If It Is Thursday It's Going Green

Our local farmers' market

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

Try using the following simple methods that are logical, easy to do and inexpensive.

1. If you have room for a garden, or can join a community garden, grow some of your own food using organic methods.

2. Buy fruits, vegetables and other staples at a local farmers’ market or join a community-supported agriculture program

3. Compost all your yard waste and vegetable kitchen scraps in a compost or worm bin, and return the compost to the soil.

4. Buy organic, recycled and other Earth-friendly products instead of conventional ones, even when they cost more.

5. Never buy anything on impulse. If you think you want something, wait at least 24 hours and see if you still want it then.

6. Set the air conditioning 10 degrees warmer, replace high-wattage light bulbs with efficient ones, and make a habit of turning off anything that does not actually need to be on.

7. Contact your local water, electricity, and heating fuel utilities to find out what conservation programs, rebates, and incentives they offer.

8. Turn off the television and computer games. Learn how to entertain yourself and your family.

9. Put flow restrictors on your faucets and showerhead to save water. If you can’t replace existing toilets with a low-flow version, place a half-gallon jug full of water in the toilet tank to reduce the amount used in each flush.

10. Whenever you possibly can, walk, bicycle, carpool, or take public transit instead of driving a car.

11. Live as close as possible to work or school so that you minimize the time and energy wasted in commuting.

12. Donate old clothes, housewares, and appliances to charity, or find other uses for them instead of throwing them away. Join your local ‘freecycle’ group on line.

Remember - together we can make a difference.

photos by peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Junk Mail

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

Reduce: Try to reduce the amount of paperwork that you generate. If you have access to a computer consider changing to paperless finances. Every electronic transaction that you make – direct deposit, automatic bill paying, and online portfolio management – is a paper saver.

- Credit card companies and banks often sell customer names and personal information to direct marketers; it is one of the reasons your mailbox is constantly stuffed with junk. Call all of your credit providers and tell them you do not want your information given out to others; it will cut down on the amount of unwanted mail that you receive and toss.

- Avoid placing your address on surveys, and product warranty cards. If you do write your address or phone number, write alongside it “Please do not sell or distribute my information, nor add to mailing lists.”

- DO NOT GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS WHEN YOU ENTER A RAFFLE - ESPECIALLY AT A STORE – THEY INTEND TO FOLLOW UP WITH YOU!!!!!!!

- Save paper by printing documents only when you really need a hard copy. Print on both sides of your paper to reduce your consumption. Or, even better, store files and e-mails on your computer, so that you are not using any paper at all.

Reuse: Keep a stack of scrap paper handy for use when printing drafts and personal documents. Print on both sides.

Recycle: If every American recycled just one newspaper a week, about 36 million trees a year would be spared. Making recycled newspaper takes half as much energy as producing virgin newsprint.

If you do receive junk mail, do one of two things about it. Recycle it immediately, or call or write somebody about getting off the list.

Keep a recycling bin or trashcan by your mailbox or wherever you sort mail.

Don’t forget, together we can make a difference.

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - 'Going Green' Terminology

Familiarize Yourself with Going-Green-Terminology

Can you speak green? This going-green-terminology glossary will clarify some basic terms that are quite commonplace in the green-movement vocabulary.

It should also help to clear up the definitions of some rather strange terms that are becoming popular as well.

BIODIVERSITY - The range of living things in one area and how they are part of the ecosystem.

BIODEGRADABLE - Breaking down of materials with help from micoorganisms.

BIOACCUMULATION - How animals and plants secrete toxins in their tissues from their environment.

BLACKWATER - Containing feces and urine.

CARBON FOOTPRINT - The measure of greenhouse gas emitted by certain actions of humans or industries.

CARBON NEUTRAL - Or Carbon Neutrality - the term used to describe the actions of organizations, businesses and individuals taking action to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as each put in to it.

CARBON OFFSETS - Measures taken to make up for carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

CARBON TAX - A proposed tax charge on carbon dioxide emissions because of burning fossil fuels.

CARBON DIOXIDE - Greenhouse gas increasing global warming. Also known as CO2 - chemical abbreviation.

CLIMATE CHANGE - Rapid change in global climate because of human activities.

COMPOST - Breaking down of materials into dirt.

