Contents:
• Garden Helpers
• Shiny and Green
• Bike to Work Week!
• Eco Friendly Neighborly Love
• Reuse Then Recycle: Moving Green
• Safe and Green Weed Killer
• Organically Grounded
• Green Grocery Cart, Green Wallet
• Keep Your Water Clean and Green II!
• Keep Your Water Green and Clean!
• Cheap, Clean and Green!
• Christmas trees
• Turn It Down For Autumn
• Not Such a Bright Idea
• Water Smarts
• How to Spot the Real Thing in Organic Products
• How to Save on Expensive Fuel: Drive Wisely
• How to Save on Fuel: Change Your Air Filter!
• How to Save on Expensive Fuel: Check Your Tire Pressure!
• Compost is Your Friend!
• Got Ants?
• Let's Conserve Water!
• Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink!
• Used Ink Cartridges and Cell Phones are an Environmental Hazard
• Fuel Economy Tip
It's spring again and out blooms the gardens and flowers! Along with the new aromas and growth comes the insect world to
invade, take up residence and chomp on your new lovely garden... but have no fear!
Instead of spraying toxic insecticides that can harm garden-friendly bugs, try a much
cheaper and greener solution! Release ladybugs into your yard to control aphids
and other plant-eating insects. Ladybugs act as a natural predator to aphids and will do all the work for you, eating nearly 5,000
aphids in their lifetime!
Attract Your Own Ladybugs
By planting cilantro, dandelions, dill, fennel and yarrow ($3), you encourage ladybugs to settle in and defend your plants from pests
long-term. Another attraction, spread controlled-release packets of an aphid smell ($12). This will attract ladybugs already in your
surroundings to come join in on your garden party.
Aphid Emergency?
If you're having an aphid emergency, check out your local nursery. Almost all nurseries sell ladybugs or
ladybug eggs. A mesh bag of 1,500 adult ladybugs will protect 500 square feet of garden and cost you only $10! Place them right on the
infested plants or next to the aphids and they'll do the rest.
So let those ladybugs fly and say, ”Sayonara!” to those unwanted garden pests the cheap and environmentally
friendly way!
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Many areas are short on their water supply, especially during the summertime. However, that does not stop people from
wanting to wash their car. You can now be part of the solution instead of the problem by washing your car without water!
Made from plant-derived surfactants and soda ash and packaged in recyclable bottles, waterless car wash kits are non-toxic,
affordable and effective. The kit supplies 4-6 washes and includes micro fiber towels for cleaning and buffing while supplying 2-3
weeks of protection to your cars surface. With no hose necessary, it is especially great for those who live in an apartment or who do
not have easy access to a faucet.
On average, the typical driveway car wash uses 80-140 gallons of water! Along with the water, oil, soap and brake
dust is washed into nearby storm drains and end up polluting waterways, endangering wildlife, and can even end up back in your drinking
water. By using just one 24 oz. bottle, you can save up to 800 gallons of water and simply wipe away the dirt. In researching this
on line, we came across a couple of waterless car wash products ranging from $10-$20 per kit. They even have kits for washing your
bicycle!
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Want to give the gas pump a rest? Participate in National Bike to Work Week! There are many wonderful and beneficial
reasons to participate and start pedaling this week:
• The average family spends $8,000 per year on vehicle maintenance. An annual bike tune-up costs around $50.
• Much healthier than driving, biking casually can burn 173 calories per hour. Make sure to layer your clothing to allow for
temperature adjustments and absorption.
• Unlike driving, biking has no negative environmental side effects!
• Is your work too far away? Bike to your metro station! Buses have easy-to-use bike racks, and, to help support this weeks
cause, many bus companies are giving free rides to those who are riding their bikes!
• Earn an extra $20 a month! The government will
reimburse employers who give their bike-riding employees an added $20 a month.
• Many alternative transportation organizations are offering water and healthy snack stations to reenergize,
like this one in New York.
Find local biking routes and safety tips for your new green and healthy way of commuting!
