Conservation Tips—March '08

We would like to help give you the tools to be the best environmental citizen you can 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!

Update: Reducing Catalog Jams in Your Mailbox

We have a bit more information on www.catalogchoice.org. You'll remember it's the site dedicated to reducing clutter in your mailbox.

They tell us more than 100 merchants are participating. It's a good start, and some of the biggest mailers are on the list. The influence of the site grows with more participation; let's get behind this very good effort and participate!

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

Can Peanut Butter and Jelly Save the World?

About.com persuades us that it indeed can! The idea is to eat lower on the food chain to dramatically conserve water and energy resources.

The PB&J Campaign says the water to produce the beef in one hamburger could grow enough peanuts for 17 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And the land required to put that same beef patty on your bun could produce enough peanuts for 19 PB&J lunches.

Go to http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivinginthekitchen/a/ and learn more.

Expanding our Recycling Programs

We all frequent places that have no recycling programs like, perhaps, our workplace, a school, or a favorite Mom and Pop restaurant. Even municipal governments can be prodded into expanding their recycling programs.

With some effort, as an individual we could be responsible for increasing the percentage of materials that reach the recyclers. It can be as simple as collecting office paper and personally taking it to a recycling center.

The EPA has advice for starting a recycling program at www.epa.gov/wastewise/pubs/howtopdf.pdf. Also Earth 911 has a step-by step guide at http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=lib&a=brrc/RecyclingGuide.asp. Start small and expand later is good advice.

Put "starting a recycling program" into your search engine, and you will find a wealth of information. The opportunities are endless, and this is a most effective way to help our earth.

Tackling Reduce and Reuse

The other two prongs of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" effort can involve a lot of creativity. It's really a matter of mindset. If you are always aware of reducing your consumption and reusing what you have, the possibilities for lessening your impact on the earth are almost limitless.

Make the internet your partner in this effort; it's incredible what's out there.

Confused by Ecolabeling?

Consumer Reports has a website which will help you sort through the green claims. You will learn the meaning of "biodegradable" and "cruelty free." You can search by label, product category or certifier.

This site (www.greenerchoices.org) also has information on green ratings, electronics recycling, and global warming solutions. An excellent place to visit!

Eco-friendly Clothing is a Reality

Organic clothing is no longer unattractive or uncomfortable. For example, Of the Earth, www.oftheearth.com, uses hemp, soy, and bamboo in their clothing line.

Other sites with nice-looking styles:

• www.Gaiam.com
• www.KateQuinnOrganics.com—These baby clothes are adorable.
• www.eartheasy.com
• www.earthspeaks.com

A more complete list is available at http://www.newdream.org/consumer/cotton.php.

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

Previous Conservation Tips

• December '07