CFL - Replacement for traditional light-bulbs. - Compact Fluorescent Lamp

ECOSYSTEM - A self sufficient environment formed by biological and physical characteristics existing together and in one place.

EMISSION - Gases or exhausts produced by human activity.

One of the new going-green-terminology phrases that almost sounds a bit "scary" is becoming popular...

ENERGY VAMPIRES - Refers to electric appliances that continue to use energy after they are supposedly turned off.

FOSSIL FUELS - Deposits such as natural gas, coal and oil which has taken years to develop naturally from the environment.

FAIR TRADE - USA certification code that verifies that farmers have received a fair price for their products. They have received credit and are helped with assistance to their business on the road to being self-sufficient economically.

FREE RANGE - Way of farming which allow animals to roam freely and not be caged.

GLOBAL WARMING - Temperature increase in air and oceans because of human activity.

GREY WATER - Runoff from washers, sinks, tub etc., but has no sewage materials.

GREEN - Used in reference to being environmentally friendly.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY - Devoted to the conservation of energy, green building, soil health, smart electricity and more.

GREEN BUILDING - The practice of using eco-friendly building materials, and the designing of energy efficient homes and businesses. Relies on wind and solar power.

GREEN LIFESTYLE/LIVING - Consideration of life choices made which will have consequences on the environment.

GREENHOUSE GASES - Gases in our atmosphere contributing to global warming.

HERBICIDE - Chemicals that stop plants from growing or even kills them.

IPPC - Government Panel investigating impact, and solutions for the changing climate.

LANDFILL - A place to bury garbage, waste.

LED - Replacing the usual light-bulbs, known as Light Emitting Diode.

ORGANIC FOOD - No fertilizers, sewage, or pesticides are used

to grow plants.

PHANTOM LOAD - Same meaning as Energy Vampires.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE - Commonly referred to as the 3 r's of green living. The credo for going-green-terminology.

RECYCLE - Finding alternate uses for something instead of throwing it away as garbage.

REPURPOSE - Same meaning as "recycle."

RENEWABLE ENERGY - Alternate forms of electricity through natural resources such as wind and sun.

SOLAR ENERGY - Conversion of sun's rays to energy.

SUSTAINABILITY - "Living now" changes to make in order to preserve our resources for generations to come. Involves different methods of building, farming and finding new ways to produce electricity instead of using up resources that will run out.

VEGAN - Someone who will not eat products from animals or use material products from animals either.

WASTE STREAMS - Waste materials which come from various commercial, industrial or municipal sectors.

ZERO CARBON FOOTPRINT - The goal of carbon neutrality, and the practice of carbon offsetting.

Information from Carbon-Footprint Defined.com

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Water Conservation

Water is a Basic Human Right

All people deserve the right to a clean and accessible water source. However, throughout the world people are struggling for this basic human right.

Today I am making some suggestions that may help you and your family conserve the amount of water that you use.

Think of water as sacred. Whether you live in areas with plenty of water or where water is scarce, remember water is a precious resource. Whether in the home, in the community or within industrial development, we can no longer afford to waste water.

Avoid Consuming Bottled Water: Unless it is an emergency, bottled water is not the solution. Fill re-usable containers with tap water and take them with you.

Do Not Pour Chemicals Down the Drain: Watch what you pour down your drain and what you put in your garbage. Everything you throw out will find its way back into the hydrologic cycle.

Water conservation is an important environmental issue. The average U.S. household uses over 300 gallons of water per day. Inside of our homes, toilets, clothes washers and showers are the largest water users. By making some behavior changes, and by adding some new fixture attachments and appliances, the average water conserving home could cut their daily average to less than 150 gallons with no sacrifice in comfort or performance.

How to Do It:

1. Only run full loads of dishes and laundry. Don’t waste all that water by using half loads, as this isn’t economical at all.

2. Do not hand wash your dishes or clothing if you have machines. You’ll use more water that way and you could be wasting a lot more water by rinsing off your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.

3. Make sure to fix any leaks. Do you hear your toilet running all the time? Is there a drip, drip, drip in your tub? The water volume from these leaks will really add up over time. Leaks can account for a large percentage of your indoor water use! These are often undetected because they are small, hidden in water fixtures, walls and basements, or happen underground. Check your water meter to see if you have any leaks (shut off all water uses in your house for an hour, and see if your meter moves).

