LIST FOR A GREENER LIFE  - A FEW IDEAS TO CONSIDER

            Over the years, I’ve watched environmental issues blossom and seen campaigns come and go.  Those who know me, recognize my penchant for getting involved in issues and championing causes.  I’m an aquarian biologist, what can I say ?!  However, in this day and age, issues are coming on hot and heavy.  Nowhere is this more evident than the environmental front.  We’re staring down the barrel of rising pollution, the threat of global warming, wildlife habitat destruction, a drought crisis, oil dependency and dying coral reefs.  In the west, heated battles are raging over logging practices, water rights, cattle grazing on public lands and cyanide leach mining operations.  The list doesn’t stop there.

                With all of these concerns, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.  The burnout rate is high among even hard core environmentalists.  It’s tempting to throw one’s hands in the air and run off screaming – or bury one’s head in the sand while chanting “make it go away, make it go away….”

However, before you abandon the battlements, consider this.  Paganism and witchcraft are earth-based spiritual paths.  If any group could put its finger on the oft fibrillating heart beat of mother earth, it would be pagans and witches.  It’s my belief that we have a responsibility to honor the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of the earth.

While there are many large issues to tackle, never forget that small changes do make a difference. You may not see a change immediately. However, collectively over time, these little tweaks are often what hold the house together. 

                I don’t believe in asking people to make changes without providing some options.  That would be akin to a person racing around the scene of an accident yelling “Do something!!”  Great. Do what, exactly ?

Over the past week or so I have gone through my mind and my filing cabinet.  I’ve talked to a few other biologists.  In culmination, I’ve put together a list of “tweaks”.  I call it a list for a greener life.  Read it over, consider it.  It’s not a definitive list of everything you could do.  I’m sure you’ll come up with more ideas.  It’s a start however. You may already be doing many of these things.  If you are, kudos to you !!  If you aren’t, think about trying a few of the suggestions.  Pick what you can do and commit to it. 

The Energy Star Program 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the “Energy Star” program.  This program is designed to offer consumers and businesses energy efficient options to meet their daily needs. Under this program, products are evaluated for energy efficiency. A wide variety of  products are investigated including home appliances and office equipment. If an item is found to be energy efficient it is marked with an EPA Energy Star label. These labels are placed prominently on the packaging and are easily visible. Labeled products generally exceed the minimum federal  energy efficiency standards. When purchasing home appliances or business equipment, look for the Energy Star label. The EPA maintains an Energy Star website at  www.energystar.gov/default.shtml.  

Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, consider the impacts of commercial coffee production on the environment. Every year, more acres of tropical forest are cut to expand large scale commercial coffee operations (aka “sun” coffee).  With the forest, goes precious wildlife habitat. Large scale sun coffee production also uses high amounts of pesticides and herbicides.  However, there is an alternative! Buy organic shade-grown coffee.  It is a gentler chemical free production method which protects wildlife habitat. Also, look for “fair trade” coffee. This is coffee bought from the farmers at a fair market price. Some sources are: Earth Easy coffee www.eartheasy.com/eat_shadegrown_coffee.htm,  Java Forest www.javaforest.org., The Organic Coffee Co. www.o-coffee.com, Thanksgiving coffee www.thanksgivingcoffee.com…and many many more.  Look around and see what you can find !

Canvas shopping bags:   Get a couple large canvas bags and toss them in the car. When you go shopping, have your groceries bagged in them instead of standard paper or plastic.

Recycle: Sort your garbage and recycle.  Find out where your community recycling center is or inquire as to whether your community has a curbside recycling pick-up program.  If you aren’t willing to recycle extensively, then pick a few items and recycle them on a regular basis – ie plastic milk jugs, aluminum cans or glass. (Not all states have mandatory recycling laws.)

Organic farmers:  Buy organic produce when possible. If you garden, learn organic gardening techniques and use them. Buy organic seed.

Activism:  Support research and development of alternative clean energy sources - solar and wind power for example. Support legislation for higher fuel efficiency standards in automobiles. Be aware of natural resource conservation issues in your area. Speak out. Write your senator and representatives to express your concerns. Study the issues and become actively involved in lobbying & public education campaigns.

Traveling:  Use public transport, walk or bike whenever possible. It’s an oldie but a goodie. Get regular tune-ups for your vehicle and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Proper inflation improves your gas mileage.

Paper products:  If you must use paper products, use unbleached or recycled products when possible. There are many quality unbleached and recycled paper   products nowadays.  If you’re making copies – ask your copy shop. They will generally have several enviro-friendly options available.

Subscriptions:  Many newspapers, and some magazines, are available on-line. I subscribe on-line to The New York Times.  If you do have hard-copy subscriptions – recycle when you are finished reading.

Going to a picnic or potluck ? Bring your own washable utensils, cups and plates. This is a great idea, especially for coven gatherings.  Try to make your get-togethers as earth friendly as possible.

The water heater:  If you have control of your water heater, check it’s setting. The higher the setting, the greater the heat loss. There is also a greater chance of being burned.  Try for a setting around 120 degrees fahrenheit.

Light bulbs :Check out “twist” or “coil” light bulbs. They burn longer than conventional bulbs a 100 watt conventional bulb. Twist bulbs also have a longer life than conventional bulbs, therefore producing less waste. 

Switch to cloth menstrual pads

Roughly 20 billion pads are disposed of annually in North America.  This is a heap of garbage!  Additionally, the production of disposable pads releases dioxins and other toxins into the environment. I’ve used washable flannel pads for years. They are convenient, absorbent, comfortable, and I love them.  There are many brands available.  Check your local health food stores or go on-line at http://www.sehlat.com/aux/padtable.html

Water:  Many parts of the US are facing yet another year of drought conditions.  Eighteen states have already declared States of Emergency due to continued water shortages.  Take action to conserve water.  If you own a dishwasher, only run the washer when it is full.  Take shorter showers. Don’t allow the water to run while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.  Wash your car less often.  Keep lawn watering to a bare minimum.If you can live with an “unwatered” lawn – please do so.

Michelle Brown