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Caspers Mum
Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2002
Posts: 1694
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:34 pm |
Along the same thread as Puglove's post: I thought that I'd begin one that will allow us to detail the positive steps which we're each taking in our own lives, to help improve our environment. We may give ourselves a pat on the back, and in sharing our personal habits, may inspire others to start doing the same. Remember: little things, add up!
My Eco-Smart Habits
1. Usually use my backpack/cloth bag when shopping. If I need a bag, I ask for paper & reuse or recyle it when home. Otherwise, I carry my purchases without a bag.
2. I walk or use public transit. I've never owned a car, but thankfully live in a city with a great transit system, and everything I need is close to home. (I applaud those whom commute using transit, carpool, or whom have invested in fuel-efficient vehicles!)
3. I recycle ALL of my cans, bottles, paper products, and recycleable plastic containers. We have big recycling bins behind my apartment building, which the City of Vancouver collects.
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/solidwaste/recycling/apartment.htm At work, the bins behind our building are only for the apartment residents (above spa), but I try to ensure that soda/juice cans, Tetra pack, bottles all go into the bin anyhow, anonymously. Binners take them, bringing them to depots, and get the needed cash anyhow. I try to sneak-in unobvious stuff too, which any apartment dweller might put in the bins: laundry detergent boxes/bottles, etc. I may start bringing our other waste home, and recycling it here, as not to get in-trouble with the spa's landlords!
I need to invest in a good set of rechargable batteries & a charger (pricey). I am starting to collect my used batteries to send to local depot.
4. I donate stuff to local thrift/second-hand stores such as the Salvation Army, SPCA Thrift Store, etc. I also have found a lot of great stuff in those stores, saving me money. I've pretty much outfitted my apartment in things from these stores, and you'd be amazed at what people get rid of! (Hello! I found PERFECT custom made, brand-new horizontal blinds, for my bedroom window -still in their factory packaging - for $10, three years ago. The blinds for my patio doors: $10 each, perfect condition!) I won't even get-into how AMAZING my Mum is at finding awesome stuff in these stores.
5. I rarely, if ever, buy bottled water. I need to invest in a good, sturdy, reusable water bottle though. I've used a Brita filter at home for years, but quite frankly, don't mind the taste of tap water in Vancouver. Not anywhere as good as the water where I grew-up (Smithers, BC), but palatable. Smithers, by the way: icy cold, little chlorine, and from a glacier fed system . Other places aren't so lucky. Example: Windsor, Ontario/Detroit, Michigan: water tastes like a**, due to the zebra mussels & pollution in Detroit River/Lake St. Clair Sucks to be them, and others with nasty-tasting water, but ... get a filter at home, and add lemon for taste. There are some GREAT, economical filteration pitchers out there. The newest (in Canada) looks cool, but I'll stick to my old Brita!
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443294655&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672186&bmUID=1176063069565
6. I'm being more consciencious of my cleaning products, and will no longer buy those with toxic chemicals. You'd be amazed at how well peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, salt & elbow grease work! I am using-up my storebrand cleansers (dish & laundry), and bought my first bottle of enviro-friendly dish detergent the other day. True: they cost more, but I happened to find one on-sale for $2.29 http://vipsoap.com/p-echo-household-tangerine-dish-soap.html - smells great! (I will add a tiny bit of bleach, if I've been cooking any meat/fish though.) I don't own a dishwasher, and don't need one, by the way. There are a lot of great brands in North America, and though they cost more than the bargain or name-brands that most people buy, I remind myself that I am investing in a cleaner environment for the future. Things go on-sale, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled! I'm expecting some samples to arrive from Seventh Generation, but will likely try to buy Canadian brands. Those whom use dishwashers: yes, there ARE enviro-friendly detergents and rinse agents available.
No more fabric softner sheets or petrol. based liquid versions for me, once my dryer sheets are used-up! I'm going to try tossing-in old tennis balls OR may invest-in dryer balls. I can add some essential oil to both. Will resort to enviro-friendly softeners if these methods don't do the job. I live in an apartment: no clothes-line to dry my stuff on. (I miss the scent of line-dried linens!)