4. Turn off your faucet while you brush your teeth. Don’t let the water run; use the stopper to fill the sink with water when you wash your hands and face.

5. Get high efficiency showerheads. These are really amazing: you’ll still enjoy a luxurious, powerful shower stream but you will save thousands of gallons of water per person per year. Spend less time in the shower.

6. Get low-flow toilets. Today’s high efficiency toilets not only save water and energy, but also perform as well as their water-guzzling predecessors. You may be wasting tens of gallons a day if you live in an older house with old toilets. Pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank - wait an hour - if the water in the toilet changes color you have a costly leak. Have it repaired.

7. If it’s time for new machines, it’s a very good idea to get an Energy Star approved laundry machine and dishwasher. These machines save a significant amount of energy and water and they will save you money over the long run. There are also rebates available for these appliances.

8. If you have a car, don’t use the hose but instead use the old fashioned bucket and a sponge to clean your car as this will save so much running water.

9. If you have a house - collect rainwater and use it for your gardening needs.

Just these few tips can conserve not only a lot of water but will also save you money on your water bills each year. Why not save some water today?

Remember the 4 R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair.

Together we can make a change in the world.

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Plastic Bags

Plastic Bags

NYC Subway - In the stairwell of the R/W train in NYC at Rector Street (by Wall Street). Photo submitted by Steph

Most of us start consuming non-renewable, non-recyclable products from the time we are born, starting with disposable diapers. Breaking the habit can be painful and uncomfortable. But if you think of all that can be gained from changing just a few of your shopping and consuming behaviors, you might find the motivation you need.

One of the biggest environmental problems related to over-consumption is the production and disposal of excessive packaging. Because we are a society that is programmed to buy everything in an attractive box or bag, over a lifetime we can contribute to the disposal of hundreds of thousands of highly toxic boxes and bags into landfills where they'll slowly poison our soil and water. Stop the wasteful packaging cycle by keeping these simple tips in mind next time you're at the store.

Bring Your Own Bags/Refuse a Bag: Did you know that over 500,000,000,000 (that's 500 billion) plastic bags are consumed annually, or almost 1 million per minute? Most of these bags are only used once before ending up in the landfill. Avoid the issue of paper or plastic by bringing your own canvas or hemp sacks whenever possible, and refusing extra bags, like double bagging meats or bagging produce that doesn't need it.

Concentrate on Concentrates: Sometimes good things really can come in small packages, and small packages mean a smaller carbon footprint. Look for products that you can buy in concentrated forms that will save money and produce less carbon emission to make and transport. Common concentrates include juices, soaps, and household cleaning products.

3.6% of emissions come from waste. Here, too, we can have an impact:

Buy fewer packaged goods. Buy loose fruits and vegetables rather than those wrapped in plastic on Styrofoam platters.

Buy less in general – ask yourself "Do I really need this?"

Buy from the bulk bins – most grains, cereals, nuts, rice, raisins, etc, are available in bulk. It is usually cheaper and the item can be placed in a paper bag, thus avoiding cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping.

Buy reusable instead of disposable.

*****

Currently floating in the Pacific Ocean is a giant field of plastic trash that is twice the size of the continental United States. Stretching from our west coast to Japan, this man-made mess is severely affecting the Pacific’s ecosystem. Experts say that dangerous chemicals from industrial waste, such as PCB’s, stick to any plastics in the water. The chemicals are then ingested by marine life and birds – and via the food chain, by humans.

How does the plastic get there? From streams and rivers, beaches and boats. "There is no technology to get rid of plastic", says Marcus Erikson of the nonprofit Algalita Marine Research Foundation. “The only solution is to stop adding it to the ocean.”

Some countries already have announced bans on free plastic bags.

Urge your local markets to go plastic free.

Speak up, stand up, let’s do something about it!

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Water Conservation

WATER CONSERVATION TIPS:

DRINKING WATER:

Though bottled water has been associated with healthy living since the 1980s, there’s very little evidence that it’s healthier than what comes from the tap in most places—and it’s certainly more costly. In fact, phalates, which disrupt the human endocrine system, can leach from the plastic into the water and into our bodies. From an environmental standpoint, there’s no doubt that our taste for premium water contributes hugely to the waste stream. Try plain old municipal water in a reusable glass or stainless steel bottles, which are free of bisphenol A (BPA) that is used in plastic. BPA has been linked to cancer and interferes with fertility.

