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Or, Over 50 things YOU and Your Family can do to lessen your impact on Earth!
Earth Day is coming soon. (Actually every day is Earth Day, if you think about it!) So this is a fantastic time to do something for our Earth! Why? Well we, the inhabitants of this planet, are facing a big challenge in the next 30 years. The challenge is to create sustainable practices for nearly 9 billion people on Earth. So we might as well start now!
Sustainability relates to the survival of vital human support systems, like the planet's climatic system, nutrient cycles, as well as healthy agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
To make life on Earth sustainable we’ll need to adopt practices that will allow us to "meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s a big world now and are all linked together.
The key to sustainability is for each of us to learn how to balance the wants of human beings with the need to keep Earth’s environment healthy.
You are all going to be the leaders of the new era soon, so its time to get to work and see how each of us and our families can live in ways that have less impact on our environment. Adopting sustainable practices will help determine the fate of ALL inhabitants on this planet. To help get you started, I’ve gathered a list of potential changes for you to adopt. As a bonus many of the items proposed on this list are cost neutral. Many can save money or improve your family’s health in the long run!
Instructions: Attached is a list of over 50 ways to lower your family’s impact on the environment.
Mission: a. To celebrate things you do to live sustainably.
b. To discover and choose new things that you will do to lower your family’s impact.
c. To write down any new ideas you have to help!Step One: Schedule a time(s) for a family meeting. You must have at least one parent/guardian present at all times. You’ll need at least one to two hours for this meeting. It can be in more than one sitting, but remember, this is a very important job. It will help if you prepare snacks!
Step Two: Family meeting: Have this handout & note taking materials ready.
Begin by explaining your mission.
1. Do one of the calculators on Step One A or B on the survey.2. Start reading the items with your family. For each item, or sub item, decide
a. If you already do this action.b. If you agree to do this action. (note: websites are for more info if needed later)
c. If you decide to think about it for the future.
d. If there is something missing from the list that ought to be there.
3. Record “A”, “B”, or “C’s” and any new ideas for “D’” as you work through the list.
4. Use your notes to create a CQC Report using the format shown below.
Title: Our Family’s Earth Day Sustainability Survey
1. Summary: Tell how the meeting went. Explain.
a. Results of the Calculator.b. What went well.
c. What was difficult.
d. What was fun.
2. Successes: (A’s) - Things we already do. (List what you feel are the Top Five items you already do)
a. Item Number b. Brief description3. Goals: (B’s) - Things we are going to do! (List all items your family decided to do. Goal 3 items)
a. Item Number b. Brief description4. Parking Lot: (C’s) – Items we are considering doing
a. Item Number b. Brief description5. New items: “D’s” – Items that should be added to the annual survey list.
Required Survey:
Do one of these surveys with your family to gain knowledge about your impact on the environment.
A. Weigh your family’s over all “ecological impact” using CI’s short quiz with parents at:
http://www.conservation.org/ecofootprint/#top
Then choose new things to do to lower your footprint and learn about carbon offsetsB. Calculate your family’s “carbon footprint” with this EPA carbon calculator.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html
Action Items to discuss at Family Meeting
RECYCLE Ideas
a. Recycle cans & bottles. (It takes 10x the energy to produce a new aluminum can as to recycle one!)
Check out these facts! http://www.container-recycling.org/newsletters/2007Spring/8-containerwaste.htmb. Recycle clothes sports equipment etc to a charitable organization - There are many less fortunate people in our area that could use your hand me downs
c. Recycle paper, printer cartridges, cardboard etc. Use 2 sided printing and copying.
Companies, like HP, offer free recycling of print cartridges. Staples gives coupons for each cartridge returned. Etc See. http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/return/index.htmld. Recycle all electronics, (computers, televisions, computer monitors, & portable or laptop computers). In Washington State Manufacturers must make electronic product recycling services available at no cost To find collection sites in your area call 1-800-RECYCLE or go to ecyclewashington.org. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0807008.pdf
e. Recycle burnt out fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescents at McLendon’s Hardware! http://www.mclendons.com/
g. Recycle or properly dispose of hazardous household waste.
For King CO: http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal/wastemobile/
For SNO CO: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Public_Works/Divisions/SolidWaste/Haz_Waste/Dropoffstation.htmOther Ways to Reduce Waste also see: http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/wasteprevention/tips.asp
REFUSE
2. Ask yourself, “What want?” and “What do I really Need?” Before you buy. Then buy only when necessary. Some things need to be replaced, or are outgrown, others really don’t.3. Buy Minimally packaged goods. Excessive packaging costs more & adds to the waste stream.
