RegisterEnvironmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
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Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:56 pm
Hello evervbody! I am Triinu and I am studying Environmental Sciense in university. I thought that environment is the subject that is important to all of us, I could share what I have learned.
First: I Reccommend to watch this 20-minutes long movie "The Story OF Stuff". It is really interesting.
And here are some tips how to save environment in your HOME:
1. Turn off appliances when you are not using them. Up to 30% of power used by TV's is used while they are turned off, so buy power strips and just flip the switch on the power strip, because they use far less energy while turned off.
2. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees in winter. An extra layer or blanket will not only keep you cozy but will help to reduce your electricity bill significantly.
3. Make sure that the house is fully insulated. Insulation keeps the heat and cool on the correct side of your living space. Consider not only the ceiling but also the walls and under the floors.
4. Use windows to regulate the temperature.
* Keep windows and doors closed properly to avoid the loss of heat in winter.
* Open the windows in summer. The cross breeze will often keep you cool and flushes out stale air (indoor air is often more highly polluted than the air outside). Importantly, the use of fresh air to cycle through your home saves the cost of running an air conditioner.
5. Install ceiling fans instead of air conditioning units to keep rooms comfortable in warm weather.
6. Fill the gaps. Gaps reduce energy efficiency in a home. By caulking gaps around windows and doors, you increase the ability of your house to retain heat and cool at the right times of year, allowing your heating and cooling systems to work less.
7. Switch to compound fluorescent lightbulbs. They last longer and consume one-quarter of the energy.
8. Turn off the lights. Always turn off the lights when you are not using them. Rooms that are lit with nobody in them are wasteful.
First: I Reccommend to watch this 20-minutes long movie "The Story OF Stuff". It is really interesting.
And here are some tips how to save environment in your HOME:
1. Turn off appliances when you are not using them. Up to 30% of power used by TV's is used while they are turned off, so buy power strips and just flip the switch on the power strip, because they use far less energy while turned off.
2. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees in winter. An extra layer or blanket will not only keep you cozy but will help to reduce your electricity bill significantly.
3. Make sure that the house is fully insulated. Insulation keeps the heat and cool on the correct side of your living space. Consider not only the ceiling but also the walls and under the floors.
4. Use windows to regulate the temperature.
* Keep windows and doors closed properly to avoid the loss of heat in winter.
* Open the windows in summer. The cross breeze will often keep you cool and flushes out stale air (indoor air is often more highly polluted than the air outside). Importantly, the use of fresh air to cycle through your home saves the cost of running an air conditioner.
5. Install ceiling fans instead of air conditioning units to keep rooms comfortable in warm weather.
6. Fill the gaps. Gaps reduce energy efficiency in a home. By caulking gaps around windows and doors, you increase the ability of your house to retain heat and cool at the right times of year, allowing your heating and cooling systems to work less.
7. Switch to compound fluorescent lightbulbs. They last longer and consume one-quarter of the energy.
8. Turn off the lights. Always turn off the lights when you are not using them. Rooms that are lit with nobody in them are wasteful.
Last edited by Cassiopeia on Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:05 am; edited 1 time in total
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:03 am
In the Kitchen
1. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Some cities already require people to sort their trash into paper, metals, glass, and organic waste. Even if your city doesn't, you can launch a growing trend. Set up four separate waste baskets, and make sure the contents end up in the appropriate recycle bins.
2. Air dry your dishes. Stop the dishwasher before the dryer cycle commences. Leave the door slightly ajar (or more open if you have the space) and let the dishes air-dry. The drying cycle of the dishwasher consumes a lot of energy.
3. Avoid Creating Trash. Avoid disposable products, such as plates, cups, napkins and cutlery. Use reusable towels and dishwashing cloths in place of paper towels and disposable dish sponges.
4. Update your refrigerator. Fridges are the most energy intensive appliance in a house. This means that a poorly maintained and energy inefficient fridge is costing you money, let alone adding its burden to the atmosphere. Recent fridges use 40% less energy than fridges of 10 years ago. If you do decide to upgrade the fridge, make sure that you buy for its excellent energy rating, longevity and durability and that you have the old fridge recycled.