DISHWASHING:

If you're buying a new dishwasher, consider a water-saver. The most water-efficient models use only about 4 gallons per wash—about a third of what the least efficient models used. (Read the labels)

Run only full dishwasher loads. The most efficient machines use a third of the water of hand washing. About 80 percent of a dishwasher’s energy use goes to heating water

When washing dishes by hand - follow these suggestions:

Do not let water run while washing dishes. Wash dishes in bowl (or a plugged sink) and place in a second bowl of clean water to rinse. It may take some getting used to but you will save countless gallons of water.

WASHING CLOTHES:

For your next washing machine consider a water-saver. The most water-efficient washers tested, are the front-loading that use only about 30 gallons for a large, 19 pound load.

Standard washing machines use 40 gallons of water per load. If your clothes don’t have an odor or can be worn one more time, don’t wash them — and save a load a week. If most households were more vigilant about laundry, each year they would save enough water to fill more than 7 million swimming pools. When you do wash, put full loads (saving 3,400 gallons of water a year) in cold water.

BATHING:

- Take a shower instead of a bath which takes at least 20 gallons of water to fill. A five-minute shower with a lo-flow showerhead uses approximately 10 gallons of water.

- Don't run the water when brushing your teeth or washing your hands or face.

CAR WASH:

One visit to a commercial car wash can use 55 gallons or more of water. Wash your own car out of a bucket, fitting the hose with a spray nozzle for rinsing. If you can, park the car on your lawn—the gray water should be harmless, and your lawn will get a free watering.

If you use a commercial car wash, check to make sure it’s one that recycles its water.

SAVE RAIN WATER:

Set out an open-topped barrel or a washtub and gather pennies from heaven—to spend on sprinkling your garden, washing your car, or other activities that don’t require potable water.

If it is Thursday it's Going Green - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Paper

Remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This weeks topic is on ways to reduce, reuse and recycle paper.

Does this stack of papers look familiar in your home, on your desk or kitchen table?

Reduce:

Try to reduce the amount of paperwork that you generate. If you have access to a computer consider changing to paperless finances. Every electronic transaction that you make – direct deposit, automatic bill paying, and online portfolio management – is a paper saver.

- Credit card companies and banks often sell customer names and personal information to direct marketers; it is one of the reasons your mailbox is constantly stuffed with junk. Call all of your credit providers and tell them you do not want your information given out to others; it will cut down on the amount of unwanted mail that you receive and toss.

- Avoid placing your address on surveys, and product warranty cards. If you do write your address or phone number, write alongside it “Please do not sell or distribute my information, nor add to mailing lists.”

- DO NOT GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS WHEN YOU ENTER A RAFFLE - ESPECIALLY AT A STORE – THEY INTEND TO FOLLOW UP WITH YOU!!!!!!!

- Save paper by printing documents only when you really need a hard copy. Print on both sides of your paper to reduce your consumption. Or, even better, store files and e-mails on your computer, so that you are not using any paper at all.

Reuse:

Keep a stack of scrap paper handy for use when printing drafts and personal documents. Print on both sides.

Recycle:

If every American recycled just one newspaper a week, about 36 million trees a year would be spared. Making recycled newspaper takes half as much energy as producing virgin newsprint.


If you do receive junk mail, do one of two things about it. Recycle it immediately, or call or write somebody about getting off the list.


Keep a recycling bin or trashcan by your mailbox or wherever you sort mail.

Don’t forget, together we can make a difference.

World Water Day - 2012

Today, March 22, 2012, is World Water Day

Most of us have always had access to running hot and cold water and could not imagine life without it. The following paragraph is an excerpt of an article I wrote when I lived in El Salvador, Central America, some years ago.