4. Use postconsumer recycled products. This has the advantage of increasing the demand for these products and lowering their price. Example: Recycled printer paper. Paper can be up to 100% post consumer recycled) Then print using both sides of the paper.
5. Avoid buying products packaged in Non recyclable plastic & Styrofoam. Both last a tremendously long time.
Here’s an idea: When buying meats/fish/fowl go to the butcher in your grocery store and get paper wrapped food instead of buying meat & fish packed in Styrofoam from the cooler aisle
RETHINK
6. Alternatives to avoid unnecessary waste. Example:
- Don’t buy bottled water. Use a water bottle (BPA Free) and save money and plastic.
- Bring a reuseable mug to your favorite coffee shop. (Avoid plastic mugs, stainless steel is ok!)
- Avoid fast food stores - All over package goods & don’t offer recycling
- Bring a food storage container to the restaurant for leftovers! Skip the Styrofoam containers
- Store food in sturdy reusable containers, preferably glass, vs plastic or aluminum wrap.
- Think twice before buying any “disposable” products. Sure they are disposable, but you pay for items twice. (Buying and waste disposal fees) All end up in the landfill and last a very long time
- Parties - Use compostable utensils and dishes etc: http://letsgogreen.biz/ Then compost these at home or put them in the yard waste for Cedar Grove to compost.
- Lunch – Bring your own in a. reusable lunch container, then reuse it.
- Reuse scrap paper by turning it into notepaper or notepads
Note: Avoid heating food in plastic storage containers. Put in a glass bowl or plate instead.g
7. Use cloth shopping bags – keep some in your car at all times. If cloth isn’t possible, request paper and use the paper bag to line your garbage instead of plastic bags, reuse or recycle any extras. Search for “Cloth Shopping bags” for info on where to get these.
8. Take your family off direct mailing lists. Go to: http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm
9. Recycle your old cell phone! Check out these sites.
http://www.collectivegood.com/partners/index.aspx?organization_id=2 or http://www.recellular.com/recycling/donatePhones.asp
10. Start a backyard compost pile. Recycle your kitchen and yard waste! This reduces transportation and landfill costs. (You may be able recycle most of these items if you live in King County.) http://gardening.wsu.edu/stewardship/compost/yardcomp/yardcomp.htm
Rethink - Take charge of your Environmental Health:
11. Choose your seafood sustainably. At the present rate, the world’s seafood stocks will be entirely depleted by 2048, says a report in the journal Science. By buying & eating only certain types of seafood, you can discourage harmful fishing practices, avoid depleting stocks of threatened species and avoid harmful levels of mercury. Check out which fish are recommended and keep checking, the list changes over time.Seafood Watch http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp or
Seafood Choices Alliance http://www.seafoodchoices.com/smartchoices.php
12. Eat meatless meals more! Eat an all vegetarian meal at least once a week. Eating from lower down on the food chain saves $$ and energy. It costs more energy, antibiotics, hormones etc to raise a cow, pig, or chicken than to raise beans, corn, wheat, barley, and rice. Check out this Mayo Clinic site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596
13. Reduce your food intake. Eat only what your body really needs and exercise 5x a week. Eating more costs more energy and is bad for your health. See http://www.americanheart.org and choose the link “healthy lifestyle” on the side bar for more information
14. Read up and buy organic food and other produce which do not use manufactured fertilizers & pesticides.
http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/Living/10reasons.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/wic-faq.pdf
btw: Check out pesticide ranks for fruits & vegetables before you buy http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php
15. Use environmentally safe household cleaners and other products. See the WA Toxics Coalition & King County at:
http://www.watoxics.org/homes-and-gardens/cleaning-products
http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/alternatives/
16. Buy Non NPE detergents Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (examples: Tide, SA8 with Bioquest , Kirkland Signature Ultra 38722 liquid, Gain, Planet, Great Value Ultra Glacier Breeze etc) NPE metabolites in even tiny concentrations interfere with the ability of fish and shellfish to grow, reproduce and survive. Banned in the European Union, 260 million pounds of the chemical were used in the US in 2004. NPE’s are not broken down in our sewage treatment facilities. For more information:
http://www.pgperspectives.com/en_UK/productingredient/nonylphenolnonylphenolethoxylates_en.html
17. Car washing -Wash your car on the lawn, not on the pavement. Better still, take the car to a car wash (business). Car washes treat their wastewater, yours goes into the nearby stream! Bad for the fish!!!