Happy Cycling!
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Now that summertime is upon us, its time to buy that camping gear and new lawn and garden equipment!
Instead of spending all that money on equipment you probably will use only a few times this season, try sharing
with your neighbor! Not only will it cut your costs in half, but sharing tents, lawn mowers, weed whackers, camping stoves, etc.
cuts down on the amount of natural resources used in the production of that summertime gear as it requires 50% less of the materials
and energy. Added bonus, by splitting the cost of the equipment with your eco friendly neighbor, you might be able to
splurge and buy a better model than you would alone!
Even bigger and better, start a neighborhood community equipment fund! Have everyone chip in one item and you might find
yourself with items you never thought you could have! Find neighbors in your area that have already joined the cause by going to
Neighborrow, or start your own neighborhood collection via the site. It is a great way to see what is available in your area! Remember
its reduce, reuse then recycle!
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Moving this spring and summer? Make your moving less stressful on your wallet and the environment by reusing cardboard
boxes.
There are 17 trees cut down for one ton of cardboard and with 6 billion trees cut down each year worldwide, reusing your
boxes is that little bit that will go a long way. Trees are not the only resource being used to make the boxes, but also water,
electricity, chemicals, ink and fuel are used in the manufacturing process of box making.
Unfortunately, most cardboard boxes are used once and then thrown away, which explains why cardboard makes up more solid
waste in our landfills than any other type of trash!
Used cardboard box companies, like this one, offer FREE SHIPPING of the boxes to your home within 2 days! They buy the
reusable boxes from companies and sell them to other companies or homeowners. Buying boxes from companies like these can save you
$50-$100 on box sets compared to moving company prices. Even better, many cardboard box recycling companies give a portion of their
profits to tree re-planting programs!
Reusing is not just for moving; used cardboard box companies also provide packaging and mailing boxes that are also much cheaper than buying from the Post Office.
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Here's a very effective, environmentally safe and low-cost alternative to your commercial weed killers that contain harsh
chemicals.
Mix together:
1 Gallon Vinegar (white or cider vinegar)
1 Cup salt
1 Tablespoon liquid soap, either dish soap or hand soap
For a quart size solution mix:
1 Quart Vinegar
¼ Cup salt
1 Teaspoon of liquid soap
The salt will dissolve easily in the vinegar, then mix in the liquid soap and pour into a spray bottle and spray over
weeds. For best results, use on a fairly hot day.
This weed killer solution will save you $30 – $80 versus commercial weed killer brands, as well as keep harsh
chemicals from getting into the groundwater and surrounding environment.
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Coffee grounds are not only great for your morning, but also for your soil. Use your perked coffee grounds as fertilizer
or in your compost for a nitrogen boost. Dont have a composter? Try this
do-it-yourself website with simple instructions on
how to build one. Or shop around for composters in all different sizes. Go straight to the ground by spreading the coffee grounds around
your garden to repel slugs and ants and promote plant growth.
Using coffee grounds is a safe alternative and should be used over all other chemical fertilizers. By using this chemical
free substitute, you are preventing groundwater runoff from containing harmful toxins.
To obtain a large amount of coffee grounds, ask your local brewer. Many coffee shops give away used coffee for this exact
purpose. What a great way to reuse!
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Due to our current economic situation, many people are having a hard time spending those extra few cents or dollars for
organic products. If you are one of those people who would really like to buy organic but are looking for ways to cut costs right now,
here is the list of the top 10 produce items with the highest levels of pesticide residue:
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes
10. Pears
Keep this list in mind next time youre out shopping, as these items should be at the top of your list of any organic
purchases you make. This way you can spend your money where it counts and keep your grocery cart and wallet a little greener.
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There are so many great tips out there, that we thought we would send you more simple ways to help keep your water clean
and green!
1. Use Natural Fertilizer: In your yard, try bone meal, manure or peat instead of carcinogenic fertilizers. For the
ultimate in recycling, make a compost pile for your garden. Compost decreases the need for other fertilizers and helps the soil retain
its moisture. Dont know how to compost? Visit How To Compost for all the
facts! Using these safe fertilizers prevents harmful chemicals from draining into the ground and sewers when you are watering your yard.