7. I'm also trying to use the least amount of laundry & dish detergent necessary. We all use more than necessary, I believe, even though many of us buy concentrated laundry & dish detergent. A little goes a long way, especially if your local water is soft like Vancouver's. Those whom get their water from a well-source, or whose community supply is of a harder nature may not see as much sudsing, but it doesn't mean that the small, required amount isn't effective.
8. I don't use appliances unnecessarily: hardly ever using my hair-dryer, flat iron, etc. It's just me using electricity at home, and my monthly bill is about $20. I can do better. Will start unplugging computer printer, DVD/VCR, stereo & microwave when not needed, and see what results on my bill. I have a watch & a wall-clock; I don't need the clock on my microwave or stereo!
Laundry: machines in my apt. building don't allow me to adjust water level, and don't appear to be energy-saving appliances. I only do loads when I know the machine will be filled, and if I really need to do a smaller load (i.e. black clothes or dish cloths/towels), on occasion, I will do them in the better machine at the spa. (yes, I bring my own detergent, Magda! ) Waste of electricity, water, and money to do such little loads at home ($2, per machine!!).
Vacuum: mine's 10 years-old, and I don't have much carpeting in my place. Just bought one of those awesome, rubber-bristled Sweepa brooms this past week, and LOVE it! I can "sweepa" my carpet, and it actually picks-up more of Casper's fur than my vacuum does.(really low-pile, crap carpeting in my place, and it's a never-ending battle with cat fur)
I think I paid about $23 for it, and my colleague loved mine so much that she too bought one, the following day! http://www.sweepa.com/home_1.html
9. I rarely take baths, and have a water-saving shower-head. Unlimited water in my building, and sometimes my showers are longer than necessary. Will work on this bad habit.
10. No more paper towels or napkins for me! I have ONE roll left at home, but a lot of rags to clean with! Newspapers/flyers work well when cleaning windows. I can grab those from the junk mail or recycling bin. LOL! Plastic utensils and paper plates: evil!! So are those damn chopsticks which come with take-out! I have my own at home, and recognize how many trees must go into such utensils.
11. I haven't tried any enviro-friendly personal care items yet, but will consider these once my shampoo, conditioner, etc are gone. Likewise for skincare & cosmetics. (fortunately, I will be able try stuff available through work) As for fem. protection: I'd love to invest in a Diva Cup or Keeper, but I have an I.U.D., and am aware of the expulsion risk with cup/suction protection. Will keep my eyes peeled for sales of enviro-friendly stuff. Luna seems to have some interesting, no-brainer products though: http://www.lunapads.com/
I probably do more than I realize, and there a definitely many areas which I could improve. Example: I am weak when it comes to resisting the purchase of magazines! Such a waste of money & paper! Baby steps, everyone. Baby steps.
In closing, I thought I'd add a thread to last week's interview with Terry Taminnen. Great interview, and agree with Taminnen about proactive enviro. changes being implemented at a state/provincial level, not federal. (Canada is a part of the Kyoto Accord, but PM Harper is trying to back out!) Enjoy the interview. I sure did. Yet another reason why I love Strombo. & The Hour!
http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/video.php?id=1493
I feel that this thread deserves a sticky, as sharing our own habits with each other may inspire another to instigate the same changes and share their own proactive habits. |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:59 pm |
Great thread, Casper's Mum! It definitely inspired me to do more. Right now I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't do much, but here's what I do:
*After I read magazines I take them to to salons, doctor's offices, dentist's offices, etc. That way many more people can read them before they get recycled.
*I try to avoid using cleaning products with harch chemicals. These days I use almost all "Method" products in my home. "Method" is a great company that does NOT do animal testing and that avoids harsh chemicals, and actually I've noticed that their products work better too. (Ladies with babies, they have a new Baby Laundry detergent out that smells GORGEOUS and cleans better than the irritating lead brands!)
*I try to buy my cosmetics and body care products as often as I can from companies that take care of the earth, recycle, and give back. For example, Burt's Bees, Kate's Caring Gifts, Alima, etc etc.
*I carry a handkerchief with me to dry my hands with, clean up spills, etc etc so I don't need to use as many paper towels or napkins when I'm out. |
_________________ 27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:03 pm |
Ok, I always try my best, but I'm not very good... I can do more, and I know it, but sometimes recyceling is a big hassel when you don't have any bins near your home.
