Tuesday, July 25, 2006

My Granola Soapbox

Well we have been so hot here this past week, as it has been in the whole world. So so hot. People are dying it so hot. We went to the mall to enjoy some air conditioning on the weekend and we have all spent alot of time in Lucas's little pool, trying to cool off.

This of course has made me think about the enviroment we live in and how we are treating it so badly. So badly infact that it is fighting back. With long heat spells, crazy storms, tsunamis, hurricanes, it is fighting back. I really feel strongly that people need to help this situation. It drives me crazy when I see people throwing things in the garbage that could be recycled. Plus I live in a city where the big and badder your truck is the better. Who really needs a hummer? I know it is nice to have 4 wheel drive in the winter or to tow your boat, but if you are not careful there will not be enough water to drink, nevertheless drive your boat on.

I'm not trying to yell at anyone, although it sounds like it. But I wanted to post some of the things I do to help the enviorment. I am certainly not perfect, so I would love it if others posted ideas or things they do to help.

  • Now each time we buy a new light bulb it is a high efficeny one. Even though they are not as pretty they are much better for the enviroment.
  • On the days that I work at SAIT I will be taking the c-train to get there.
  • We pay for our curbside recycling which includes all types of plastics etc. If you live in Calgary and are interested in this we use Recycle Plus 230-1030
  • We compost all our fruit, vegs, coffee, tea, outdoor clipings
  • The next vechile we get will hopefully be a hybrid
  • We drink our water out of reusable bottles, rather then buying a new one each time
  • Use old sour cream and margarine contaniers to store things rather then buying new see through "glad ware"
Just while writing this blog I researched some new ideas

  • Ask for no fliers to your house
  • use all rechargable batteries
  • turn own water heather to 120 degrees

Plus the best part about so many of these ideas is that is also saves you money. If anyone has any other great ideas please post them in comments. I am always looking for ways to make the world a better place for my children's children's children.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

3 comments:

Kristine said...

Jenn,
Here's a few from us.
* buy locally grown produce
*use rain barrels to collect rain water to water your plants, grass etc.
* shut off your lights whenever possible.....use window light.
*don't use a dishwasher....use the sink
*Contribute money to environmental protection agencies like the Sierra Legal Defence Fund
***Use vinegar and water for simple housecleaning instead of toxic commercial hoousecleaning chemicals

Just a few more for the list. Kris and Mark.

Anonymous said...

Jenn,

Here are some other things that we're also doing.

Over the years as appliances and household fixtures need replacing, choose Energy Star rated models. Our front load washing machine uses 1/5th of the energy of our last one. Our new windows (though a very large expense) are saving us about $45/month in heat and electricity plus the house is much more comfortable because the indoor temperature doesn't fluctuate like a yo-yo anymore.

Buy the book at Lee Valley called Dead Daisies Make Me Crazy. It provides tons of homemade "recipes" for fungicides, pesticides and herbicides (that really work!) which you can use in your garden so you won't have to buy chemicals anymore.

Lastly, perform all of the regular maintenance on your vehicle that the manufacturer recommends. It will keep it running more efficiently and reduce exhaust emissions.

Have a great day!

Lori

Mo Khan said...

I had no idea curb side recycling was already available in Calgary. How do you sign up? I really like the suggestions offered...