Embracing the Three "R's" Recycling, Reducing & Reusing
Saving Energy Unplug anything that isn’t being used. The “HYPERLINK
"http://awesome.goodmagazine.com secret energy stealers” in your home
are designed to consume energy even when turned off. These include TVs,
VCRs, DVD players, cable TV boxes, computers, printers, video game
consoles, microwave ovens and AC adapters for cell phones, digital
cameras anything that uses a remote control. Often that “off” setting
is actually a “standby” or “idling” mode. Standby power in the average
household consumes 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. The Three “Rs” - Recycling Reducing and Reusing Separate
and collect recyclable materials, including newspapers, white paper,
clear and colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum,
cardboard, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs. Recycling is
important, but first and foremost: Use less. The things you do use can
often be used over and over again – either for the same purpose or for
something
totally new. Be creative. Try San Mateo County's Recycle Works (
HYPERLINK "http://www.recycleworks.org/schools/creativereuse.html"
www.recycleworks.org/schools/creativereuse.html) to fire up your
imagination. Many computers, monitors, cell phones and other
electronics include toxic materials that should not sit in landfills,
The Environmental Protection Agency ( HYPERLINK
"http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm"
www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm) can help
you find local electronics recyclers. Cleaning Use non-toxic,
environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including
laundry products, which you can find at even many mainstream stores.
Just read the labels carefully. Transportation Look into having a
vanpool or carpool. You can walk, ride your bike, take the bus or the
train rather than driving your car to work every day. Buy a
high-efficiency car if you can afford one. Check the U.S. Department of
Energy’s list of most fuel-efficient cars to find the one that’s right
for you. You’ll be cutting down on air pollution, greenhouse gas
emissions, oil consumption and the costs of fueling and maintaining
your vehicle. Getting Personal Buy locally produced items,
including produce and other goods, reduces the consumption of valuable
natural resources. This will reduce the amount of fossil fuels required
to transport the things you buy from other parts of the country or the
world. It also helps to reduce the amount of plastic and paper products
consumed in packaging. Instead of using grocery stores’ plastic or
paper bags, bring your own reusable tote bags available for sale at
many grocers and other retailers. They don’t waste resources or end up
in landfills. Use nontoxic gardening techniques. Many gardeners
over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their
families and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all
households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About
230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for
injuries related to various lawn and garden tools. Pesticides and
garden equipment emissions affect our clean air and drinking water.
