Conservation Tips—December '07

We would like to help give you the tools to be the best environmental citizen you can possibly be. The opportunities lately seem boundless and go well beyond the old cautions like “shower instead of using the bathtub”.

Collectively we can make a huge difference.

If you have a tip or tips, please send it to us at the address below.

Reducing Catalog Jams in Your Mailbox

(From the Winter, 2007 issue of Riverspeak, newsletter of WRF.)

The site is www.catalogchoice.org. It’s very easy to use. Save that catalog and use the customer number on the back when you enter the site. You can also report infractions or revoke your request. And—you can tell your friends about the site.

This service was started by the Ecology Center with endorsements from the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Wildlife Federation.

Conservation Tips from Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority

(From the Winter, 2007 issue of Riverspeak, newsletter of WRF.)

Outdoor

• Avoid watering lawn on windy days.
• Make sure sprinklers are wetting only the lawn, rather than onto a driveway or other paved surfaces.
• Plant droughts tolerant plants that require little irrigation.
• Inspect all hoses, pipes, and faucets for leaks.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to wash off sidewalks and walkways.
• Irrigate your lawn during the morning or evening to reduce the amount of water from evaporating.
• Lay mulch around trees and plantings to retain moisture.
• Use a shut-off nozzle on hoses to prevent wasted water.
• If you own a pool, cover the pool when not in use to prevent evaporation.

Kitchen

• Use⁄Install high efficiency, low flow appliances such as dishwashers and faucets.
• Use a pan of water instead of a running faucet to clean fruits and vegetables.
• Defrost food in refrigerator or use the microwave instead of running water.
• Rinse soapy dishes with a filled sink or a pan of water.
• Only run the dishwasher if fully loaded.

Bathroom

• Use⁄Install high efficiency, low flow appliances such as toilets and shower heads.
• Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• Regularly check your toilet for leaks.
• Shorten time spent in the shower.
• When taking a bath, only fill the tub halfway or less.

Laundry

• Use⁄Install high efficiency, low flow washing machines.
• If possible, run the washing machine with full loads.
• Make sure water level on washing machine matches the size load.

Traveling Green

(From www.sierraclub.org)

Look for a hotel that is working to save water and energy and reduce waste. Get listings at greenhotels.com or greenseal.org/programs/lodging_properties.cfm.

Travel by bus or train instead of renting a car. It’s often more relaxing and rewarding. Get schedules and routes at busstation.net, traintraveling.com, or www.subwaynavigator.com.

Eat locally grown food. You’ll get a better “taste” for the place and contribute to the community’s economy.

Offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated by air travel through the Better World Club, Climate Care, myclimate, or a similar program.

For more ideas on ecofriendly travel, check out responsibletravel.com, planeta.com, and ecotourism.org.

The Importance of Recycling

Plastic bottles can be made into these things–and many more:

• Apparel and accessories
• Automotive accessories
• Bags and liners
• Bins and containers
• Building materials
• Carpet, fabric and fiber
• Housewares
• Signage
• Janitorial supplies
• Office supplies

This is only a partial list of what can be found at the American Chemistry Council along with the contacts for finding the products.

(This page was researched and written by Barb Postles. Contact her at bpostles@gmail.com with your tips.)