18. Use low VOC paint – Most paint smells when fresh, this is because it emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds), the same kind of chemicals found in gasoline and nail polish, which are bad for your lungs. Now there are new paints that don’t. Our own Rodda paint was the first to make this paint. I use it. http://www.roddapaint.com/product/products/horizon-interior-zero-voc.aspx
More info? http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm19. Planting - Plant a native! Native plants save water, uptake CO2, emit 02, provide shelter and food for native animals. http://www.arborday.org/trees/nineThings.cfm or http://wnps.org/landscaping/index.html
20. General garden and lawn ideas
a. Start a Victory Garden and grow your own food! http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/
b. Use organic fertilizers, not chemicals in your garden. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/DOCUMENT%20VH019 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH025
c. Use a mulching blade and leave the cut grass on the lawn and recycle nutrients into your lawn. d. Dig up weeds vs weed and feed whenever possible.
d. Avoid toxic herbicides and pesticides. Check ideas at: http://www.livingwithbugs.com/index.html21. Lawnmowing: Buy/use an electric lawnmower if you have an average size lawn or less to reduce the air pollution of gas mowers. Gas mowers are notorious air polluters. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars each being driven 12,000 miles! http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/faq-environment.htm
Using an electric battery powered mower will reduce conserve & energy, air and noise pollution, lower CO2 emissions, & reduce oil spills. Examples: Neuton, Black & Decker, Earthwise
Energy Conservation – General Home
22. Cooking
- Use microwave or toaster oven rather than using a conventional oven & save 80% of the energy!
- Use the Crock-Pot. Slow cooking uses a lot less energy than simmering on the stove
- Use covers on pots when cooking & match the burner size to the pot. Foods cook food faster and avoid wasting energy.
23. Buy Local products - Buy locally grown food and locally made products when possible. Doing so keeps jobs and money in the community and reduces environmental impacts due to less transportation. See listings at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/farms/farmers_markets.htm
24. Lights: Turn off lights, appliances & computers when not using them. We have light detectors, they are called human beings! Save money and energy by turning off lights.
25. Electrical leaks: Most of our electronics are Vampires & suck energy! Unplug TV, DVD player, Computer, MP3 or Cell phone charger & other electronics when not in use, or click off the power strip. http://www.terrapass.com/blog/posts/energy-tip-10-remove-wall-warts-and-slay-electricity-vampir
26. Change Light bulbs: Change incandescent bulbs to Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFL). CFL’s use about 2/3 less energy and last 10x longer. Then RECYCLE the CFL bulbs (don’t toss in trash – they contain mercury! Bring them to McLendon’s, Home Depot (NEW 09), King County waste mobile, and the Snohomish County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station in Everett.) http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/takeitback/fluorescent/index.asp
27. Refrigerator/freezers: Vacuum off the refrigerator & freezer condensation coils quarterly. Keep door seals clean and keep the door open only when necessary.
28.Dishwashing: Run the dishwasher with a full load. Run after 8pm.
29. Clothes washing.
a. Use cold water wash whenever possible for clothes washing
b. Only run full loads of wash.
c. Hang clothes to dry or only run full loads in the clothes dryer.
d. Clean the lint filter after every load.30. Transportation: Car Pool, ride your bike! Also save gas and money by eating out less..
31. Energy Star Appliances: Buy energy efficient appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators etc Households that replace existing appliances with “Energy Star” appliances can save up to 30% of their annual energy bills. On an average home that’s about $450.
PSE rebates: http://www.pse.com/solutions/foryourhome/Pages/rebatesOnAppliances.aspx#
SNOPUD rebates: http://www.snopud.com/energy.ashx?p=188132. Hot Water Heater temp: If your old water heater is still good, turn it down to 120F & buy a “blanket” if the unit is in an unheated space.
33. On Demand Hot Water Heaters: Installing an Demand hot water heater will save you lots of money over time. http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12820
34. Do a quick home water audit on water use – http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/home-water-audit.php
35.Check out these Home Water conservation: TIPS and adopt a couple new ideas! http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php (A couple starter ideas. Don’t let the water run when you don’t need it for showering, shaving, washing, or brushing your teeth. (A couple starter ideas: Use bath or dishwater to water the flowers! Water early morning.)