2. Avoid Over-Watering Your Lawn and Garden: Instead of using large, manual sprinklers, try timed sprinklers that ensure
you wont forget about it running all day. Another option is drip-irrigation, which is a great way to minimize the amount of water used and
maximizes the amount of water absorbed. Check out The Drip Store for some great facts and benefits of drip irrigation!
3. Green Cleaning Your Vehicle: When washing your car, make sure to have a spray handle at the end of the hose to prevent
unnecessary water waste. Having the hose off between uses saves up to 150 gallons of water! Even better, fill a bucket with water and use
a sponge to wash your car.
4. Native Landscaping: Choose plants and grasses that are native and adapted to your area and climate. These types of
plants are resistant to your local pests and weather changes and therefore require less water and fertilizer. Who needs the extra work
anyways?
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One of the biggest problems with our freshwater systems is the amount of contaminants that go into our drains. People
often forget that what goes down, must come up, and in this case that means onto our beaches or back into our tap water. Here are a few
simple things you can do to help prevent pollution runoff into your water system:
1. Dispose of Hazardous Household Products Correctly: Paints, polishes, pool chemicals, insecticides and cleaning solutions
all contain hazardous substances such as sodium hypochlorite, petroleum distillates, phenol and cresol, ammonia and formaldehyde. A single
quart of motor oil that seeps into groundwater can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water! Instead of pouring them down your sink or
toilet, find a nearby hazardous waste collection site, often they are located near the local landfill,
like this one in Arizona.
2. Recycle and Dispose of All Trash Properly: Dont flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet. The blockage from the
items causes damage to the sewer treatment process and they end up on our shorelines and beaches.
3. Conserve Water: It is estimated that 73% of household water is flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain in the
sink and shower. If possible, buy eco-friendly plumbing fixtures that use less water per flush or use. Place a brick or full water bottle
in your toilet tank to save nearly 4 gallons of water with each flush! Make sure to repair leaks and turn water off to prevent dripping.
Sweep your driveway and sidewalk instead of spraying it down with the hose.
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These days everyone is cutting back on extra costs in their lifestyles. Keeping your home clean shouldnt cause a pain in
your wallet, but the cleanliness of your home shouldnt suffer either.
A great new way to clean your home is through these handmade recipes, and there is no chemistry set needed! Just mix a few
simple ingredients together and youve got your very own green-clean team! It is a great way to look out for the environment and your
family, as they are kid and pet friendly! These homemade recipes are also a lot more cost effective than your typical chemical-based
cleaners.
Furniture Polish: Combine ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of distilled vinegar, and 2 tsp. lemon juice and
shake well. Dip a clean and dry cloth into polish and rub wood in the direction of the grain. Refrigerate any remaining polish.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle bowl with baking soda and drizzle with white vinegar. Let soak 30 minutes, and scrub
with toilet brush. For tough stains, let soak overnight.
All Purpose Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of white distilled vinegar and 2 cups of water. Use on counter tops, kitchen
floors, windows, mirrors, and any other hard surfaces. For tough jobs, warm the cleaner in the microwave.
Happy Cleaning!
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Now that Thanksgiving has passed, its time for one of the greatest traditions – buying a Christmas tree! Try to keep
in mind these few facts before deciding what kind of tree you bring home for the holidays this year.
Just like most farms, pesticides are used in tree farming. Unfortunately, those pesticides stay on the tree and when you
bring it home, youre also bringing those pesticides and toxins into your home. The chemicals on the trees are harmful to the farm workers
and can be harmful to children as well. This holiday season get your tree from an organic tree farm. Dont know where to find one? Try this
organic Christmas tree farms website to
find one nearest to you. Once you are done with your tree, make sure you take it or have it picked up and taken to a tree-recycling
center. The trees have a hard time decomposing in the landfills because of the lack of space and air. There are
4,000 Christmas tree recycling centers in the U.S., these recycling
companies make wood chips out of the trees which can prevent land erosion for trails and rivers edges.
