Do your home work
Conserving, reusing and recycling are the first steps we all need to take in limiting our demands on the environment. Since our homes and what goes into them are resource-intensive, they are a great place to start. "Going solar" is the gift that keeps on giving, but for most homeowners, the cost is still prohibitive. However, there are an increasing number of state and municipal programs that help offset installation costs.
There are also "gifts" we can give to the environment every day -- turning off the water while brushing teeth, running dishwashers only when full, reusing plastic bags, switching from single-use plastic water bottles to reusable stainless steel drinking containers; putting on a sweater rather than turning on the heat, unplugging appliances when they are not in use and replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient, eco-friendly bulbs. Best of all, after several repetitions, these earth-saving actions can become habits that require no additional thought or effort.
Outside, replacing lawns with native, drought-resistant plants, or watering lawns less frequently saves large amounts of water, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and means that the lawnmower will be used less often. And when the lawn does need cutting, consider using electric mowers during off-peak hours.
There are countless "little things" that can be done both inside and outside the house that can add up and make a big difference. For more information and suggestions for greener, more earth-friendly homes, visit the Global Stewards Web site at www.globalstewards.org.
Think big
With every purchase, from groceries to clothing to appliances, people make decisions that affect the planet. When you buy products that use less packaging -- especially plastic --and say "No thank you" to both paper and plastic bags by bringing your own, you have a measureable impact on the environment. When buying goods produced locally and food grown nearby, not only are you supporting local businesses and community gardens, but you "consume" less fuel. Other ways to use less gas include joining or organizing carpools and ride-sharing for work or school, and walking or riding a bicycle when doing errands around town.
Increasingly, cities, towns and neighborhoods are bringing people together to support the environment through events, from planting trees to building community gardens to cleaning up environmentally sensitive areas. Check your local newspaper for events and consider lending a hand.
Think bigger
There are hundreds of environmental organizations that can make good use of your time or dollars. For information on giving and charitable organizations that work on behalf of the environment, visit the Network for Good Web site at www.networkforgood.org. TF09C809
CAPTION: Planting a tree is one way to give back to the environment during this season of giving.