36. Showers - Have your parents install low flow showerheads, then take 3-5 minute showers. See how to do it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGXrlGWJ2XM
37. Flushing - Flush toilets less often. Every flush saves between 1.6 to 3 gallons of water “When it’s yellow let it….” Take a fun water quiz at: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/quiz/game.html
38. Install low flow toilets. Reduce water consumption, sewage treatment, and wastewater! The newer, more efficient ones can be bought for as little as $125. Good advice at this site http://www.h2ouse.org/
39. Install screened rain barrels with downspout diverters – This will allow you to water for free for part of our dry summer/fall season and save water and money! http://rainbarrelguide.com/
Conserving Energy in your Home
40. Heating - Adjust your thermostat, down 2 degrees in the winter and 2 degrees up in the summer if you have air conditioning. Set the thermostat back at night. For each degree you lower your thermostat you will save about 5% of your home heating bill. Energy use of the average U.S. home creates almost twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car41. Clean or replace furnace filters every 2 months
42. Before vacation - turn down the heat and turn off your water heater
43. Close fireplace damper when not using fireplace.
44. Buy Green Power or Join Planet Power or Green Up at your Utility Company – these inexpensive programs increase the demand for new energy (wind/solar/tidal etc) devices and decrease your overall amount of CO2 emissions!
a. PSE http://www.pse.com/energyEnvironment/renewableenergy4/pages/GreenPowerProgram.aspx?tab=1&chapter=1
b. SnoPUD = http://www.snopud.com/energy/home/plpwrpgm.ashx?p=1793
c. Seattle = http://www.seattle.gov/light/green/greenpower/greenup.asp
45. Heat Leaks: Find and seal leaks around doors, and windows. This link tells you how to do this!
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_index
46. Insulation: Ensure you have proper attic and heating ducts insulation in your home. Many 20 years and older homes could save $$ in heating costs by adding more insulation. Both PSE and SNOPUD offer cash rebates when you use a qualified contractor. See:
http://www.pse.com/solutions/foryourhome/Pages/rebatesOnWeatherization.aspx
http://www.snopud.com/energy.ashx?p=188547. Furnace: Have your furnace cleaned and inspected every 2 – 3 years.
48. Windows: Use curtains and shade to slow heat loss. If possible, install new insulated Energy Star “Lo E” windows in your home. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/windows.html
49. Hi Efficiency furnaces: Replace old, inefficient furnaces with a new furnace or heat pump. PSE offers rebates for nat’l gas furnaces.
http://www.pse.com/solutions/foryourhome/Pages/rebatesOnHeating.aspx
Also see. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=furnaces.pr_furnaces
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=airsrc_heat.pr_as_heat_pumpsSaving energy for your Automobile:
50. Take the bus to school/work. Riding the bus really saves energy!51. Carpool or take a Bike to save energy and cut down pollution whenever possible.
52. Slow down and drive smoothly! Drive the speed limit, accelerate slowly (fast starts use lots of gas!), & avoid idling for more than 30 sec. Gas mileage is about 15% higher at 55mph compared to 65mph.
53. Tire Air Pressure - Check your car’s tires pressure frequently.
54. Lower the car’s weight - Remove unnecessary items that add weight to your car and save gas
55. Change your car’s air filter and change the oil and filter regularly and save gas
56. Check your tire alignment - Look at tires for uneven wear. If uneven, get your car realigned to save gas and tire costs
57. .If you can, buy a fuel efficient car. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml
Some other fun and serious resources.
California Energy Commission Bright School Program www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/brightschools/California Energy Commission Conservation Web Links www.energy.ca.gov/links/conservation.html
Consumer Energy Center - Energy Efficiency at Home, Office and School http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network Dr. E's Energy Lab http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/
Federal Consumer Information Center www.pueblo.gsa.gov
Green Schools http://ase.org/section/program/greenschl
PowerSmart http://ase.org/section/_audience/consumers/powersmart/
Rocky Mountain Institute - for Kids www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid468.php
U.S. Dept of Energy Energy Star Kids http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index
U.S. Dept. of Energy - Energy Efficiency page http://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/index.htm
The Energy Story http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html#table
Tips to Lower your Energy bills http://www.ase.org/section/_audience/consumers/energybilltips
Environment Basics Index Project Page Home © 2009 John Schmied all rights reserved
