day on April 25. There will be GREEN community projects throughout the day in various boroughs.
If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll remember that we participated in Hands On New York Day a couple of years ago and had a blast. I'll be participating in Prospect Park this year.
So, navigate away from this page now. Go into Google, search for volunteer events in your city, and sign up for one of them happening during April 19 - 25.
Well, the great news is we'll have an opportunity to jump rank. National Volunteer Week is April 19 - 25, and I want YOU, yes YOU reading this, to do something in your community.
No matter where you live, find a community service project that could benefit from your time and talents. If you're in New York City, it just so happens that New York Cares (www.nycares.org) is having Hands On New York Day on April 25. There will be GREEN community projects throughout the day in various boroughs.
If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll remember that we participated in Hands On New York Day a couple of years ago and had a blast. I'll be participating in Prospect Park this year.
So, navigate away from this page now. Go into Google, search for volunteer events in your city, and sign up for one of them happening during April 19 - 25.
Mar 27, 2009
#118: I'm So Excited! (Friday, March 27)
Since 2004, the first Friday of every month has been National Walk to Work Day in the USA. On that day , people are encouraged to walk for all or part of their commute. Next Friday, April 3 is National Walk to Work Day 2009.
If you take public transportation, either walk a few stops further than where you'd normally board the bus/train, or get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way. If you drive to work, try parking further away and walking the rest of the way to work.
If your commute is too long, try a Walk to Lunch Day instead: invite your colleages to go with you for a half-hour walk during lunch.
No matter what your commuting situation, try to walk (more than you normally do) on April 3. The goal is to get at least a half hour walk in (15 minutes each way).
The benefits are three fold: you reduce your carbon footprint, you get some additional exercise, and you participate in a national environmentally-friendly effort.
I've already roped in a few of my coworkers to participate. You should do the same. I'll be walking to work on Friday, April 3...will you?
Remember, tomorrow is Earth Hour! If you're in Brooklyn, join me at bushbaby to celebrate.
Mar 20, 2009
Good Friday #117: Spring Has Sprung! (Friday, March 20)
Whoo-hoo!!! Spring has sprung! Today is officially the first day of spring, and it makes me happy because it reminds me that summer is always here. Plus, spring always makes me think of new beginnings and love. I don't know, do a lot of people fall in love in Spring?
Well, since spring (and love) is in the air, I thought of some great romantic green ideas, which may ideal for a first date:
Have a candlelit dinner at home. Dining out has a higher carbon footprint than eating in: you don't have to use transportation (well, at least not for two people anyway) and you can choose to use locally-grown and organic ingredients. And if you use candlelight, you're also cutting down on the energy you consume. This is a FANTASTIC Earth Hour idea, by the way.
Go tandem bike-riding. You're burning calories, staying in shape and it's a zero-emissions form of transportation. And if you're like me who doesn't know how to ride a bike, it's a great way to participate in an activity you've always wanted to.
Watch the sunset...or look at the stars. Yeah, it's been done to death, but it's still a lovely thing to do. If you're in Brooklyn, there's this awesome place in Williamsburg where I've watched many a sunset. It's great.
Go hiking. Ok, being stuck in the woods with someone you barely know may not be the ideal first date, but it's a romantic thing to do with someone you're involved in. You're exercising, and leaving less of a carbon footprint than many other traditional dating activities.
Here's to spring!
Well, since spring (and love) is in the air, I thought of some great romantic green ideas, which may ideal for a first date:
Have a candlelit dinner at home. Dining out has a higher carbon footprint than eating in: you don't have to use transportation (well, at least not for two people anyway) and you can choose to use locally-grown and organic ingredients. And if you use candlelight, you're also cutting down on the energy you consume. This is a FANTASTIC Earth Hour idea, by the way.
Go tandem bike-riding. You're burning calories, staying in shape and it's a zero-emissions form of transportation. And if you're like me who doesn't know how to ride a bike, it's a great way to participate in an activity you've always wanted to.
Watch the sunset...or look at the stars. Yeah, it's been done to death, but it's still a lovely thing to do. If you're in Brooklyn, there's this awesome place in Williamsburg where I've watched many a sunset. It's great.