In the Bathroom & Laundry
1. Prefer showers over baths. Showers use less water. Don't forget to install an efficient showerhead.
2. Use soaps and detergents that contain no phosphates. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to wash your windows. Wash clothes in cold water to avoid consuming energy to heat the water. On sunny days, use a clothes line instead of a clothes dryer. Your clothes will smell fresher and the sun's rays ensure that germs are successfully sizzled.
3. Install low-flush toilets in your home. These use 1.6 gallons per flush, instead of 3.5 gallons, cutting water consumption by more than half.
4. For the ladies out there, consider using cloth (as in, reusable) tampons and pads, or using a menstrual cup. It may seem gross, but it can't be grosser than the thought of the amount of pads and tampons women use yearly piled up in a landfill, now can't it?
In the Home Office
1. Use recycled paper in your home office and printer. Double side your printing and give scrap paper to the kids or turn it into note paper for the phone table.
2. Turn off the computer every day. Even if it feels like it is not making much of a difference, it is. You also reduce any risks of overheating or shortcircuiting by turning computers off overnight.
In the Garage
1. Leave the car at home. Let the car contribute less to the atmosphere by resting at home whenever possible. Walk to your local stores, take public transport to work and cycle to your friends' houses for dinner. Join a car pool and ferry others to work rather than driving in alone. You'll make new friends and you'll all share the costs.
2. Buy a fuel-efficient car if you are changing cars. Choose a compact car over an SUV. SUVs burn almost twice the amount of gas as a station wagon and yet can still carry around the same amount of passengers.
3. If you're really serious about going all-out green, consider living without a car -- not only it's green, but could also save you a lot of money!
4. Keep your bike well maintained. Take away at least one excuse that you cannot use your bike because it is in bad shape. Keep it in shape and then use it to keep yourself in shape.
5. Dispose of workshop items with care. Old paints, oils, pesticides etc. should not be tipped down the drain - the residues end up in our waterways. Dispose of these items through municipal disposal schemes or use the landfill option if there is no other choice.
1. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Some cities already require people to sort their trash into paper, metals, glass, and organic waste. Even if your city doesn't, you can launch a growing trend. Set up four separate waste baskets, and make sure the contents end up in the appropriate recycle bins.
2. Air dry your dishes. Stop the dishwasher before the dryer cycle commences. Leave the door slightly ajar (or more open if you have the space) and let the dishes air-dry. The drying cycle of the dishwasher consumes a lot of energy.
3. Avoid Creating Trash. Avoid disposable products, such as plates, cups, napkins and cutlery. Use reusable towels and dishwashing cloths in place of paper towels and disposable dish sponges.
4. Update your refrigerator. Fridges are the most energy intensive appliance in a house. This means that a poorly maintained and energy inefficient fridge is costing you money, let alone adding its burden to the atmosphere. Recent fridges use 40% less energy than fridges of 10 years ago. If you do decide to upgrade the fridge, make sure that you buy for its excellent energy rating, longevity and durability and that you have the old fridge recycled.
In the Bathroom & Laundry
1. Prefer showers over baths. Showers use less water. Don't forget to install an efficient showerhead.
2. Use soaps and detergents that contain no phosphates. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to wash your windows. Wash clothes in cold water to avoid consuming energy to heat the water. On sunny days, use a clothes line instead of a clothes dryer. Your clothes will smell fresher and the sun's rays ensure that germs are successfully sizzled.
3. Install low-flush toilets in your home. These use 1.6 gallons per flush, instead of 3.5 gallons, cutting water consumption by more than half.
4. For the ladies out there, consider using cloth (as in, reusable) tampons and pads, or using a menstrual cup. It may seem gross, but it can't be grosser than the thought of the amount of pads and tampons women use yearly piled up in a landfill, now can't it?
In the Home Office
1. Use recycled paper in your home office and printer. Double side your printing and give scrap paper to the kids or turn it into note paper for the phone table.
2. Turn off the computer every day. Even if it feels like it is not making much of a difference, it is. You also reduce any risks of overheating or shortcircuiting by turning computers off overnight.
