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Tips for Greener Living
by Roberta Greenwood

Living “greener” means taking positive steps to improve not only your individual lifestyle but the condition of this precious planet we all share. Think it’s too difficult to make a change that matters? Take a look at some simple suggestions to get you started on the path to making more thoughtful choices:

REDUCE: Learn to live with less. This doesn’t mean a lower quality of life; only less waste. Surround yourself only with things you use and love and eliminate the need to dispose of unwanted items in the future. Simplify whenever possible.

• Switch from disposable products to reusable products – diapers, food and beverage containers, razors, and shopping bags fall into these categories.

• Limit “tree” products – use cloth napkins and towels instead of paper; select toilet paper/computer paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available; buy products in bulk and transfer them to reusable containers at home.

• Switch out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL); these energy-saving bulbs last 6 to 13 times longer.

REUSE: Everything doesn’t need to be “new” or “improved” despite what the advertising media would have us believe. Think creatively about the items you already own; teach your family the value of thrifty thinking.

• Garage sales can be an interesting way to get to know your neighbors; reuse material goods and discourage constant mall-hopping.

• Donate clean, usable items (clothing, eyeglasses, computers, etc.) to charitable organizations.

• Instead of buying new, check out books, DVDs and CDs from your local library; buy used books and share with friends.

RECYCLE: Reprocessing waste isn’t a perfect solution, but it is a more constructive approach to waste management than burning or creating more landfills. Use the recycle bins provided to you at every opportunity; learn about recycling centers in your area. Before you toss an item, consider whether someone else could use it.

• Try to buy products made from recycled materials; look for non-chlorine bleached paper products made from a minimum of 50 percent post-consumer waste.

• Start a compost pile with food scraps and lawn trimmings.

• Purchase rechargeable batteries; recycle your printer’s ink cartridges; carry your own bags to the grocery store.

REACT: Spread the word about ways to improve and protect your local environment. Lobby your local politicians; make your city bike-friendly; organize a beach clean-up day or a tree-planting event. Want to get involved with a local group? Try these:

www.esw.org
www.pugetsound.org
www.pugetsoundkeeper.org
www.trailvolunteers.org

Roberta Greenwood is a local writer and environmental activist.

©2007 Caliope Publishing Company