Think Global, Act Local
By Cari Scribner/Life@Home
Every effort we make in our homes and businesses to reduce waste and protect the Earth helps pave the way for global change. Worldwatch Institute, an independent global research organization based in Washington, D.C., offers plenty of ideas that can easily be incorporated into your family’s regular routine. Worldwatch studies energy, resource and environmental issues, and then offers a forum for sharing ideas on how to go green and save green at home and at work.
Here’s a sampling of Worldwatch tips to try:
- Use cold water to wash clothes whenever possible. Nearly 85 percent of the energy used to wash clothes in a washing machine goes to heating the water.
- Hang clothing on a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy typically used by your dryer.
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. You won’t feel a significant difference, but the savings can be huge.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) promptly when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
- Unplug appliances when not in use. Or, use a smart powerstrip that senses when appliances are off and eliminates phantom energy use.
- Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in improving your health and reducing traffic.
- Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs and boosts your cardiovascular health.
- Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
- If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat is costly and even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
- Buy locally raised, organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
- Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. They’re inexpensive, conserve heat and water, and still keep water pressure high.
- Plant bulbs this fall for drought-tolerant native plants in your garden next spring. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
Skip the bottled water:
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
- Bring a reusable aluminum water bottle with you when traveling or going to work.
Think before you buy:
- Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate, track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
- Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
- Make sure you know what will suit your needs long-term and what won’t. Avoid buying items that will need replacing in the near future. Your purchases have a huge impact on the environment and solid waste facilities.
Borrow instead of buying:
- Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, as well as the ink and paper that goes into printing new books. Or pass along books you’ve read to friends, who will appreciate the chance for a great read.
- Share power tools and outdoor equipment. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors while also cutting down on the number of gadgets cluttering your closet or garage.
- Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but there will be far less waste. Bonus: time saved that you’d spend shopping for new items.
Keep electronics out of the trash:
- Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
- Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
- Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxins and is a growing environmental problem.
The EWG’s 2013 Guide to Sunscreens lists nearly 200 beach and sport sunscreens that meet their strict criteria. Products are listed by brand names. To check the list before you head into the sun, go to ewg.org/2013sunscreen