*I walk, bicycle or take bus/train when I do stuff locally. I do have a car, and it's not particulary eco-friendly, but it is not in everyday use.
*I recycle paper and carton
*try to use mild detergents, do a lot water-only cleaning. I Do have a dishwasher. That is actually more eco-friendly than washing by hand, it uses less water and energy than proper hand washing. Of cours, it must be full before started.
*I don't buy more than I need, and I don't buy cheap stuff that I can throw away later (Ikea is NO good!!). I buy much used/second hand stuff. Give away things I don't longer need.
*I try to limit buying newspapers/magazines, much can be read online!
*I shop locally produced goods! That includs both food items and skincare. What is the use of buying organic/eco-friendly if it is transported around the world before it reashes you? So sorry EDS, my Dr. Hauschka stuff is bought here.
*Oh, and I try to limit air travel... |
_________________ Live in Switzerland, age 32, dehydrated combination skin, sensitive to climate changes, some food and cosmetic products. Very fair. |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:07 pm |
Great thread! I think this may help others who aren't so environmetally/globally conscious to become a little bit more aware. Here are some of my efforts although I know I can do more:
*I reuse or recycle everything I can. Toronto has a great recycling and waste program to help reduce what goes into dumps. Aside from the regular metal, plastic, glass and paper most are used to recycling, we can now put food scraps, yard trimmings, even diapers in the green bins they have provided us. I still see people throwing out huge garbage bags on the curb which always boggles me as I can go two weeks without even filling a grocery bag full of garbage!
*I reuse the bags I get at the grocery store to throw out my garbage which saves me lots of money as well.
*I sometimes pick up litter on the ground when I see it lying around and throw it in a nearby garbage can and never litter myself.
*I donate whatever I can. My family has always donated to several organizations who sell or recycle household goods from furniture and appliances to clothes.
*I eat organic foods and use organic products (including skin care and toiletries) made by ethical and environmentally conscious companies who contribute to the welfare of our environment and help protect and maintain the world we live in. I endorse companies that impress me and suggest their products to others.
*I buy clothes made of natural fibres and try to buy eco-friendly clothing made of organic cotton, bamboo and hemp (and clothes made of recycled materials like fleece) which in turn helps to protect the environment. You'd be surprised at how fashionable these items are now. Not your standard ugly, rough feeling hemp t-shirt. Oh no. Lots of great natural clothes out there. Some may be a little pricey but it's a small price to pay for protecting the earth.
*I use mostly natural cleansers for example vinegar and water to clean the floor, sprays with lemon and teatree to disinfect, baking soda as a natural scourer, etc. (But I admit I could do more on this part such as change my laundry detergents and dish soaps.)
*I hardly ever use the dryer but am fortunate enough to have a laundry room where I can air dry in the winter and then can air dry in the backyard in the summer.
*I use energy efficiently. I turn down air conditioning/heat when not in the house, turn off lights when not in the room, keep my computer on hibernate when not in use, use energy efficient appliances and bulbs and don't let water run needlessly.
*I once took part in voluntary tree planting a few years ago which was really fun. I'd like to do it again one day and encourage others to try it. Can be a great funfilled event if you don't mind getting a little dirty.
*I participate in responsible travel and try to donate in countries less fortunate than my own to help out as much as I can. When I travelled to Egypt I visited "garbage city" in Cairo and it's amazing what the people could teach us about recycling. They recyle and reuse pretty much everything to make great gifts items from stationary made of recylced paper, to rugs, quilts and throws made of recycled textiles and more! Truly inspring.
*I spread the word as much as I can to encourage others to be more conscious of their actions and try to lead by example.