If an organic tree farm isnt available to you, go to a you-cut tree farm and instead of cutting it, dig it up! When you
take it home just put it in a pot and drape a nice tree skirt around it and voila! Once the holiday has passed, plant the tree in your
backyard with your family and youve got your tree next year too! Once it gets too big to bring inside, leave it outside and put a few
strings of lights on it to remind you of past holiday memories.
Personally, my mom likes the no clean-up factor of a fake tree and when my brother and I complain that special Christmas
tree smell is missing, she reminds me that she saved a tree by buying a plastic one, and its more eco-friendly that way. That always wins
me over! She is correct too – but only if you dont loose it in the attic and reuse it for years and years can it be considered
eco-friendly. The plastic used to make those trees is not easily recycled and they dont biodegrade, so if youre looking for the cleanlier
way to celebrate this year, make sure you store your fake away properly to ensure its use for years to come!
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Now that the weather is starting to cool down, the way to take care of your lawn and garden is much different. The average
suburban family household uses 30% of their water outdoors for landscape use. It is estimated that 50% of that water is actually wasted
through runoff, wind and evaporation. This waste can be solved, not only for the environment, but also for your wallet.
Most of you that live in cities that tend to cool during autumn, for you the solution is simple dont water everyday. There
are many cities that prohibit watering during certain days to decrease the citys water usage. Try applying this to your own yard. Adjust
your sprinkler settings, roll up your hoses and tell the gardener to skip that step today. With the cooler air temperature, the water will
evaporate less and the plants will need less water, so dont overdo it. Your plants and water bill will thank you!
If you live in an area where autumn still feels like spring, try switching to drip irrigation. This type of irrigation uses
hoses with drip heads or punctured holes along the side of the hose. This allows for a slow amount of water to trickle out wherever you
choose. They are more efficient than conventional sprinklers because the wind is not able to blow away the water, as well as, the water is
given time to seep into the ground preventing runoff waste. Say your sprinkler system uses 100,000 gallons a year, with a drip irrigation
you could save up to 200,000 gallons of water over the lifetime of that hose and that can add up to savings of over $1,000 for you! If you
cant afford to install drip irrigation, take the time to water the garden yourself, dont just leave the hose running. Limit the amount of
water in each area and come back to it once it has been absorbed. But most importantly, water your garden yourself and just enjoy being
outside!
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We have written about this topic before, but the more we find out about it, the more these points bear repeating. This is
important for your health, the health of those you care about, and the health of the planet.
The use of Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) became very popular a few years ago and the sale of these bulbs has been
rapidly climbing ever since. At first glance CFLs look like little miracles. They can last up to 10 years and by using less electricity,
they save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulbs lifetime. Due to these qualities, CFL bulbs may seem green or
eco-friendly. Well, think again.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain 5 milligrams of mercury in each bulb, that may not sound like a lot buthow many of
those do you have in your home? And how many homes are in America? It adds up! When the bulbs get thrown away and end up in a landfill,
they release that mercury into the ground and air in a form of methyl-mercury. If everyone keeps their bulbs for their supposed lifetime,
in ten years we are going to have a serious mercury-poisoning problem. Disposing of the bulbs properly requires you taking them to a
specialized recycling center that can handle mercury, and there are few places, and they are far between, that can. Whats even worse,
these bulbs can cause serious danger in your home, not in ten years, but now!
Mercury is a toxic chemical and with exposure has the potential to affect your central nervous system, impair cognitive
thinking, delirium, insomnia and even suicidal tendencies. In children it is even more dangerous, causing autism and even death. If even
one of these bulbs breaks, whether it falls off the shelf or a lamp gets knocked over, the mercury is released and can be absorbed through
the air or through mucous membranes. If a bulb does break open all your windows and leave the house for at least 30 minutes.