In the Garage
1. Leave the car at home. Let the car contribute less to the atmosphere by resting at home whenever possible. Walk to your local stores, take public transport to work and cycle to your friends' houses for dinner. Join a car pool and ferry others to work rather than driving in alone. You'll make new friends and you'll all share the costs.
2. Buy a fuel-efficient car if you are changing cars. Choose a compact car over an SUV. SUVs burn almost twice the amount of gas as a station wagon and yet can still carry around the same amount of passengers.
3. If you're really serious about going all-out green, consider living without a car -- not only it's green, but could also save you a lot of money!
4. Keep your bike well maintained. Take away at least one excuse that you cannot use your bike because it is in bad shape. Keep it in shape and then use it to keep yourself in shape.
5. Dispose of workshop items with care. Old paints, oils, pesticides etc. should not be tipped down the drain - the residues end up in our waterways. Dispose of these items through municipal disposal schemes or use the landfill option if there is no other choice.
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:07 am
In The Garden
1. Plant native species. They need less watering, are hardier (hence, less products needed to protect them) and they attract the local wildlife.
2. Plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide shade. They provide homes for wildlife and some trees can provide you with a bountiful harvest. What more incentive do you need?!
3. Reduce the lawn. Either reduce your lawn size or remove it altogether. Lawns are costly to maintain, the chemicals used on lawns are dangerous to our health and to that of the surrounding wildlife and lawnmowers emit high levels of pollution. Replace lawns with shrubs, ornamental garden structures, pavers for entertainment areas, native grasses and ground creepers etc.
4. Compost. Compost the kitchen scraps and create beautiful garden matter to encourage better plant growth.
Source: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
1. Plant native species. They need less watering, are hardier (hence, less products needed to protect them) and they attract the local wildlife.
2. Plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide shade. They provide homes for wildlife and some trees can provide you with a bountiful harvest. What more incentive do you need?!
3. Reduce the lawn. Either reduce your lawn size or remove it altogether. Lawns are costly to maintain, the chemicals used on lawns are dangerous to our health and to that of the surrounding wildlife and lawnmowers emit high levels of pollution. Replace lawns with shrubs, ornamental garden structures, pavers for entertainment areas, native grasses and ground creepers etc.
4. Compost. Compost the kitchen scraps and create beautiful garden matter to encourage better plant growth.
Source: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:12 am
Measure your eco-footprint that you make to the environment:
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
The last one is better than the others:
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
The last one is better than the others:
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:27 am
First: Reduce
The critical first step of waste prevention has been overshadowed by a focus on recycling. Please help to promote a greater awareness of the importance of the "Reduce" part of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra.
* Simplify: Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future.
* Reduce Purchases: In general, think before you buy any product - do you really need it? How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product (and associated packaging materials)? When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule -- wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying.
* Tree-Free Home: As much as possible, create a tree-free home:
o replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
o replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse
o purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum)
o if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)
o create and use note pads from once-used paper
o leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board
o make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper
* Bulk Purchases: Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products.
* Avoid Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc., buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
* Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own.
* Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for take out beverages.
* Protect Children: New American Dream offers tips for protecting your children from intrusive and harmful advertising that promotes mindless consumption.
The critical first step of waste prevention has been overshadowed by a focus on recycling. Please help to promote a greater awareness of the importance of the "Reduce" part of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra.
* Simplify: Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future.
* Reduce Purchases: In general, think before you buy any product - do you really need it? How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product (and associated packaging materials)? When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule -- wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying.
* Tree-Free Home: As much as possible, create a tree-free home:
o replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
o replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse
o purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum)
o if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)
o create and use note pads from once-used paper
o leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board
o make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper
* Bulk Purchases: Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products.
* Avoid Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc., buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
* Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own.
* Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for take out beverages.
* Protect Children: New American Dream offers tips for protecting your children from intrusive and harmful advertising that promotes mindless consumption.
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:35 am
Second: Reuse
The media has done a wonderful job of selling us on the attractiveness and benefits of buying "new", "improved", "special", etc. products. However, we already collectively own so much that we could all survive for quite a while on the existing products - if we just reused them a few times!