*I remind myself there is always more that I can do, try to encourage myself to be better, never ever take this planet for granted, and most importantly I show gratitude for the earth and all her gifts. |
_________________ Global Butterfly & Certified Aromatherapist/Holisitc Therapist with a passion for travel and natural health. |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 3:10 pm |
I forgot one very important thing! I never ever throw medication in the drains! You have no idea what that stuff does to the water, not to mention the very funny effects hormones (from BC) have on marine life.. |
_________________ Live in Switzerland, age 32, dehydrated combination skin, sensitive to climate changes, some food and cosmetic products. Very fair. |
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Caspers Mum
Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2002
Posts: 1694
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:28 pm |
wildflower wrote: |
Toronto has a great recycling and waste program to help reduce what goes into dumps. Aside from the regular metal, plastic, glass and paper most are used to recycling, we can now put food scraps, yard trimmings, even diapers in the green bins they have provided us. |
I like that Toronto has separate recycling slots next to their public trash cans. That way, those whom want to get rid of the paper they've just read, or beverage container, may dispose-of these while out & about, instead of throwing such recycleables into the trash can. Toronto's downtown bins:
GREAT idea, and I'm so surprised that eco-friendly Vancouver has never implemented the same system!
The City of Vancouver (and perhaps it's suburbs) recently placed newly-designed public trash cans, which have an area where people can put their empty beverage bottles/cans.
However, the ledge only holds about six of these.
I guess that the general concept is in the knowledge that bottle collectors/dumpster- divers grab the empties quickly, bring them to the recycling depot, where they receive back the deposit originally paid by the consumer.
In my opinion: Toronto's bigger, separate bins are a better idea, though their design doesn't allow collectors access to the bins' contents, or earn money by returning the empties.
Also: with all of the newspapers Vancouverites read, what do we do with these while out & about? The multitude of freebie, daily commuter papers available now has created even more paper waste. I speak of such dailies as 24 Hours, Metro, The Georgia Straight, The Westender ,etc. They're printed for commuters to read while riding eco-friendly transit, but I fail to see how eco-friendly these papers are, if all they do is create more waste!
Vancouver has also yet to implement public composting bins. I understand that this may be relative to possible abuse or misuse of public composting. (also: raccoons, rats, etc.) I've considered approaching my building's landlord, to ask if she might consider buying a secure bin for tennants to get rid of organic matter from their suites (eggshells, veg/fruit peelings/cores, coffee grounds, tea bags). I won't hold my breath for that to happen though! |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:41 pm |
I try,but also realize more could be done. We try to turn down the heat a degree or two.I also will not dispose of medication in the toilet or drain.It's put in a bag and incinerated by the city.
Try and use more natural cleaning products. Use energy efficent light bulbs.
Donate our clothes to charties that GIVE them away.
Always bring my home made bags to grocery shop.
Try to turn out lights when not in a room.
Our next car will be more energy efficient. |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 6:13 pm |
A quick overview of what we do:
Shopping: Japanese tend to sell things in small sizes (so much packaging) so we try to get to Costco. I try and aviod the plastic bags, but must do better by carrying a cloth shopping bag with me!! Now our move is almost done we will go back to packed lunch from home rather than bento boxes which have so much waste (plastic box, plastic wrap, plastic bag, disposable chopsticks, disposable wipe...)
Recycle: we have paper, cans, bottles only here. With our move ANY unwanted item that was still usable I have put down for "giveaway" and a large percentage has been taken. I even advertised in the foreign community classifieds here for peopel to come and pick up what they need. As for good furniture and appliances I did not want.. I sold it all.. and made $1000 for my effort! Much better than the Japanese penchant for tossing it all out!
Transport: for 13 years have walked or trained everywhere (OK, confess to taxi use on hot or rainy days or when I am just not feeling well).. we have to end up buying a car in our new location (in the middle of whoop whoop), but will buy a "light" vehicle. A little Nissan Otti that runs on the smell of an oil rag and is heavily subsidised by the government .. annual taxes are $70, compared with $400 for a "small" 1200cc class car. (it has to be less than 1200cc to qualify). They also pass Kyoto accord on emissions!!
Home use: we have some rechargable batteries (for things that need changing frequently) and also have long-life eco bulbs in every light possible in the house. We recently bought a National all-in-one washer drier that uses half the water of a normal upright and about 1/3 the electricity of a normal washer/dryer.
we have started turning off the PC more often, or at least moving down to standby mode when we walk away. I cuold definately do better on electricity use though I think.
heating: the floor of our new house has gas-heated water tubes to heat during winter. we haev had to put in one eco-air conditioner in the living for summer though.
