LIST OF 50!

Here below is a list of 50 ways to get “greener”… and it is just getting started!  If you need inspiration and maybe an idea or two, this list quite possibly will have some good suggestions.

Let’s preserve our natural environment, we must in order to survive….

1. Do not eat meat or chicken or at least limit your consumption. According to scientists at the Smithsonian, the equivalent of seven football fields of land is bulldozed worldwide every minute to create more room for farmed animals aka 30% of our land mass. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/13/less-meat-prevent-climate-change  AND http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/meat-wastes-natural-resources.aspx
2. If you need a new end table, measuring cup, lamp or whatever, this time don’t just drive to Target or Macy’s, but give a local thrift or consignment shop your business. This is a powerful choice and is great recycling!
3. Research what environmental groups are in your area and then support one of them by volunteering when you are able and/or make a donation.
4. Use rechargeable batteries.
5. Get off the paper towels and use tea towels and rags more often. Use “green” paper towels when you do use them. The extra money you spend on them will help you use less!
6. If you or someone you love uses prescription drugs, don’t throw unused drugs in the garbage. Ask your pharmacist if they are participating in any “Take-Back” programs for prescription drugs http://criminal-justice-online.blogspot.com/2012/04/dea-holding-fourth-nationwide.html
7. Unplug appliances like phone chargers, TV’s, laptops etc, when not in use. Same thing for lights. Turn them off when they are not necessary. Most people see a difference on their bill by doing this, fyi.
8. Discover where in your community you can recycle everyday things like old phone books, florescent light bulbs, leftover paint and other items like this. Share with your friends what you find out.
9. Supply your own “take out” container when out to eat.
10. Start an eco book club in your neighborhood and read books regarding issues facing the environment, alternative energy etc.
11. Make a list of what you love about the ocean and put it on your fridge. The ocean makes 70% of our oxygen! Lets save it.
12. Shop Less… just – buy – less.
13. Start growing your own cooking herbs.
14. Smiles create great energy, say “Cheese”!
15. When on vacation take a break from the www too if you can.
16. Contact via letter, phone or email atleast one of your elected officials and tell them you want to see more action when it comes to getting off the oil! Ask them what kind of car they drive and if they are going to support offshore drilling, especially deep water drilling. To find out who your pep’s are go to vote smart, put in your zip code and it will tell you.  http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm
17. Use your local library. You can get movies and books and save your pocketbook while doing something green.
18. Exchange one of the toxic cleaners you use now, with a biodegradable one instead. Dr Bronners is good.
19. Be Pro-active
20. Talk to people about your concerns!
21. Experiment for a week and do not buy beverages, milk, condiments, cleaners, shampoos, convenience food, take-out or ANYTHING stored in plastic. (it’s hard!) At the end of the week you will be amazed.
22. Eat only fish that is listed on the approved list from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
23. Install a low flow shower head. Water is a resource we need to preserve.
24. Install LED lighting.
25. Try an electricity free day. Get up with the sun, eat raw food & go to bed when the stars come out. No TV, computer… I dare you!
26. Consider buying holiday and birthday gifts from organizations trying to do good stuff, like the “Elephant Sanctuary”, or whomever/whatever your favorite is.
27. Make the next card that you send whether it is birthday or holiday. use recycled paper.
28. Set a limit on holiday spending.  Spend more time with family and friends and celebrate in ways that don’t require buying stuff, i.e. play games, bake, whatever, just don’t spend money!
29. Save and reuse plastic bags from the produce department, take them to the farmers markets.
30. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket.
31. Eat a vegan diet two days this week. http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm
32. Write an op-ed piece for your local paper regarding the environment. Even if they do not print it, the effort is good.
33. Make your next techno purchase something refurbished to help landfills. Most major companies, e.g. apple, dell, will have a section for that on their website.
34. Dry your clothes on a clothes line or on hangers in your shower. Drying outside makes them smell great too. Your clothes will also last much longer!
35. Don’t stop trying!
36. If you use a jet ski or rent them, be sure that you are using a four stroke or electric jet ski and not the disgusting two stroke jet ski’s, that pollute as much as a semi trailer- seriously.
37. Know your stuff. Educate yourself about what is going on with our planet and talk about it with others, it is great to share and let people know you are thinking about green issues.
38. Save any packing peanuts or Styrofoam that cross your path and donate them to your local mail center; they will be happy to receive any amount you have. (also art galleries that ship artwork, etc)
39. Once a week, or once a month spend an hour alone in nature, try and get away from distractions and reconnect.
40. Try not to purchase stuff made in China. Shipping stuff such a vast distance is not good for the ocean.
41. Stop receiving catalogs in the mail and ask to have your name removed from mail lists. On the back of most catalogs is the info you need to do this. Also a good site ishttp://www.catalogchoice.org/
42. Take a “sailors shower” and conserve water.  Turn the water off while you lather up atleast once this week. Fresh water is a resource we need to conserve.
43. The ocean absorbs the CO2 in the atmosphere. Due to the large amount of CO2 in the atmosphere the ocean is turning acidic. There are natural occurrences of CO2 (volcanoes) and man made (cars). Rethink every ride you make in your car for a week
44. Recycle your electronic gear and keep it out of landfills. Some companies exist that will pay you for some things: http://www.buymytronics.com/   and http://greenphone.com/
45. Green your garden and stop using harsh fertilizers and plant foods, if you do.
46. No plastic bags or bottles. Just make the commitment and STICK TO IT.
47. Start recycling old cd discs, they are bad news in a landfill http://www.cdrecyclingcenter.com/
48. Read up on what “organic” is on this site http://www.organicconsumers.org/sos.cfm
49. Try a new vegetable or fruit!
50. Give your children something valuable, and teach them with your words and by your example that happiness does not come from “things”!
51. ???? To Be Continued!

The Boy and The Frog

A boy was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.” He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week.” The boy took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. The frog then cried out, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I’ll stay with you and do anything you want.” Again the boy took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally the frog asked, “What is it?! I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess, that I’ll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won’t you kiss me?!” The boy said, “Look, I’m a computer programmer. I don’t have time for girlfriends, but a talking frog is really cool!”

(Thanks to Bodhi Magazine where this was found)