Go hiking. Ok, being stuck in the woods with someone you barely know may not be the ideal first date, but it's a romantic thing to do with someone you're involved in. You're exercising, and leaving less of a carbon footprint than many other traditional dating activities.
Here's to spring!
Mar 13, 2009
#116: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words (Friday, March 13)
I love art and I'm passionate about the environment. Imagine my joy when I recently stumbled upon the work of artist Chris Jordan, who's taken a powerful step of depicting waste in photographs. I was blown away. Running the Numbers looks at contemporary American culture through the austere lens of statistics. Each image portrays a specific quantity of something: fifteen million sheets of office paper (five minutes of paper use); 106,000 aluminum cans (thirty seconds of can consumption) and so on.
In Chris' own words: "My hope is that images representing these quantities might have a different effect than the raw numbers alone, such as we find daily in articles and books. Statistics can feel abstract and anesthetizing, making it difficult to connect with and make meaning of 3.6 million SUV sales in one year, for example, or 2.3 million Americans in prison, or 32,000 breast augmentation surgeries in the U.S. every month." Take a look at some of my favorites:
Toothpicks, 2008 Depicts one hundred million toothpicks, equal to the number of trees cut in the U.S. yearly to make the paper for junk mail.
Toothpicks, 2008 Depicts one hundred million toothpicks, equal to the number of trees cut in the U.S. yearly to make the paper for junk mail.
Plastic Cups, 2008 Depicts one million plastic cups, the number used on airline flights in the US every six hours. The partial zoom and full zoom images even more astounding.
Barbie Dolls, 2008 Depicts 32,000 Barbies, equal to the number of elective breast augmentation surgeries performed monthly in the US in 2006. The partial zoom and actual print size takes your breath away.
Barbie Dolls, 2008 Depicts 32,000 Barbies, equal to the number of elective breast augmentation surgeries performed monthly in the US in 2006. The partial zoom and actual print size takes your breath away.
Skull With Cigarette, 2007 [based on a painting by Van Gogh] Depicts 200,000 packs of cigarettes, equal to the number of Americans who die from cigarette smoking every six months. When youzoom in, you'll see that this picture was crafted from actual cigarette boxes!
Cans Seurat, 2007 Depicts 106,000 aluminum cans, the number used in the US every thirty seconds. Partial zoom and full zoom
Seriously, the site speaks for itself. Take 10 minutes and go through all the images. It will definitely give you pause: http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=7
Mar 6, 2009
#115: One Hour (Friday, March 6)
It started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, the goal is to expand the movement to 1 billion people. What are you doing on March 28, 2009?
Me? I'll be organizing my friends into a massive "dark event". Drinks, food and one hour of complete darkness. Are you in?
In 2009, the goal is to expand the movement to 1 billion people. What are you doing on March 28, 2009?
Me? I'll be organizing my friends into a massive "dark event". Drinks, food and one hour of complete darkness. Are you in?
Feb 27, 2009
#114: Guess What's Cookin'? (Friday, February 27)
So, I'm a huge fan of Top Chef, and seeing as how this week was the finale, I thought it would be appropriate to give some green cooking tips.
The Impact: Cooking in the average U.S. home uses enough energy to generate a half ton of greenhouse gases each year. Every gallon of water you boil produces a pound of greenhouse emissions.
The Idea: Boil only the amount of hot water you'll need; don't fill the kettle for a cup of tea. Cover pots instead of letting them boil opened. Don't pre-heat your oven, and if you're using the oven consider maximizing it's efficiency by using the oven for as much of your meal as possible. So if you're baking a chicken, consider baked potatoes rather than something that has to be prepared on the stovetop.
When shopping for cooking appliances, buy a convection oven (it produces 33% less greenhouse gases than a convectional one).
And finally, try to use a toaster oven or microwave if possible...smaller appliances are more efficient.
The Result: lower bills, lower emissions, and maybe even a healthier diet!
The Impact: Cooking in the average U.S. home uses enough energy to generate a half ton of greenhouse gases each year. Every gallon of water you boil produces a pound of greenhouse emissions.