Our new house is actually an eco design in regards to light catchment, air flow for heating/cooling.
We only take baths in winter and in Japanese style, the water is used by both of us. We TRY to avoid putting things into the bath water as if we dont, then we can just resuse the bath water for washing (Japanese washing machines come with a hose to suck the water out of your bathtub to use on the wash and/or rinse cycles). When showering, we try to turn off the water during "scrub" time (this is actually a Japanese habit.. hubby is better at following it than me )
with wood floors we rarely vaccum - I would KILL for one of those SWEEPA brooms!! I have wanted one for ages, but cannot find them here.
there are probably more GOOD and more BAD things I do... but at least it is a start and I am aware!! |
_________________ SKIN: combination, reactive to climate changes and extremely fair. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne |
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Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:38 pm |
I must admit I did not do 2,3,5,8,10!
i should improve myself! |
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Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:48 am |
I use a Brita as well. I mix up iced tea from Brita water and fill reusable bottles to have on hand. I think we are lucky in the Vancouver area in regards to water.
I use dryer balls and less laundry soap as we don't need as much with our soft water.
I changed every light I possibly could with compact florescents.
I got flat panel moniters as they use less electricity.
I walk where I can.
Know where the local thrift store is.
Recycle everything I can. |
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Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:08 am |
I commute, I donīt drive.
I recycle plastic, paper, foodscraps,- pretty much everything.
Iīm vegan, and buy local, organic fruit and veg.
I use cleaning products by Ecover, and shampoo etc from Green People.
I buy wooden toys and durable items for my daughter, not plastic, gonna-be-thrown-away-in-a-week type things.
Donate pretty much everything that we donīt use, and generally donīt buy too much "stuff".
One thing I want to change is traveling by plane, but I havenīt really got the time to swim. |
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Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:30 pm |
1 - We use the energy saving light bulbs at home.
2 - Both our computers are turned off when we are not using them.
3 - We use the bins from Superstore to transport groceries ~ no plastic bags used.
4 - We donate all our of unwanted stuff to goodwill.
5 - We also use the Brita water filter and refill our bottles instead of buying water.
6 - DH uses rechargeables...I need to get in the habit of this!
7 - We recycle when we can.
Thats all I can think of for now... |
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Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:23 am |
Another Superstore shopper, huh? I am pleased by the sudden green attitude they're displaying- the bins and the reusable bags are great. I need to get some for my shopping.
It's great to see all that everyone here is doing! It has given me ideas of what I can do to help. For now...
-I make a conscious (see: anal) effort to ensure that EVERYTHING that is supposed to, goes in the organic green cart for pick up, every second Thursday.
-I recycle every juice, milk and beverage carton and separate the refundables from the recycables. Anything with a number 1 or 2 on it goes with the recycle for pick up every week.
-I try to buy in bulk and avoid over packaged items and single serving items
-I buy organic and natural when possible
-I don't have a car. I'd like one for roadtrips, but other than that I have no essential need for one. If I did have one, I wouldn't suck back the gas like most youths my age (plus gas is hella expensive here in NS)
-I am conscious about what goes down the drain. I need to step up the cleaning products though- I've already bought some natural stuff for cleaning, but it needs to go further with the laundry.
-I give my stuff away to charities asking for clothes and such
-I recycle paper and print pages one at a time so I can flip the printed page over and get stuff on the back of it.
I'd LIKE to start buying organic or environmentally friendly clothing but it's way out of my price range right now for someone who is about to start college, plus I don't have a job right now. wildflower had it right when she said you'd be surprised how fashionable it is now. |
_________________ http://enlightenedzeal.livejournal.com/ <---Do you dare to change the world? |
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Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:59 pm |
I recycle everything I can, plastics, cardboard, glass, tins etc. We have a huge wheelie bin for recyclables and it's now cut our household rubbish down to 1 bag a week.
I buy a 'bag for life' carrier bags which are replaced for free when they are worn out and I use them everywhere. I never use throwaway plastic bags, ever since I heard that 3 billion bags are put in the ground in our country (UK) each year.
I give unwanted clothing, books etc to charity shops.
I'm now going to try to use items WITHOUT palm oil in (could be difficult), in light of the fact that the rain forests are being cut down and many species are facing extinction because of palm oil crops.