Solution: Dont buy compact fluorescent light bulbs! You can get the same results on your bill and in the environment by
just turning off the lights and unplugging electronics when you arent using them. If you make the conscious effort to unplug your
appliances and other electronics and turn off the lights when they arent needed, you can save even more money than what using CFLs can!
Compare the cost of incandescent bulbs with the cost of losing your short-term memory!
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Everyone enjoys a nice cold glass of clean water; and, as most of us know, water is the most important element in
maintaining a healthy body. The average American consumes approximately 167 bottles of water each year, and the average bottle of water
costs $2.00. That comes out to an expense of $334.00 a year.
Everyone has heard that recycling those plastic water bottles is very important. But did you know that there are 2 million
plastic beverage bottles used in the United States every five minutes! One of the top energy and waste enterprises reported that
only 15% of these are recycled. Those that arent are sent to a landfill, or end up in ditches, storm drains, our waterways and eventually
the ocrean where they will sit for literally thousands of years until they decompose. Whats worse is that when the bottles do
break down, they secrete toxins into the air and soil called polyethylene terephthalate better known as PET, which contains a potentially
carcinogenic element called diethylhydroxylamine or DEHA.
The solution is simple! Water purifying pitchers range from $15 – $90 and are much more convenient than constantly
going to the grocery store and buying new water bottles. And there are water purifying systems that attach to your tap and come in a wide
variety of prices and types which last for years. There are now water bottles being sold that have their own water purifying systems built
inside which can be re-used for around 120 refills. This is a great tool for any health-conscious water drinker.
Taking water with you while you are on the go is important for your health and energy, and are the main reason for water
bottle usage. There are hundreds of reusable water bottles on the market today and are sold in almost every grocery and department store
in every color, shape and size. Reusable water bottles can be bought from anywhere to $5 – $25 and will last you as long as you need!
It is vital for you to understand the impact that the over consumption of water bottles is having in our landfills, oceans
and streams. To get a real concept of what 2 million water bottles really looks like, go to www.chrisjordan.com and click on Running the Numbers, you will be amazed!
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You feel good when you buy organic food or cosmetics. It says on the beautiful green package that its, ”Pure &
Natural, Organic,” Natures or some such. How can you go wrong? According to findings by the Organic Consumers Association some
organic products contain 1,4- Dioxane, a known carcinogen classified with ether. Of course action is being taken against these
unscrupulous characters, but correction is very slow where big profits are at stake.
How do you know what youre buying isnt toxic or carcinogenic? – Look for the circular emblem that says, USDA, United
States Department of Agriculture, in the upper half of the circle, and Organic, in the lower half of the circle. The seal certifies
against pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones and genetically-engineered substances. So far, in tests regularly conducted by
the Organic Consumers Association, not one product certified by the USDA as organic, has been found not to be exactly that.
Why grow or go organic? The soils that come from conventional farming have been destroyed with chemicals. The more
chemicals that are used, the less fertile the soil, and the less able it is to recover. Ultimately, the soil is effectively dead. An
entire eco-system under the surface is necessary for soil to produce healthy fruits and vegetables. Even if we could rid our fruits and
vegetables of the contaminants like toxic pesticides, on the outside, they have now entered the environment. From the soil, the pesticides
run into our groundwater and eventually wind up in our drinking water, our recreational waterways and a thousand other places we don't
want them! In those places they'll destroy habitats and life forms indiscriminately. If that doesnt give you reason enough, try organic
produce! By the time we get our vegetables from conventional farms to the dinner table, they have lost 75% of their vitamins and minerals!
Grow some of your own, organically, and you'll never again look at food in quite the same way.
Remember, if it doesn't have the circle that says USDA over the word Organic, you can bet your lunch money that it isnt.
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Observe The Speed Limit
When driving on the highway, stay close to the speed limit, and keep your speed as constant as traffic allows. Most cars
reach optimal gas mileage at about 60 miles per hour. Speeding up increases wind resistance against the car, making the engine work harder
and burn more gas. According to the Environment Protection Agency, each 5mph over 60mph that you drive decreases fuel efficiency by up to
7%, equal to $0.30 per gallon!
