Earth Day Revisited

I was so inspired after writing yesterday’s blog that I felt I had to add a bit more. For those of you who have decided you want to start living more responsibly, where do you start?

Okay, you’re doing the obvious things: using your own shopping bags, instead of plastic; recycling and reusing containers; maybe even driving a more energy-efficient vehicle. What about those “green” cleaning compounds I told you about? What about organic gardening? What about buying products more responsibly?
Recipes for household cleaning products are easily found on-line; or if you wish to just buy them, those are now available too. Just a few minutes ago I went on the Internet and did a Google search for “recipes: environmentally friendly cleaning products,” went to http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html , and downloaded their PDF of recipes for the most common cleaners. To be honest, I have to say I have not tried them myself, though you may remember how excited I was a few blog posts back when I discovered that plain rubbing alcohol was outstanding at cleaning up that greasy goo that collects on everything in the kitchen. No, I’ve taken the usual human way out and bought the Clorox Green cleaning collection (which is, by the way, backed by no less than the Sierra Club). I am excited about making some of these cleaners, because I really want to do as much as I can. Besides, it’s got to be less expensive, and I won’t be supporting some mega corporation that hasn’t necessarily been that green in the past. Money in my pocket and better for the planet at the same time; sounds like a deal to me.

What about getting a hybrid car? Toyota has made millions on sales of their Prius, and all the other car manufacturers are jumping on board. From BMW to Lexus and Chevy to Ford, models of every type of vehicle are now available as hybrids. Want a pick-up? The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab or Tahoe was made for you. What about and SUVs, America’s favorite type of vehicle? According to the Kelly Blue Book site on-line, there are now 16 models from a range of carmakers. Want a luxury hybrid? No problemo! Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz have stepped up to meet your needs. There’s even a luxury GMC Yukon for you.

But do you really NEED a NEW car? One thing I haven’t heard mentioned anywhere in all the hype about “Cash for Clunkers,” for example, is the fact that the manufacture of all those new cars is pretty polluting all on its own. Think about all the chemicals, etc. that go into making a car, and where does the energy come from to make it? Sorry folks, if it’s coming from coal-fired electrical plants, your “green” car ain’t so green anymore. Then there’s the electricity to charge the batteries. Does it come from a wind farm that is minimally polluting (those have environmental impacts of their own, but thankfully not ones involving so much CO2)—or does your electricity come from a coal-fired furnace? Some of us are really lucky, because our electrical energy comes from burning garbage, and I don’t even want to go there.

Everyone who drives a car can make sure it is running properly. Get a tune-up. That’s not beyond the reach of anyone. If you want a different vehicle, buy a used one that gets better gas mileage. The pollution from the manufacture of that vehicle went into the atmosphere a long time ago. And don’t drive anywhere you can reasonably walk. You probably need to get more exercise anyway, and being outside is not only healthier for you, but you will also look around and be more aware of the environment surrounding your home. Do you commute huge distances to your job? Consider getting a job closer to where you live, if at all possible. I know that it often isn’t, but it’s a consideration. You will be putting far less carbon into the atmosphere if you only drive six miles to work, rather than 25 or 30 miles every day. You will also be far safer, because one of the biggest risks in any of our lives is driving or riding in our cars. See if you can car pool. Many companies actively support carpooling, and in some places you can even get a free, fuel-efficient van from the state for the purpose of driving your group back and forth from work. One of the perks of carpooling is that you can drive in the car pool lane! Think of it: You can get to work much faster, less expensively, visit with people you know (hopefully they are friends), and save wear and tear on your own vehicle and nerves at the same time. You might consider taking the bus to your next destination, and then you won’t have to pay to park your car—or worry that it might be vandalized while you are there.

Well, I really need to wrap this up, but I think you can see how living a more green existence is well within the reach of anyone. It isn’t hard, and you don’t have to move away, live in a log cabin, and start eating nuts and berries—unless that’s what you really want to do! Just start doing something, and think about what you do. If you see some trash on the ground, pick it up. Use the KISS principle, and before long you will be coming up with ideas of your own that never even occurred to me!