Loon's Sustainability Tips
Each month, Environmental Portal staff member Loon (aka Chris) shares a sustainability tip -- an easy thing we can all do to help the Earth out a little bit. Below are all the tips we've featured so far.
Tip for April 2008Water, water, everywhere?
An average family of four uses 400 gallons of water each day. You can help reduce water consumption and lower energy costs with these simple steps:
-Install a low-flow shower head or shorten your time in the shower by 1 minute.
-Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.
-Putting a brick in your toilet tank will reduce the amount of water it needs to flush!
-Only wash full loads of dishes or clothes.
For more water conservation tips, visit www.savingwater.org
Save some energy (and money) this winter!
By performing a home energy audit, you can recognize areas in your home where you can increase your energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Here are some simple things you can do:
-You can save 5-30% on your home energy bill by patching up leaks using caulk or weather stripping on doors and windows. Some inexpensive plastic sheets over windows will also do the trick!
-Check your attic for proper sealing and find out what (if any) your walls have for insulation.
-Have your heating equipment checked regularly and consider purchasing a newer system if yours is at least 15 years old. Newer systems are made to be more energy-efficient and safer.
-Replace some of your home's lighting with compact-florescent bulbs, or LED bulbs, which use a fraction of the energy that a regular incandescent bulb uses. CFLs use up to 75% less energy, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy!
For more energy efficiency tips visit http://www.eere.energy.gov.
Here's to a warm and energy-efficient winter!
Give a green gift for the holidays!
For the holidays this year, think about giving more sustainable gifts to your friends and family! Instead of driving to the store to buy things or shopping online, think about making gifts out of recycled materials. Or, consider making a donation or purchasing a gift in someone’s name from a service organization. Your gift or donation can make a huge impact on the lives of others, and will contribute positively to social and environmental issues.
For ideas about giving gifts of service that can help build sustainable communities and benefit the environment, visit the Seva Foundation (www.seva.org) or Heifer International (www.heifer.org).
Back to school time!
Let's start the year off right by using our greener sides. For starters, try walking, biking, or bussing to school. Pack your lunch in a reusable bag, and pack food items in tupperware or other reusable containers - avoid those plastic baggies! When purchasing back-to-school items, try shopping for clothes at thrift stores. Make a notebook with a binder and the reverse side of computer paper that has already been printed on. If you are buying a computer, try getting one made of recycled materials and that is energy star certified.
But the best thing to do is to REDUCE your consumption by REUSING what you already have!
For more great ideas, check out: newdream.org.
Thrift Stores = Sustainable Fashion?
These may be old clothes to some, but to others they are a one-of-a-kind item! So before you buy that new pantsuit, check out a thrift store. Besides the Salvation Army or Good Will, Seattle boasts great thrift boutiques like the Red Light in the U-District and Capitol Hill, or the Buffalo Exchange, also in the U-District. These stores are not only cheaper, but some also let you trade your clothes for theirs.
By shopping at a thrift store you help out your local economy and save the energy used in transporting clothes from factory to store.
Check out a Farmer’s Market!
The summer is upon us, and with it comes fresh produce. Seattle is home to more than 7 Farmer’s Markets, sponsored by the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance. This organization is dedicated to supporting over 140 local farmers with living wages, as well as providing fresh, in-season food to the people of Seattle.
To learn more or to find a Farmer’s Market near your home, visit: seattlefarmersmarkets.org.
May is ... NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK MONTH!
During the entire month of May, the Cascade Bicycle Club has teamed up with other Seattle businesses to promote sustainable, active, and healthy transportation. Join the 2007 Group Health Commute Challenge with a team of friends or co-workers to win great prizes. Sign up for a bike to school event. Or, just get on that bike and RIDE!
For more information and a schedule of events, visit: www.cbcef.org/btw.
Drink for the birds. Drink shade-grown coffee!
We all know the benefits of fair-trade and organic coffee certifications, but drinking shade-grown coffee preserves critical forest habitat for millions of migratory birds. Next time you grab a cup o' joe, ask for shade-grown. If they don't offer it, ask them to start carrying it; if they do have it and it's not brewed, it's usually store policy that they have to brew you a cup!
To learn more about local efforts and how you can get involved, visit shadecoffee.org.