“If you do bother, you will set an example for other people. If enough other people bother, each one influencing yet another in a chain reaction of behavioral change, markets for all manner of green products and alternative technologies will prosper and expand. (Just look at the market for hybrid cars.) Consciousness will be raised, perhaps even changed: new moral imperatives and new taboos might take root in the culture. Driving an S.U.V. or eating a 24-ounce steak or illuminating your McMansion like an airport runway at night might come to be regarded as outrages to human conscience. Not having things might become cooler than having them. And those who did change the way they live would acquire the moral standing to demand changes in behavior from others — from other people, other corporations, even other countries.”
Here are some simple ideas we can all commit to – pick at least one you haven’t tried yet and start Earth Day tomorrow as part of the growing community of people making a difference. We’re asking everyone who works here to do the same.
- Reduce the amount of meat (especially beef) in your diet – make one or more days each week vegetarian. (How about Tuesdays?)
- Eliminate your junk mail with http://greendimes.com/
- Make a call for the climate: call Capitol Hill (our Capitol Hill Operators are really helpful, don’t be afraid to call and ask for your Member of Congress!!) 202.224.3121 and ask for leadership from our elected representatives – get ideas on what to say here: http://www.liveearth.org/?p=366
- Travel greener – when on the road for work or pleasure, seek out “green” hotels, rent hybrids, and use the train or public transportation whenever possible.
- Buy “green” cleaning, home, and beauty products whenever possible. [www.askgreentara.com is my favorite - and she's local!]
- Make a commitment that your next car will be more fuel-efficient that your current one – keep your tires inflated and your engine tuned to maximize fuel efficiency. And drive slower…
- Here’s the big one: think about carpooling. Figure out who at the office lives near you, and figure out if there are times you could drive to work together. You don’t have to do it all the time … but look for opportunities to do it. It might be easier than you think. We’ve started to see more carpooling among our staff, and people are enjoying it.
- Turn off appliances and computers when you’re not using them, and unplug your chargers – use a power strip to cut “phantom” power loss.
- Buy green – think about a product’s environmental impact and look for the most efficient option – an “Energy Star” fridge, an organic cotton t-shirt, a previously owned couch from www.craigslist.org.
- And last but not least…change your light bulbs! Although I hope you’ve already done that.
Anyway, thanks for making the earth a healthier place! Below are some additional links with great ideas & suggestions to help not only the planet but will save you $$$ too! Happy Earth Day!
http://www.liveearth.org/crisis_solutions.php
Martha Stewart [to banish junk mail & catalogs!]
If you have others, please share with me too!