The Idea: Boil only the amount of hot water you'll need; don't fill the kettle for a cup of tea. Cover pots instead of letting them boil opened. Don't pre-heat your oven, and if you're using the oven consider maximizing it's efficiency by using the oven for as much of your meal as possible. So if you're baking a chicken, consider baked potatoes rather than something that has to be prepared on the stovetop.
When shopping for cooking appliances, buy a convection oven (it produces 33% less greenhouse gases than a convectional one).
And finally, try to use a toaster oven or microwave if possible...smaller appliances are more efficient.
The Result: lower bills, lower emissions, and maybe even a healthier diet!
Feb 20, 2009
#113: See The Big Picture (Friday, February 20)
I have a little TV in my bedroom that one of my friends like to call The Icecube. It's about 12 inches, and the only reason I'm able to watch it is because of my laser eye surgery. LOL. But I just found out it's actually very energy efficient.
The Impact: Large flat screen TVs consume two to three times the power of smaller, conventional sets, which can significantly increase electricity costs. As a matter of fact, a 42-inch plasma set can consume more electricity than a full-size refrigerator -- even when that TV is used only a few hours a day. Don't believe me? See for yourself. (Source: Con Edison)
The Idea: If you really need a plasma TV (and who really needs a plasma anyway?), use these steps to conserve energy:
The Impact: Large flat screen TVs consume two to three times the power of smaller, conventional sets, which can significantly increase electricity costs. As a matter of fact, a 42-inch plasma set can consume more electricity than a full-size refrigerator -- even when that TV is used only a few hours a day. Don't believe me? See for yourself. (Source: Con Edison)
The Idea: If you really need a plasma TV (and who really needs a plasma anyway?), use these steps to conserve energy:
The Result: Lower electricity bills which will save you money, and lower energy emissions which is great for our planet.1. Plug your TV, DVR, or DVD into a power strip, then turn off the power strip when you are done watching.
2. Choose a slightly dimmer setting from your TV's on-screen menu such as "movie or pro." This can result in a more appropriate level of brightness and significantly lower power draw.
Feb 12, 2009
#112: Make the World Your Valentine (Friday, February 13)
I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, but realizing that many people do, I've decided to make it the topic for this week.
The Impact: Nearly one billion valentine cards are sent each year globally, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. That's enough cards to stretch around the world 5 times, if laid end-to-end. Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year and V-Day is the top holiday for purchasing fresh flowers. Ten percent of all engagements happen on Valentine's Day. With these statistics, it's not hard to see the potential impact of this mass consumption on our en
The Idea:
The Impact: Nearly one billion valentine cards are sent each year globally, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. That's enough cards to stretch around the world 5 times, if laid end-to-end. Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year and V-Day is the top holiday for purchasing fresh flowers. Ten percent of all engagements happen on Valentine's Day. With these statistics, it's not hard to see the potential impact of this mass consumption on our en
The Idea:
- Send plantable cards (similar to the ones from my birthday), or cards made from recycled or tree-free paper. Or you can cut the cost down altogether by sending an e-card.
- If you're giving chocolate, choose fair trade products that give back to the farmers, or try organic products that are easier on the environment.
- Give locally-grown flowers from the farmer's market, or at least make sure they're organically grown.
- Nothing says "I love you" like planting a tree, or giving a donation to an environmentally-friendly organization in your Valentine's name.
- If jewelry is your thing, purchase from jewelers who are certified to be sourcing precious metals and gemstones in an ecologically and socially responsible manner.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant specializing in organic or locally grown food, or donate excess food to responsible organizations.
Feb 6, 2009
#111: The Benefits of Borrowing (Friday, February 6)
The Impact: Thirty-three percent of all trash thrown away in the U.S. is packaging materials. Americans toss more than 75 million tons of packaging into landfills each year, and less than half of it is recycled.
The Idea: Much of this packaging waste can be reduced by borrowing items from others. Do you really need to own a book you will likely read only once, or would it be more effective to borrow from the library? Isn't it more effective to use a video--er, no one uses video anymore--DVD rental service? Try borrowing things that you rarely use or anticipate using only once. Send an email to your friends, or use community sites like Craigslist and Freecycle to borrow items like camping gear, tools and other items.