Having said that, I think our countries attempts (the UK) to help the environment are a drop in the ocean. It's the countries like USA, India and China that need to address the situation.
I love going to America BUT I'm infuriated everytime by the wastage, the amount of trash that is collected outside houses each week is disgusting. The huge gas guzzling unenviromentally friendly vehicles that are driven are astonishing and the food wastage is amazing. A while back in the USA we visited a drive-through KFC and asked for ketchup with our order. I counted the sachets, we were given 47??!! How many can 2 people consume? What a waste!
Also the amount of times we have visited buffets and people have loaded up several plates full of food only to never touch it. I'm very much of the opinion, if you can't eat it, don't take it! There's still starving people in this world! |
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Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:34 pm |
We have sold our second car and are committed to being a family of four with our children being six and eight years old. We take turns taking the kids to school and the person with the off day rides their bike to work. If we are desperate for a second car on a particular day, we take a Flex-car. This is a car sharing program.
We have all energy-saving appliances.
I recycle every bit of paper and put none of it in the trash. I shop at a co-op and farmers markets. We have a compost.
But I have to say, this is all much easier when you live within a society that supports this and agrees with it. I'm in Seattle and everything is tailored to this kind of life. So it definitely makes it easier. I'm from New Orleans, where my family still has not gotten recycling back and they really have no choice. |
_________________ late 30's, medium/olive tone, learned recently I'm oily, not dry and my pores clog if you just look at them, love natual products...in beautiful Seattle |
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Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:37 pm |
Make that - 'a family of four WITH ONE CAR' |
_________________ late 30's, medium/olive tone, learned recently I'm oily, not dry and my pores clog if you just look at them, love natual products...in beautiful Seattle |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:13 am |
Hi all!
It sounds like so many people are aware of things they can do to help the environment. This is promising in this time of environmental uncertainty- I know that the weather now is quite different to how it was 10 years ago- whether or not this is due to global warming caused by human activity is debatable however I still believe our activities must have some effect and so believe we need to do what we can to help the environment whilst we are on this planet.
They were discussing individual contributions to the environment on the radio here the other day, and apparently the best thing you can do is deal with your car/transport and electricity use, as these are the two major things that contribute to global warming at an individual level. Some people here (I am in Australia) buy 'carbon credits' to offset things such as vehicle use and air travel- I don't know how beneficial these are for the environment.
For the electricity, the best thing to do is get it sourced from entirely green energy if possible. Most electricity providers here offer this (for a small additional monthly fee, of course!). So 100% of our electricity is from renewable sources such as solar and wind. It is an extra $5/week I think, which is a lot over the course of the year but it makes me feel better!
Hope all is well
maddy |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:46 am |
maddy wrote: |
Some people here (I am in Australia) buy 'carbon credits' to offset things such as vehicle use and air travel- I don't know how beneficial these are for the environment.
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Maddy what's the carbon credits for and how is it used for air travel?
I should imagine that air travel causes a lot of problems for the environment but I can't see a way around it, people aren't going to stop having a holiday/vacation each year. We are being taxed more for air travel as of a couple of months ago over here in the UK, but I'd like to know what the money is going towards. |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:47 am |
sarahb wrote: |
I recycle everything I can, plastics, cardboard, glass, tins etc. We have a huge wheelie bin for recyclables and it's now cut our household rubbish down to 1 bag a week.
I buy a 'bag for life' carrier bags which are replaced for free when they are worn out and I use them everywhere. I never use throwaway plastic bags, ever since I heard that 3 billion bags are put in the ground in our country (UK) each year.
I give unwanted clothing, books etc to charity shops.
I'm now going to try to use items WITHOUT palm oil in (could be difficult), in light of the fact that the rain forests are being cut down and many species are facing extinction because of palm oil crops.
Having said that, I think our countries attempts (the UK) to help the environment are a drop in the ocean. It's the countries like USA, India and China that need to address the situation.
I love going to America BUT I'm infuriated everytime by the wastage, the amount of trash that is collected outside houses each week is disgusting. The huge gas guzzling unenviromentally friendly vehicles that are driven are astonishing and the food wastage is amazing. A while back in the USA we visited a drive-through KFC and asked for ketchup with our order. I counted the sachets, we were given 47??!! How many can 2 people consume? What a waste!