Possible Savings to you: 57.8 gallons/year ($234/yr).
Drive Sensibly
There's a red light up ahead and of course you're going to stop when you get to it. Do you start slowing now, or do you
keep your foot on the gas until you get to the light? Most of us do the later, but that is not necessarily the correct answer. Sensible
driving in city limits or on the freeway can lower your gas mileage. If you rid rapid acceleration and braking from all of your driving,
you will notice a large differnce. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that accelerating rapidly and braking hard can reduce
your car's fuel efficiency from 5-33%. Look at it this way – you're saving money everytime you put your foot on the brake a little
sooner!
Possible Savings to you: 17.9 gallons/yr ($73/yr).
Together, both driving the speed limit and driving more wisely not only increases your fuel efficiency but greatly
increases the safety of you and others on the road.
TOTAL Possible Savings to you: 75.7 glallons/yr ($307/yr).
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Gas is half of the combustion equation and air is the other half. A clogged air filter can rob 10% of your engine's
efficiency. A new air filter can get that 10% back. The air filter keeps impurties from entering the inside of your engine. By replacing
your air filter, not only will you be saving on gas, but youll also be protecting your engine from damage.
How do you know when your air filter is dirty enough its affecting your fuel efficiency? Remove the air filter from its
casing and shine a flashlight through it. If the majority of the light is able to pass through the filter than it still has some life to
it. While you have the filter out, you might as well shake it a little to get any accessable dirt removed. However, if the light passing
through is minimal, its time to replace it. For those people living in the city, changing it once or twice a year does the trick. Air
filters can be purchased at any auto parts store for around $15 and are easliy snapped right back into place.
For the short amount of time it takes to check the quality of the air filter and the ease of replacing it, anyone could do
it. The ultimate upside, it can save you up to $0.40 per gallon on top of preventing any future damage to your engine!
Possible Savings to you: 60.9 gallons/yr ($247/yr).
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According to some government estimates, the average driver could boost their fuel efficiency by 25%, or increase their gas
mileage by 3.3%, just by keeping their tires inflated to the appropriate pressure. By doing so, you are preventing increased rolling
resistance.
That's often a free, or cheap, repair. A lot of gas stations have free air compressors – some charge a quarter.
So how do you know if your tires are at the proper pressure? You can check at home when your tires are cold, meaning they
havent been driven on for at least 3 hours. The appropriate tire pressures can be found in your cars manual or on the tire itself, but
never inflate them to the maximum allowed as this is not only unneccessary, but can also be dangerous. Drive to your nearest station and
check the presures again. The pressure amount will have changed due to the driving, and you should then inflate the ones you find that
have lowered so they are all equal.
Not only does doing so save you money, but also aids our oil reserves. The Energy Information Administration states that
with tire efficiency alone, approximately 800,000 barrels of oil a day could be saved.
Possible Savings to you: 133.9 gallons/year which would be about $542/year.
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COMPOST FROM KITCHEN SCRAPS
Compost like a champ by ”recycling” your vegetable waste, instead of allowing it to be trucked off to the
landfill.
Known as ”gardener's gold,” compost enriches soil fertility by giving it a shot of high-powered, plant-loving
nutrients. Aside from stimulating healthy root development, the addition of rich and earthy compost also improves soil texture, aeration,
and water retention. Why waste your hard-earned cash on commercial products when the real deal is free for the taking? Speed up the
process with the help of earthworms, or go wriggle-free (if you're the squeamish sort). (Source: treehuggers.com)
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Not only are they one of the most common insects on earth, there are over 12,000 different species of them.
Here are a few ways to safely get rid of ants without using a toxic pesticide:
• Fill a squirt bottle with equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray it wherever they are and where theyre coming in. If you
can find where theyre entering, caulk the hole.
• Either cinnamon, black pepper, baby powder (talcum powder) or bay leaves, sprinkled at their entry, and/or where they
congregate, will also stop them cold.