The Result: Less waste of packaging materials, you save money, and (in the case of borrowing books), you save a public institution that is on the verge of going extinct.
The Idea: Much of this packaging waste can be reduced by borrowing items from others. Do you really need to own a book you will likely read only once, or would it be more effective to borrow from the library? Isn't it more effective to use a video--er, no one uses video anymore--DVD rental service? Try borrowing things that you rarely use or anticipate using only once. Send an email to your friends, or use community sites like Craigslist and Freecycle to borrow items like camping gear, tools and other items.
The Result: Less waste of packaging materials, you save money, and (in the case of borrowing books), you save a public institution that is on the verge of going extinct.
Jan 30, 2009
#110: Take A Back Seat (Friday, January 30)
The Impact: Sixty percent of Americans have access to public transportation, yet only 10 percent use it frequently, and just 4 percent use it as their primary method of commuting. An even smaller percentage actually walk or cycle. Furthermore, even though America only has 30 percent of the world's cars, Americans are responsible for nearly 50 percent of the daily global fuel consumption.
The Idea: Take public transportation, carpool, bike or walk whenever you can, instead of jumping in a car. Use services such as Craigslist rideshare to share transportation for longer trips.
The Result: You can save over two tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, you can do your part in preventing traffic and congestion (and as a result, air pollution), you'll save money (since you won't have to pay for insurance, parking, gas) and you'll help to lower dependence on fuel.
The Idea: Take public transportation, carpool, bike or walk whenever you can, instead of jumping in a car. Use services such as Craigslist rideshare to share transportation for longer trips.
The Result: You can save over two tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, you can do your part in preventing traffic and congestion (and as a result, air pollution), you'll save money (since you won't have to pay for insurance, parking, gas) and you'll help to lower dependence on fuel.
Jan 23, 2009
#109: It's Your Call (Friday, January 23)
The Impact: Cell phones contain toxic metals such as nickel, lead, arsenic and zinc (among others). These metals do not degrade well and can have adverse effects on the environment. For example, arsenic, despite being found in the earth's crust can be lethal in it's inorganic form. Arsenic-contaminated environments are characterized by limited species abundance and diversity.
The Idea: Recycle your old phones. Cell phone recycling and wireless recycling programs keep valuable materials out of landfills, including an estimated $630,000 of precious metals from circuit boards, and enough copper from phone chargers to recover the Statue of Liberty, twice.
Use websites such as www.freecycle.org, www.wirelessrecycling.com and www.charitablerecycling.com to donate your used cell phone or start a donation program in your neighborhood. You can donate functional cell phones to nonprofit organizations, or (if you're from another country like I am), send them to lesser developed countries to help bridge the communication divide, or even donate the parts to make other products.
The Result: You reduce your carbon footprint, and you could potentially make a difference in someone's life.
The Idea: Recycle your old phones. Cell phone recycling and wireless recycling programs keep valuable materials out of landfills, including an estimated $630,000 of precious metals from circuit boards, and enough copper from phone chargers to recover the Statue of Liberty, twice.
Use websites such as www.freecycle.org, www.wirelessrecycling.com and www.charitablerecycling.com to donate your used cell phone or start a donation program in your neighborhood. You can donate functional cell phones to nonprofit organizations, or (if you're from another country like I am), send them to lesser developed countries to help bridge the communication divide, or even donate the parts to make other products.
The Result: You reduce your carbon footprint, and you could potentially make a difference in someone's life.
Jan 16, 2009
#108: Eat Your Heart Out (Friday, January 16)
The Impact: Nearly one third of all food produced each year in the U.S. for human consumption ends up in the garbage. That's 48 million tons of food (about 160 pounds per person) wasted each year that could've fed nearly 50 million people.
The Idea: If it's on your plate, eat it...or take it to go, but don't throw it out. Think about the person who would have loved to have your leftovers. And if you're not a leftover person, take it to go and give it to a homeless person on the street.
You can also choose to eat at restaurants that donate unused food to local food programs, such as City Harvest in New York. When you make reservations, ask if the restaurant participates in such a program.