* Garage Sales: Shop at and hold garage sales - this is a great way to reuse products.
* Reusables: Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
* Donations: Donate your old:
o household items - clothes, furniture, dishes, books, sports equipment, magazines, appliances, electronics, business attire, wedding attire, etc. (to charity)
o computer equipment
o building material (to companies who specialize in selling used material)
o cell phones and ink cartridges (to Cure Recycling - profits from reuse of items support the CURE Childhood Cancer organization. Free postage. Another place to donate cell phones is Collective Good)
o eyeglasses (to Lions Club, For-Eyes, Pearle, or Lenscrafters)
o extra hangers (to your local dry cleaners)
o art materials (to a school or cultural organization)
o unwanted boxed/bagged/canned food (to homeless shelters, food banks, or soup kitchens)
* Buy/Sell Used Items: Buy and sell your items on sites such as:
* Wash and Reuse Plastic Bags: With either a wooden bag dryer or in the washing machine.
* Buy Durables: Buy products that will last and take care of them.
* Teach Thrift: Teach your children the value of being thrifty (the wise economy in the management of money and other resources; frugality).
* Frugal Printing: Use both sides of each piece of paper -- for note taking or printing documents from your computer (at home or work). Create note pads by stapling together once-used paper.
* Kitchen Reuseables: Instead of buying these items new, save and reuse all: paper bags, rubber bands, twisties, boxes, and packaging material. Reuse your plastic bags with a handy bag dryer.
* Library: Pick up books from your local library or used book store. The library is also many times a great place for finding magazines, CDs, books-on-tape, and videos.
* Share with Neighbors: Join in with neighbors to purchase infrequently used products such as lawn mowers, ladders, etc.
* Refurbished Computers: Buy refurbished computers for less
* Rechargeable Batteries: Purchase rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger (some battery rechargers will also recharge regular alkaline batteries). Solar powered battery recharchers are available online.
* College Reuse: Dump and Run is a nonprofit organization that organizes the collection of college students' castoff items in the spring, so they can be sold to incoming students in the fall. The proceeds are then donated to nonprofits.
The media has done a wonderful job of selling us on the attractiveness and benefits of buying "new", "improved", "special", etc. products. However, we already collectively own so much that we could all survive for quite a while on the existing products - if we just reused them a few times!
* Garage Sales: Shop at and hold garage sales - this is a great way to reuse products.
* Reusables: Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
* Donations: Donate your old:
o household items - clothes, furniture, dishes, books, sports equipment, magazines, appliances, electronics, business attire, wedding attire, etc. (to charity)
o computer equipment
o building material (to companies who specialize in selling used material)
o cell phones and ink cartridges (to Cure Recycling - profits from reuse of items support the CURE Childhood Cancer organization. Free postage. Another place to donate cell phones is Collective Good)
o eyeglasses (to Lions Club, For-Eyes, Pearle, or Lenscrafters)
o extra hangers (to your local dry cleaners)
o art materials (to a school or cultural organization)
o unwanted boxed/bagged/canned food (to homeless shelters, food banks, or soup kitchens)
* Buy/Sell Used Items: Buy and sell your items on sites such as:
* Wash and Reuse Plastic Bags: With either a wooden bag dryer or in the washing machine.
* Buy Durables: Buy products that will last and take care of them.
* Teach Thrift: Teach your children the value of being thrifty (the wise economy in the management of money and other resources; frugality).
* Frugal Printing: Use both sides of each piece of paper -- for note taking or printing documents from your computer (at home or work). Create note pads by stapling together once-used paper.
* Kitchen Reuseables: Instead of buying these items new, save and reuse all: paper bags, rubber bands, twisties, boxes, and packaging material. Reuse your plastic bags with a handy bag dryer.
* Library: Pick up books from your local library or used book store. The library is also many times a great place for finding magazines, CDs, books-on-tape, and videos.
* Share with Neighbors: Join in with neighbors to purchase infrequently used products such as lawn mowers, ladders, etc.
* Refurbished Computers: Buy refurbished computers for less
* Rechargeable Batteries: Purchase rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger (some battery rechargers will also recharge regular alkaline batteries). Solar powered battery recharchers are available online.