“I am living in a small room (6’ x 6’) in the local church. I have no TV, no radio, no sink, no phone, and no fridge. Actually, I do have a sink but it is outdoors and I use it to wash clothes and dishes and to store water in daily for use during the times when there is no water available. We do have water on this street but only from 7 am to 11 am every day. (4 hours) and that is not guaranteed. It is actually very liberating washing the body, the clothes and dishes (not at the same time) outdoors in the sunshine. :-) The sink is called a pilar and is very important to the way of life here. One learns to adapt very quickly and as soon as the water is turned on in the morning I hurry to get the very cold water, wash, and get ready for the day.”

While in El Salvador I witnessed many things related to water. I was in a small village outside of Santa Ana and most of the people had no running water. There was a very small waterfall at the end of ‘la linea’ (the railroad line) and the women would bathe there. Washing their hair and showering with their clothing on, while washing their dress at the same time. Then, still wearing the clothing, let it air dry in the sunshine. After this they filled large containers with water and carried them on their head to their homes.

The next village over was Masacua, and all of the people shared one water pump in the center of the village. Later, another more modern water faucet was installed (still only one for the whole village). The entire community turned out for the blessing of the water – giving thanks to God that they finally had clean running water from a deep well. There were no toilets in Masacua at the time I arrived there and a few months later some young men came from Belgium and installed some raised toilets – one for each family. The villagers would chuckle because the toilets were built up high and one had to walk up about eight cement steps to reach it - they were flushed with chemicals and a bucket of water. They named them the ‘tronos real’ (royal thrones).

I witnessed the factories from the United States pumping chemical waste into the local rivers which turned the water dark brown. No concern was given that this was the water that the local people had to drink. I agonized over the fact that in the United States they had to follow environmental safety laws and in Central America there are no such laws and the local children are dying from the contaminated water. I complained loudly to the companies but no one listened. I still feel that if the companies know that their product pollutes the water then they have a moral responsibility to put precautions in place.

In the first weeks that I was there I became very ill from drinking the water and after about two months I decided I would buy bottled water so that I would not get sick again. I'm sorry to tell you that the local people did not have the option to do that and I felt uncomfortable about it but I decided that in order to be effective in my work there I needed to stay healthy.

There was a very ingenious local water site that the men had built. There was a small river in the town from which the men had channeled the water into a swimming pool where the children could play, and the same water was again channeled into about 50 stone community sinks where the women would come and wash their clothes. The wastewater from the sinks was then directed back into the flow of the river. The women would place the clothing on the bushes along the river so that they could dry in the sunshine.

Another common sight was to see men washing daily at a public stone pilar (sink) along the side of the road on their way to work.

I had heard from the women that Health workers from other countries had come to the village to teach the women about the basic hygiene of washing their hands after everything that they do, to prevent the spread of germs. The women explained to me that they felt this was ridiculous as the one heavy container of water that they carried home daily could not be wasted on repeated hand washing.

I could give many more examples. One thing that I learned personally was to value water and when I returned to the U.S. I became very frugal with the use of water. So much so that one day the local Water Department made a visit to my home because they were sure that the water meter must not be working. My bill for several months was only $7. I explained that I had learned how to conserve water while living in Central America. They found it hard to believe but found nothing wrong with the meter. :-)

Friends, according to the United Nations, about 1.4 billion people lack access to clean water and 2.4 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Because of this, over 9,000 children die daily. Please check out the United Nations website to see what you can do to help.

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Mandatory Take-Back Programs

Did you know that there are Mandatory Take-Back Programs?
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Certain items are required by law to be accepted by retailers or manufacturers. Whenever you have a product to take back, call before you go to ensure that retailers are complying with the law.

The following list indicates some of the mandatory items: auto batteries, bottles and cans, cell phones, motor oil, rechargeable batteries, plastic bags, paper, sharps and tires.

Personal Auto Tires


Used tires dumped at the side of the road, in vacant lots, or along railroad tracks are unsightly and provide a breeding site for mosquitoes that could potentially carry the West Nile virus.

Improper maintenance can reduce tire life by 50 percent. You can extend the life of your tires by taking a few minutes each month to check the pressure and tread depth.

Reuse

Buy retreaded tires. Retreading bonds new tread to the existing tire body using a process very similar to the manufacture of a new tire. You don’t have to pay to dispose of the old tire, and the retread is 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a new tire. Two studies conducted by the American Retreaders Association (ARA) concluded that residual body strength in worn tires is at least equal to that of new tires, in some cases doubling the standards requirement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard test, which applies to all new tires. Retread tires are also regulated by the standards set by the NHTSA.