The Result: You'll save money and conserve energy used to process that food into landfills. Plus, it takes less energy to reheat leftovers than it does to cook a new meal.
The Idea: If it's on your plate, eat it...or take it to go, but don't throw it out. Think about the person who would have loved to have your leftovers. And if you're not a leftover person, take it to go and give it to a homeless person on the street.
You can also choose to eat at restaurants that donate unused food to local food programs, such as City Harvest in New York. When you make reservations, ask if the restaurant participates in such a program.
The Result: You'll save money and conserve energy used to process that food into landfills. Plus, it takes less energy to reheat leftovers than it does to cook a new meal.
Jan 9, 2009
#107: A Latte Goes A Long Way (Friday, January 9)
The Impact: Every year, Americans drink more than 100 billion cups of coffee. (Thank you, you put me through school and made my dad a decent living!) However, of these billions of cups of coffee, nearly 15 billion are served in disposable cups -- enough to wrap the Earth 55 times if placed end to end. What's more, the inside of those cups have a plastic lining made from a petrochemical that would produce enough energy to heat 8300 homes for a year! (Source: Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach and Hillary Rosner)
The Idea: BYOTM! Bring Your Own Travel Mug and get your coffee poured directly into the mug, rather than in a disposable cup.
The Result: You'll save trees, save energy and probably save a few cents on every cup of coffee (since they won't have to charge you for the cup).
The Idea: BYOTM! Bring Your Own Travel Mug and get your coffee poured directly into the mug, rather than in a disposable cup.
The Result: You'll save trees, save energy and probably save a few cents on every cup of coffee (since they won't have to charge you for the cup).
Jan 2, 2009
#106: Good Friday Goes Green (Friday, January 2)
Happy New Year to all, and welcome to 2009. I started this blog with the hope of impacting others through my actions. Last year our focus was on enjoying life for what it was, and this year, we'll be going green.
One of my first green suggestions (Must Be Somethin' In The Water, GF #13) wasn't met with a warm reception. As a matter of fact, it just happens to be the most commented on Good Friday in 3 years. Who knew people were so averse to taking one cold shower a week? LOL.
But we're going to try again this year to be green and hopefully help to preserve the world for the generations after us. And since going green begins at home, our first idea will be too:
The Idea: See the little light on your TV, stereo or computer? It's called an LED, a light-emitting diode, and it can help you become a greener person in just one simple step. In my house, I always leave the cable boxes on so I can see the time and I never unplug my microwave, but not any more...
The Impact: Those LEDs are usually pretty small, but they have a big impact. Every year one LED can create nearly 200 pounds of greenhouse gases, and can add almost $100 dollars to your electricity bill. Even in standby mode, LEDs may still be operating at nearly a half of their full running power.
What You Can Do: Turn off appliances when they are not being used instead of leaving them on standby. And make sure you switch them off at the power source. You can also go a step further by unplugging items when they're not in use.
The Benefit: You'll lower your energy consumption (and your electric bill!) and you'll also have lower carbon emissions from greenhouse gases. :)
One of my first green suggestions (Must Be Somethin' In The Water, GF #13) wasn't met with a warm reception. As a matter of fact, it just happens to be the most commented on Good Friday in 3 years. Who knew people were so averse to taking one cold shower a week? LOL.
But we're going to try again this year to be green and hopefully help to preserve the world for the generations after us. And since going green begins at home, our first idea will be too:
The Idea: See the little light on your TV, stereo or computer? It's called an LED, a light-emitting diode, and it can help you become a greener person in just one simple step. In my house, I always leave the cable boxes on so I can see the time and I never unplug my microwave, but not any more...
The Impact: Those LEDs are usually pretty small, but they have a big impact. Every year one LED can create nearly 200 pounds of greenhouse gases, and can add almost $100 dollars to your electricity bill. Even in standby mode, LEDs may still be operating at nearly a half of their full running power.
What You Can Do: Turn off appliances when they are not being used instead of leaving them on standby. And make sure you switch them off at the power source. You can also go a step further by unplugging items when they're not in use.
The Benefit: You'll lower your energy consumption (and your electric bill!) and you'll also have lower carbon emissions from greenhouse gases. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
