Being Green And Simple

What can we do? In this dangerous time and all the scary talk of global warming, what can I, an average 62 year old woman do to help? We are becoming angry with governments, especially in the US for not taking appropriate action, but once again, what can we do.

Last year my New Year resolution was to become more aware and to do everything I personally, can do to help the environment situation. While

I have been taking stock of things. My first idea, inspired by a Scarborough councilor is to recycle everything possible. Up until now, yes, I have recycled, but many things were going by the wayside. I got out the Garbage calendar which contains all the information regarding the recycling program and renovated our household program. In re thinking this issue, I tried to recall my childhood when plastic bags had not been heard of. Paper towels and paper products in general were either unheard of or for the "rich" people. We even carried cloth handkerchiefs.

It is unbelievable how many things go into either the blue, gray or green bins. I made a pact with myself that I would only fill one green

"garbage" bag every two weeks. This being the absolute trash that can't be recycled anywhere else.

What else can I do? Energy! How many people have thought about turning down the hot water heater? In my childhood, if you wanted hot water you had to turn the tank on and it was turned off as soon as it was hot. I have now experimented with the hot water tank in our basement. My theory at this point is that if you require mixing in cold water when you turn on the taps, then you are wasting energy. Now we have a mark on our dial and that keeps the water plenty hot enough for a nice hot shower without mixing in cold water. Also, it means that you won't burn yourself when turning on.

Lights! Just turn those off when you leave the room, and you can purchase the energy savers. Please know that I am not doing this to save myself money, but it's for energy saving, period. Turn the heat down a notch or two and we turn it way down at night when we sleep. Well, it's healthier anyway.

Ok, what else can I do? In our driveway sits two cars. There are only two of us now. We usually go out together. When we go separately, one usually stays at home. Why on earth are we burning up the atmosphere with two cars, not to mention paying insurance, gas for two cars, and upkeep? There is an ad out there about a car for sale. Mine.

Plastic bags, our enemy. I now have a folding cloth bag, washable, that fits in my purse for when I shop. I just say "no thank you" to the bag and pull mine out of my purse. I have seen times when I have returned with six or more plastic bags in tow, and that wasn't even for groceries.

Oh gosh, packaging. What can I do about that? Well, for one thing I can make better use of the bulk stores and don't you just think that there should be more of those around. Why do they have to be just groceries; why not loose articles, everyday things such as batteries, brushes, why does toothpaste come in a tube and a box. I buy bones for the dog that I can't get open because of too much packaging.

I have saved a huge beef of mine but now its time to unleash it. Diapers! You have to launder for the baby every day, why not diapers? Or, what was wrong with diaper service. These things will never disintegrate and will be with us until the end of time, building bigger and bigger. The waste from the diapers is polluting the soil rather than being treated in the sewage treatments plants scattered throughout the nation.

Can you remember when they announced the invention of plastic and how it was a wonder material? Well, it's time to get back to basics. How about using cloth napkins and just throwing them in the laundry like everything else.

Have I given you some food for thought? We can't continue to expect the government to rise to the occasion. They seem to have their own issues. It's up to us and we can do it if we try.