Monday is garbage pick up day in my neighborhood and I'm proud to say me and Booger generated 2.0 bags of refuse this passed week. And recycled at least 18 gallons of recyclables. If we were anymore greener we would be choking on chorophyll. We've been doing this ever since the term recyclable appeared. Even before the city decided to incorporate the concept.
No matter what side you find yourself on the debate about global warming to recycle only makes sense. If nothing else developers won't have to develop on garbage dumps. So here is another Reverend Rub's approved list of ways to help keep the planet healthy.
Save money in the bathroom
Buy water-efficient showerheads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month — and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Two me and Booger like: Kohler's Master Shower Eco (kohler.com) and Niagara Conservation's Earth Massage (niagaraconservation.com).
Bring home superhero plants
Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states — Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont — it's illegal to throw them away. Wherever you live, you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to rbrc.org.
Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37° F. and the freezer at 0° F.
Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you'll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run — CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional ones. (Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That's no longer a problem. When we compared a regular bulb with a GE Energy Star Qualified CFL, testers couldn't tell the difference.) You can buy CFLs at most hardware and home stores. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out.
From furniture to electronics, one person's trash is another's treasure — so when you want to dispose of an old item, don't make the dump your first stop. Two sites with alternatives: freecycle.org and earth911.org.
Today's non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you're getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.
You may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio. We like Malibu's Solar Floodlight (intermatic.com)
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides.
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.
At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they'll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won't clog landfills or kill trees. To try: EarthShell plates and bowls (earthshell.com). They're made from corn, potatoes, and limestone — and cost less than 6 cents per plate.
Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months. This is one of my pet peeves. I can't believe there is scientific proof that Junk Mail works. Please, Please call this number and tell friends, relatives even strangers. I implore you.
Double up on printing
Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page. You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple email? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.
Help a planet out...will ya?
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Comments: 3
Let me add a couple of suggestions that cost some money, but most middle-class families (those of us, who are left) can do.
Buy renewable energy. Some utilites offer this option locally.
Buy a hybrid.