Envriomental disscussion and tips to save our planet

[deluxe]

I have to confess. I'm a pretty big Envriomentalistcal.... Envrioment freak. I just thought, hey why not talk about Envriomental stuff with other SK people.
And talk about stuff like well Global warming, poullution that kind of stuff. And ways we can combat it. Right now i have the light off to consevere energy.

[~Ally~]

We could all stop using our laptops/computers so much!!

[Todash]

Here's some other ways to conserve energy and reduce waste (note that these also conserve money). We can all do at least some of these.

Carpool and/or consolidate errands (have one day a week where you do all running).
Install a programmable thermostat and set it up to use less energy at night and when you're gone. During the winter it's easy to have the house a little cooler even when you're there because you can just put on a jacket or sweater.
Use the dishwasher; it's more efficient than you are.
Wait until the dishwasher and washing machine are full to run them.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket thingie.
Cook from scratch. Fewer packages to throw away.
Drink tap water, even if you have to filter it.
Look for ways to reduce our reliance on nonrenewable resources; use solar power. Walk or bike when you can. Don't buy stuff made from old-growth trees.

That's what I have for now.

[tess4da]

I am a tree hugger. I made it through Katrina with a single candle for cooking, and water I'd bottled ahead of time. No electricity for ten days, didn't miss it. Read by a gas lamp. Stephen King, of course.

[Liselle]

I'm not so sure about all the little things we do make such a big difference, such as energy saving light bulbs - they take forever to come on and then they have to be specially recycled because they contain mercury. Solar panels cost a fortune and you will need at least 20 years to recoup the amount spent.

The ones that need to get their act into gear is the big industries and factories (especially in the far east) until they fall into line I do fear we are wasting our time.

[Todash]

I am a tree hugger. I made it through Katrina with a single candle for cooking, and water I'd bottled ahead of time. No electricity for ten days, didn't miss it. Read by a gas lamp. Stephen King, of course.

Cool. How'd you cook with a candle?

[Todash]

I'm not so sure about all the little things we do make such a big difference, such as energy saving light bulbs - they take forever to come on and then they have to be specially recycled because they contain mercury. Solar panels cost a fortune and you will need at least 20 years to recoup the amount spent.

The ones that need to get their act into gear is the big industries and factories (especially in the far east) until they fall into line I do fear we are wasting our time.

They won't do it until public opinion forces them to. That's why individual practices make such a large impact. One person cannot save a forest, but one person can start a chain reaction.

[poisonbat]

Small things I do:
1. I recycle everything that can be recycled. Even if it means a trip to a specific recycling plant. Computers and all electronics can be recycled without them ever poisoning our landfills.
2. Nothing and I do mean NOTHING plastic goes into my trash can. Plastic will be in a landfill for an unknown amount of time. Fast food cups, ziplock bags, milk jugs, yogurt cups etc. If it has a number on the bottom of it, it is recyclable.
3. Use canvas shopping bags and if I happen to get a plastic one, it is returned to the recycle bin at the front of the store.
4. Metal, anything and I do mean ANYTHING metal can be recycled and it is worth money. Steel, iron, aluminum(and not just soda cans) can all be recycled. This includes food cans, coffee cans etc.
5. All things cardboard can be recycled. Cereal boxes, food container boxes, etc.
6. All things paper can be recycled. Fast food bags, newspapers, paper towels, I suggest shredding bills before recycling them but they too can be recycled.
7. I got my niece started on G-Diapers, they are biodegradable and earth friendly. Diapers are not DISPOSABLE! It bothers me to no end that the diapers that my mom used on me, along with every other baby that used or is currently using are still in a landfill somewhere.
8. Why is it that TRASH BAGS are NOT biodegradable? Even if everything in the trash bag is biodegradable and all of the recyclables removed, the very bag itself is not biodegradable.
9. I walk whenever I can to pick up a couple of things I forgot at the store instead of driving. The market is only a couple of blocks away so this is easy for me.
10. My recycle bin is always full at the end of the week and my trash almost empty. I wish that more people would take advantage of this. Even my grass and yard clippings get recycled in my green waste barrel.

These are just my recycling tips.

[JohnDalglish]

8. Why is it that TRASH BAGS are NOT biodegradable? Even if everything in the trash bag is biodegradable and all of the recyclables removed, the very bag itself is not biodegradable.

Hi,

I'd never thought of that one before, thankee Poisonbat, seems crazy when you think about it, doesn't it?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Ubasti]

I try to always:
turn the lights off when I leave a room
keep the tv unplugged when not watching it
use bio-degradable trash bags
refil the same plastic bottle with filtered water from the tap
buy eco-friendly cleaning products