Also the amount of times we have visited buffets and people have loaded up several plates full of food only to never touch it. I'm very much of the opinion, if you can't eat it, don't take it! There's still starving people in this world! |
Sarahb, I appreciate how much you are doing to help the environment, however, I have to admit that I'm kind of upset by your statement that Americans are wasteful across the board. I've never gotten 47 sachets of ketchup from a drive through--- I get maybe 5 max, and if I don't use them all then I save the leftover ones for later. Many of the people who have chimed in on this thread talking about recycling and reducing waste and supporting green companies are indeed American. Please, can we keep the focus of this conversation to helping each other become more aware of what we can do to make a positive contribution to our beautiful planet, and keep the judgemental remarks out of it? |
_________________ 27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:58 am |
manslayerliz wrote: |
sarahb wrote: |
Also the amount of times we have visited buffets and people have loaded up several plates full of food only to never touch it. I'm very much of the opinion, if you can't eat it, don't take it! There's still starving people in this world! |
Sarahb, I appreciate how much you are doing to help the environment, however, I have to admit that I'm kind of upset by your statement that Americans are wasteful across the board. I've never gotten 47 sachets of ketchup from a drive through--- I get maybe 5 max, and if I don't use them all then I save the leftover ones for later. Many of the people who have chimed in on this thread talking about recycling and reducing waste and supporting green companies are indeed American. Please, can we keep the focus of this conversation to helping each other become more aware of what we can do to make a positive contribution to our beautiful planet, and keep the judgemental remarks out of it? |
Liz
Unfortunately I have many, many examples of things like that which have happened whilst we were in America, for example we went to a supermarket 2 weeks ago and bought 4 items, (muffins, bread, melon and kitchen rolls) those 4 items were packed for us in THREE plastic carrier bags?! I could list at least 20 recent experiences of UNenvironmentally friendly issues we observed whilst on vacation in the US. As I say, it's the large countries, like the USA, China and India that need to address the environment issues also. Just my opinion. |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:44 pm |
We do our best, but the UK is not geared up for recycling: we have no help, no special collections. We cannot even get our car into the local 'tip'. |
_________________ 58. Fair, sensitive and dry-ish skin with freckles. UK. |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:29 pm |
I decided many years ago not to have children. That way at least it stops with me... |
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Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:48 pm |
I believe a carbon credit is where you pay someone to do something that offsets the amount of CO2 that your activities cause. For example, if you fly from one side of the world to the other side, you can pay for someone to plant enough trees to absorb your share of the carbon emissions that resulted from that trip. I think it is a good move but doesn't do enough overall. Tha being said I offset my car by subscribing to greenfleet, an organisation which plants enough trees to offset the emissions an average car creates in a year. I think it is better to just not use the car in the first place, however...
I am sure they will have things like this in the UK and US. The car and the power are the biggest contributions you can make- if you change those you will be making the maximum individual contribution, apparently.
This issue really worries me at the moment, and although I think I said this before I am so pleased to see everyone here taking an interest (as well as whatever individual action we are able to. Hurrah!)
maddy |
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Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:30 am |
Cesce wrote: |
We do our best, but the UK is not geared up for recycling: we have no help, no special collections. We cannot even get our car into the local 'tip'. |
On the South coast where I am, we were given free wheelie bins for recycling, we have different colour bins for garden rubbish, glass and all other recyclables. I know London do the same because there was this big thing about the bins having microchips in so the Council could check up on how much rubbish you had!
Whereabouts are you and why can't you get your car into the local tip? |
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Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:35 am |
maddy wrote: |
This issue really worries me at the moment, and although I think I said this before I am so pleased to see everyone here taking an interest (as well as whatever individual action we are able to. Hurrah!)
maddy |
It really worries me too. It's really sad to think that polar bears might be extinct within 50 years because of global warming. I watched a programme following a mother polar bear and it was literally starving because it needs dry land to hunt and live on but has to swim such vast areas now to find that because the ice caps are melting so quickly.
On the News yesterday they said that we could be in for an even hotter year than last year and last year was the hottest on record over here in the UK. |
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Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:50 am |
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