Recycle

When buying new tires, bring back your old ones to be recycled. Businesses that sell or install tires must take back tires of approximately the same size that they sell. People can recycle up to the same amount of tires that they buy new. The fee for the collection of old tires is included in the cost of new tires. If a service station or retailer refuses your used tires, contact the Region 2 Office of your state.

If you have old tires to get rid of, New York residents can drop off up to four passenger car tires at any NYC Department of Sanitation garage between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, except holidays. Check the Sanitation website for the location of the nearest garage. Tires are collected by a contractor and taken to a facility where they are converted to electricity. Check out the regulations of the state or municipality where you live and hopefully you will find that there are regulations governing recycling. If not, I urge you to make requests of you local government to get such a program started.

Remember the slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair

"Together we can make a difference."

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Recycling Is So Simple

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green

Here are some simple changes that you can make.

DONATE OLD CELL PHONES: About 130 million mobile phones are retired every year, resulting in more than 65,000 tons of waste — including potentially hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury. A non-profit program the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation will recycle your phone for free into new metal products. You'll find these collection boxes in stores like Radio Shack and The Home Depot. You can learn more at www.call2recy.org.

BATTERIES: Buy rechargeable batteries for electrical gadgets. For every 500 charges, you’ll save 499 batteries from ending up in a landfill.
Sooner or later, all batteries, even rechargeable, are no longer usable. When it's time to dispose of them, you will want to keep them out of the landfill, where they may leach acids and heavy metal pollutants into the soil and groundwater. Look for centers that recycle them instead, and buy only types that you know your center handles.

DISPOSABLE CAMERAS: Quick and convenient though they may be, disposable cameras produce a lot of solid waste—not just the camera body, but also the foil and cardboard packages. About a quarter of the cameras never make it back to the manufacturer to be recycled. A digital camera takes good pictures and generates far less waste, especially since you’ll probably print only the shots you really like.

We can make a difference just by making some small changes in our lifestyle!

CHILDREN: If your efforts to encourage the children away from their video games have been ineffective, consider involving them in games that get them thinking about more worthwhile subjects. CO2FX, for instance, explores the connection between global warming and political and economic factors.

Remember the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

*****

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green -Winterizing the Home

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

With winter's arrival why not give some of these Do It Yourself (DIY) projects a try? The installation costs should easily be recouped with improved efficiency or later if you decide to sell your home. You'll be saving cash and going green at the same time.

1. Replace Your Showerhead

Install a new showerhead, and you could save more than 2,300 gallons of water annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Using less hot water will cut your energy bills, and your local utilities may provide a rebate, too. EPA vouches that models labeled WaterSense provide a satisfying shower. Your showerhead is a water-waster if it fills a gallon bucket in 20 seconds. Estimated Cost: $10 to $60

2. Add Aerators to Your Faucets

You can save another 500 gallons of water annually simply by replacing a standard aerator, which delivers more than 2.5 gallons per minute, with a low-flow one, with a flow of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute. The low-flow aerators will cut water and energy usage while maintaining adequate water pressure. Estimated Cost: $2 to $10

3. Install a Water-Efficient Toilet

EPA estimates that a family of four that replaces a home's older toilets with WaterSense labeled models will, on average, save more than $90 annually on their water bill and $2,000 over the toilet's lifetime. For how to install tips go to ‘Bob Vila can help you’ online or you can hire a contractor for about $150. Estimated Cost: $200 or more

4. Switch to CFLs

As the days get shorter, we usually keep the lights on longer. If you have not already done this in your home now is a good time to switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Energy-Star qualified CFLs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents.

Start with your five most frequently used fixtures and you can save more than $65 annually. The good news is that the CFL bulbs last for several years and seldom have to be replaced.Estimated Cost: $2 to $15 for specialty bulbs

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat you can preset temperatures for your home that will automatically reduce heating and cooling when you don't need it as much. Energy Star says an average household can save about $180 annually on their energy bills by properly setting the programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings.