* College Reuse: Dump and Run is a nonprofit organization that organizes the collection of college students' castoff items in the spring, so they can be sold to incoming students in the fall. The proceeds are then donated to nonprofits.
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:40 am
Third: Recycle
* Recycle Bins: Create designated holding "bins" for each type of recycled product and place in convenient locations in your home/garage
* Recycling Fact Sheet: Create a local recycling fact sheet for yourself and interested neighbors. The local Yellow Pages, Internet Consumer Recycling Guide and Recycling Resources are great resources. Find out where you can recycle:
o glass
o paper products
o plastic grocery bags (better yet - use cloth bags)
o plastic - including 1 - 7 identification codes
o aluminum
o cardboard
o tin cans
o scrap metal
o motor oil (one quart of oil can kill fish in thousands of gallons of water)
o ink cartridges
o household appliances such as refrigerators
o computer equipment and other electronic devices
o aseptic packaging (square boxes used for liquids)
o styrofoam
o tires
o athletic shoes (contact a local sporting goods or athletic shoe store - some donate used shoes, others recycle them)
* Recycled Content: Ask your local retailers to stock more products made from recycled materials and buy products made from the highest recycled content whenever possible.
* Green Paper: In general, try to buy products/containers made from recycled material as often as possible to support the recycled product market. When purchasing paper products (toilet paper, etc,), look for paper that has been recycled using a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste. Also, purchase from companies that do not use chlorine to bleach their paper products (which creates dioxin waste).
* Natural Fertilizer: Leave grass clippings on the lawn as fertilizer.
* Composting: Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps.
* Hazardous Waste: The other key aspect of dealing with waste effectively is to dispose of toxic products at a hazardous waste facility. Products requiring special handling include:
o Building Materials - paint , varnish, paint thinner, solvents, rust remover, wood preservatives and driveway sealer
o Automotive products - gasoline, transmission oil, brake fluid, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, power steering fluid, used motor oil,used oil filters, used antifreeze
o Household cleaners - spot removers, rug cleaners, metal cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaner, drain cleaner
o Pesticides - insect killers, weed killers, flea products, moth crystals, fertilizers with weed killer
o Miscellaneous - photographic chemicals, acids and corrosive chemicals, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, Ni-Cd batteries
* Recycle Bins: Create designated holding "bins" for each type of recycled product and place in convenient locations in your home/garage
* Recycling Fact Sheet: Create a local recycling fact sheet for yourself and interested neighbors. The local Yellow Pages, Internet Consumer Recycling Guide and Recycling Resources are great resources. Find out where you can recycle:
o glass
o paper products
o plastic grocery bags (better yet - use cloth bags)
o plastic - including 1 - 7 identification codes
o aluminum
o cardboard
o tin cans
o scrap metal
o motor oil (one quart of oil can kill fish in thousands of gallons of water)
o ink cartridges
o household appliances such as refrigerators
o computer equipment and other electronic devices
o aseptic packaging (square boxes used for liquids)
o styrofoam
o tires
o athletic shoes (contact a local sporting goods or athletic shoe store - some donate used shoes, others recycle them)
* Recycled Content: Ask your local retailers to stock more products made from recycled materials and buy products made from the highest recycled content whenever possible.
* Green Paper: In general, try to buy products/containers made from recycled material as often as possible to support the recycled product market. When purchasing paper products (toilet paper, etc,), look for paper that has been recycled using a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste. Also, purchase from companies that do not use chlorine to bleach their paper products (which creates dioxin waste).
* Natural Fertilizer: Leave grass clippings on the lawn as fertilizer.
* Composting: Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps.
