Take Action
Check out some of these great resources that will help you to help the environment:
- earth911.org: This website tells you just about everything you need to know about caring for the planet. From local event listings by zip code to explanations of the science of recycling, they've got it all.
- ecologycenter.org: The Ecology Center in Berkeley is a great place to find books and supplies for your environmental edification, so definitely check out their store at 2530 San Pablo Ave. (near Dwight Way) if you have the chance. Their website also offers news updates, a calendar of events, fact sheets, and a plethora of projects that you can get involved in.
- Greenpeace.org: Learn about pertinent environmental issues, check out some blogs and videos, then share your opinions on the Greenpeace discussion forum.
We can't stress this enough: Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs. They may be a tad more expensive at first, but they last 10 times longer than traditional ones, and save you up to $30 in energy costs for each bulb. Plus, if every american household used them, we would remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere.
And be sure to recycle them after use, because they contain small amounts of toxins which can contaminate water and soil. Go here to find a disposal place near you.
If a four-person family showers for 5 minutes each day, they use 700 gallons of water in one week. That's enough for a person to live off for three years! To help save water, switch to a low-flow, aerated showerhead.
Make sure your tires are probably inflated. This ensures better gas mileage and keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere for every pound of gasoline.
Lower your thermostat. Then wear a wool sweater! Setting a thermostat to just two degrees cooler can help reduce up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
Turn off electronic devices when you're not using them. Switch off the printer, unplug your computer, and don't leave lights on in rooms that you're not in. Simple!
Did you know that ten cents of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging? Buy in bulk. This helps reduce packaging costs and production waste.
Buy long-lasting products. They may seem more expensive at first, but in the long run they'll be less costly for you and the earth. Just a few little examples: Don't use disposable cameras. Switch from paper towels to cloth napkins. Bring your own mug to work or school-- don't use styrofoam cups. Buy reusable razors. If appliances are broken, try to fix them first before just throwing them out. Go to the tool-lending library when you need an appliance that you don't own. Bring your own bags to the supermarket.
Reuse the back of used paper to print insignificant stuff like driving directions or knitting patterns. And ask your teachers if it's okay to reuse paper for assignments-- most are surprisingly enthusiastic about the idea. And use spell check, darn it! Not only will it secure you a better grade in English class, but you'll save paper from re-prints.
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