There is a low-voltage wiring installation that will involve 2 to 10 wires. If you don't feel comfortable following the instructions, a heating-and-air-conditioning contractor will probably charge you $75 to $150 for installation. Estimated Cost: $25 to $250

6. Stop Chimney Drafts

Even with the damper closed, in winter your home's heated air goes up the chimney and in summer hot outdoor air comes down. When you are not using your fireplace, plug the flue with a chimney balloon like the Draftstopper from Battic Door Energy Conservation Products.

For a really cheap alternative, you can make one out of an old seat cushion or a pillow placed in a heavy plastic bag. Stuff the cushion into the flue and tie a long tail to it, so you don't forget about it the next time you make a fire. J Estimated Cost: $55 for ready-made draft stopper

As we gradually change our habits of wasteful consumption we are simultaneously saving money and the environment.

”Don’t forget, “together we can make a difference!”

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Be Green, Live Green, Buy Green

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

Some Things You Can Do To Make a Difference:

Power down: Many of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use.

Drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle.

All these things save energy and save you money.

Waste less: Per capita waste production in the United States just keeps growing. There are dozens of opportunities each day to reduce the waste in your home, school, workplace, place of worship and community.

This takes developing new habits that soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace - the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in reuse over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!

Talk to everyone about these issues:

Let people know the changes that you have made and the difference that they make to the environment. Talk to as many people who will listen - at school, at work. Tell your neighbors, and especially your family and friends. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action. Children talk it over with your parents.

Make Your Voice Heard.

Don't forget, together we can make a difference!

if It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Preparing for Thanksgiving

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

I love this time of year with the beauty of the red, orange and yellow foliage of autumn; however, I also have a feeling of sadness as we prepare for the colder climate ahead. By November 1^st the local outdoor farmer’s markets close down and I miss my weekly visits to buy their products.

In the United States, foods travel an average of 1300 miles from the field to the table, using a large amount of fuel during their transport. Purchasing locally cuts down on the distance food travels, thus reducing the consumption of oil and carbon emissions nationwide.

The benefits of buying organic are obvious (no pesticides or herbicides). When consciously buying locally you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer. Buying local also keeps your dollars circulating in your own community.

Farmers Markets have experienced a growth over the past ten years and are continuing to increase. The organic food industry has risen from sales of $1 billion in 2001, to $20 billion in 2011.

Why not take the time to set new, environmentally friendly, traditions as we celebrate Thanksgiving this month?

Check with the farms in your area for your traditional turkey. Ask if any hormones or antibiotics have been pumped in the bird. Also, ask if it's range free, which means the turkey is allowed to go outdoors and see the light of day. If the farm passes all these tests, then order a fresh turkey to be picked up, usually the day before Thanksgiving. If this is not an option, try finding an all-natural turkey at a local market. The Lexington Co-op on Elmwood Ave in Buffalo usually stocks such turkeys. Remember to place your turkey order well ahead of time to ensure you have one to cook.

To liven up your Thanksgiving dinner, add a few decorative touches on the table. Purchase a tablecloth of a seasonal color, which you can wash and reuse for years to come. Use cloth napkins, silverware and glasses - all of which can be washed, thus reducing waste in landfills.

Fresh local vegetables are always the best so look for seasonal veggies such as butternut squash, peas, green onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes. If you are too overwhelmed to bake, go to an organic bakery and order fresh pies.

Remember that going green on Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated. Stick to the dinner basics and get the children to help decorate.

From cooking an organic menu to making your own decorations, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to get the whole family involved in a green lifestyle. An organic Thanksgiving feast is not only healthy and tasty, but can also help the environment. Free-range turkey, fresh vegetables from local farmers, and treats from the organic bakery are just a few choices for your healthy cornucopia of food this year.

Make a commitment to recycle. Make sure you are properly recycling all the paper, plastic, and glass from your Thanksgiving festivities.

Use soy candles to decorate with. Decorating your living and dining space with soy candles is an eco-friendly option, and you'll find plenty of fragrant pillar or floating candles to complement your table.

Teach your children to carry the work of conservation forward; the next generation must absorb its lessons. Encourage them to read on the subject, and persuade their teachers to include ecological studies in their curricula. Above all, show them by example how to reuse, recycle, avoid waste, and care.

Happy 'Green' Thanksgiving!

peacesojourner