* Hazardous Waste: The other key aspect of dealing with waste effectively is to dispose of toxic products at a hazardous waste facility. Products requiring special handling include:
o Building Materials - paint , varnish, paint thinner, solvents, rust remover, wood preservatives and driveway sealer
o Automotive products - gasoline, transmission oil, brake fluid, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, power steering fluid, used motor oil,used oil filters, used antifreeze
o Household cleaners - spot removers, rug cleaners, metal cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaner, drain cleaner
o Pesticides - insect killers, weed killers, flea products, moth crystals, fertilizers with weed killer
o Miscellaneous - photographic chemicals, acids and corrosive chemicals, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, Ni-Cd batteries
Cassiopeia- Administrator
- Number of posts : 11713
Location : Estonia
Registration date : 2008-06-24
Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:47 am
Your Food
Switching to a vegetarian diet is a powerful way to help protect our environment and help ensure everyone has enough to eat. The United Nations recently released Livestock’s Long Shadow–Environmental Issues and Options, which concludes that the livestock sector (primarily cows, chickens, and pigs) emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to our most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global. It is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases - responsible for 18% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalents. By comparison, all transportation emits 13.5% of the CO2. It produces 65% of human-related nitrous oxide (which has 296 times the global warming potential of CO2) and 37% of all human-induced methane (which is 23 times as warming as CO2). It also generates 64% of the ammonia, which contributes to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems.
In addition, the enormous amounts of grain required to feed livestock reduces the amount of food available for the world's hungry.
Buying organic, locally grown food also reduces global warming emissions and helps protect the environment.
* Organic food:Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
* Local: Buy food (and drink - ideally tap - water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (C02) emissions. Support your area's Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices. You can find local farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants that cook with regional cuisine, and food cooperatives through Local Harvest.
* Non-GMO: There are many organizations that are working to protect our food supply from genetically engineered produce. Please get involved in any way you can. Whenever possible, buy products containing non-GMO soy, cotton, and corn. Ask your local supermarket to carry non-GMO products and ask your friends to also make this request - have faith that your requests will get back to the growers and store headquarters. This trend will only turn around when customer demand non-GMO products. Your pocketbook is your most effective voice.
* Unprocessed Food: Eat unprocessed/unpackaged food whenever possible.
Switching to a vegetarian diet is a powerful way to help protect our environment and help ensure everyone has enough to eat. The United Nations recently released Livestock’s Long Shadow–Environmental Issues and Options, which concludes that the livestock sector (primarily cows, chickens, and pigs) emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to our most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global. It is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases - responsible for 18% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalents. By comparison, all transportation emits 13.5% of the CO2. It produces 65% of human-related nitrous oxide (which has 296 times the global warming potential of CO2) and 37% of all human-induced methane (which is 23 times as warming as CO2). It also generates 64% of the ammonia, which contributes to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems.
In addition, the enormous amounts of grain required to feed livestock reduces the amount of food available for the world's hungry.
Buying organic, locally grown food also reduces global warming emissions and helps protect the environment.
* Organic food:Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
* Local: Buy food (and drink - ideally tap - water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (C02) emissions. Support your area's Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices. You can find local farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants that cook with regional cuisine, and food cooperatives through Local Harvest.
* Non-GMO: There are many organizations that are working to protect our food supply from genetically engineered produce. Please get involved in any way you can. Whenever possible, buy products containing non-GMO soy, cotton, and corn. Ask your local supermarket to carry non-GMO products and ask your friends to also make this request - have faith that your requests will get back to the growers and store headquarters. This trend will only turn around when customer demand non-GMO products. Your pocketbook is your most effective voice.
* Unprocessed Food: Eat unprocessed/unpackaged food whenever possible.
Cassiopeia- Administrator
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Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by i_heart_bones Fri Jan 23, 2009 12:10 pm
i love the tips..
enviro science hey?
Im a big greenie. on the sustainability committee for model UN at uni
haha im a secret geek.
enviro science hey?
Im a big greenie. on the sustainability committee for model UN at uni
haha im a secret geek.
i_heart_bones- Deputy Director
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Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Cassiopeia Fri Jan 23, 2009 4:36 pm
i_heart_bones wrote:i love the tips..
enviro science hey?
Im a big greenie. on the sustainability committee for model UN at uni
haha im a secret geek.
Hehee. yes. Environment. Welcome to the club.
I am going to be a squint I guess Hehee.... I will continue with the tips soon.
Cassiopeia- Administrator
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Re: Environmental thread - some tips how to save environment!
by Zeddie Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:48 am
I love helping the environment!!! I thought these tips are great Cass!!
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