• You can scatter a few bay leaves in the cupboard, and just leave them there for on-going protection.
• Draw a line of regular black board chalk across their path, and at entry. Theyre allergic to chalk.
• A mix of equal parts Windex and Ivory soap in a spray bottle sprinkled at their entry and wherever they congregate will
repel them quickly.
• Mix 10 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle of water, spray at their entry and/or where they congregate.
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Save Water! Its Important!
All the water that goes down the drain, clean or dirty, ends up mixing with raw sewage, getting contaminated, and meeting
the same fate. The average US household consumes multiple thousands of gallons each month unnecessarily. Try to stay aware of conserving
this precious resource. Your water bill will go down (and your sewage bill too!)
Here are some other simple ways to save water:
• Dont let the tap run uselessly when you use water. Dont open it fully.
• If you only have a few dirty dishes, wash them by hand instead of using the dishwasher.
• If washing dishes by hand, fill the sink or a small plastic tub in the sink, and then turn off your water.
• When you brush your teeth, fill a glass and turn off the tap.
• For more tips on how to save water, go to: www.nationalgeographic.com and search: save water.
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In the US, most of us take water for granted. You may have been told its important to save water. But why? Here are a
couple of statistics that might give you an interesting perspective:
Less than 1% of the world's fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use.
A person needs 4 to 5 gallons of water per day to survive. The average American uses 100 to 176 gallons of water at home
each day, much of that is wasted and unnecessary. In comparison, the average African family uses about 5 gallons of water each day.
Properly conserving on water consumption is important! Even in countries where the problem is not yet apparent. And if
everyone did just a little better at this it would make a vast difference in total. What you do, does matter.
There are hundreds of ways to easily conserve water. Here's one:
On average, full-service car washes use 37 gallons per
wash. Washing it in your driveway consumes much more. With most garden hoses spraying about 10 gallons of water a minute, this uses
between 80 and 140 gallons of water while sending oil, detergents, and other pollutants down the storm drain. But you can now buy an
eco-friendly product that cleans and polishes your car and is rinsed away with only a few ounces of water or which recycle water (for info
on where to find these, go to www.thegreenguide.com).
For more tips on how to save water, go to: www.nationalgeographic.com and search: save water.
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Over 300 million inkjet cartridges are thrown away each year and account for over 200 million pounds of solid waste to US
landfills. Every cartridge that is discarded in landfills takes over 1000 years to decompose. Each laser toner cartridge recycled saves
3 quarts of oil required to produce a new cartridge.
There are 426,000 cell phones retired every day in the US.
You can easily do your part, and help The Earth Organization and Americas schools at the same time, at no cost to you.
Heres the solution: Go to www.earthorganization.com and
scroll down on the right to the Americas Schools Recycling Program. Just provide your name and address and you will receive a container at
no charge to put your used cell phones, inkjet cartridges and laser toners in. When the container is full, mail it in, again at no cost to
you, and you will receive another container. Its so easy!
If you wanted to, you could even let your friends, family, and neighbors know that you have a container in which they can
recycle their used cell phones, and inkjet and laser toner cartridges.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
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In these times of outrageous oil prices and a need to intelligently utilize our valuable resources, a few simple changes in
how you are driving, or simply paying attention to some easy, basic rules, can significantly stretch the miles per gallon that youre
getting.
Heres one that was a bit of a surprise to me, seeing as how I have always considered that, when lit, the Check Engine light
on my dashboard was a conspiracy by the automakers to get me to go into their expensive dealer repair shops and spend unnecessary money
for an unnecessary checkup.
Turns out, it actually means something! And by actually getting that Check Engine Light checked out, your possible savings
could be off the charts.
For example, per an article in the US News, a faulty oxygen sensor, which is a fairly common cause of those unexplained
check engine lights – can actually cost you up to 40 percent of your engines performance.
Who knew?!!
So, if your Check Engine light is on, make that appointment today!
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
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