SummitOutdoorsGear.com

Guest Author: Lynny Young

Is it already too late?
Some scientists warn that global warming may be close to being irreversible.
Have we waited too long to start making changes to lower our carbon footprints?
What sort of legacy are we leaving for our children?
If you are a parent, you may have had a few sleepless nights pondering those questions.

You Can Make A Difference!
In honor of Earth Day 2012, here’s a list of 23 simple actions you can take to reduce use of fossil fuels, conserve water, recycle, and save money while improving your local environment.

Use Less Paper Goods

• Download applet readers from iTunes for your favorite magazines and ask them to stop delivering the printed magazine.
• Call your creditors and utility companies and request that your monthly statements be sent via email.  If you are worried about overlooking an email set a reminder on your digital calendar of your billing due dates.  Need more help? Get reminders from a free bill organization website like Manilla.com.
• Switch to Cloth Napkins.  Not only do they feel nicer, but your table looks more welcoming. Most of us wash linen each week, just incorporate the napkins. I suggest folding the napkins right when the dryer turns off. This will lessen wrinkle issues. Ironing the napkins would just waste energy. It’s okay to move beyond the need for perfection.
• Bring a thermal mug to your favorite coffee shop and eliminate disposable coffee cups.

Conserve Water

• Wash dishes by hand. Be sure that you turn the water off after rinsing.
• If you are remodeling, choose efficient toilet basins that require less water to flush.
• Consolidate the number of laundry loads you run each week.
• Redesign your landscape to include subtropical plants and shrubs that require less watering.  If your family never uses the lawn, cut down on the water needed to keep the grass green. Reduce the area covered by lawn, and add some rock areas.  Trees can provide shade to help cool your home naturally.

Conserve Fuel

• If you must commute to work, consider sharing a ride. Most metropolitan cities have ride share programs. Not only will you cut your gas prices, you will lower the wear on your vehicle and save money at toll bridges.  More than two in the car? Great! You will get to your destination quicker using the carpool lane.
  Helpful links: E-Rideshare.com, Ridester.com
• Talk to your friends and carpool to shop and complete weekend errands.  Chances are you are going the same direction, and it is a terrific way to keep your friendships strong.
• Talk to parents in your neighborhood and set up a schedule to rotate who picks up and who delivers the children to school each week.
• Walk to events and shops that are nearby and get in some good exercise.
• Consider switching to an electric car or buying a hybrid vehicle that gets better miles per gallon.

Cut Down on Plastic Use

• Purchase reusable grocery bags or sew your own bags.
• Stop drinking bottled water and instead purchase several metal bottles that can accommodate hot and cold drinks.
• Reduce the times a week you and your family get take out or fast foods; thus, reducing styrofoam container waste.
• Avoid wrapping all of your vegetables and fruit in plastic at the grocery store. Put them in your fabric bags and have the clerk scan and repack the bags. Keeping fruits and vegetables loose in your refrigerator or stored in reuseable containers will help the food stay fresh longer. Plastic bags emit gases which quicken the deterioration process.

Lessen Your Use of Toxic Chemicals

• Switch to Eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
• Research natural ways to combat insects and weeds beyond the use of chemicals which can be dangerous to pets and leech into your drain gutters.

Shop Locally

• Buy seasonal groceries to reduce the dependency on produce and vegetables that are flown in from other countries.
• Buy organic from local farmers.
  Helpful Links: LocalHarvest.org, EatWellGuide.org
• Join a farm cooperative. This will save you money, reduce shipping fuel, and provide both exercise and increase community connections.
• Shop at thrift and secondhand stores to find low cost clothing and household items that can be repurposed. You benefit by saving money and reducing the demand for manufacturing plants to produce more disposable goods.

Get rewarded with freebies on Earth Day 2012 by several major brands:

1.  Starbucks is offering a free hot or cold coffee drink to customers who bring in a reusable drink container or mug on April 22nd.

2.  Target is  giving a free reuseable bag to each person who visits a store on April 22nd.  See the Guest Service area of your local store.

3. Peet’s Coffee & Tea is offering a free medium coffee or drink to customers who purchase reusable drink containers or mugs at their stores on April 22nd.

4.  Numerous  National Parks will waive entry fees during the period of April 21-29 in honor of Earth Day.  Find a park near you.

If you like these ideas, please share with your friends. Thanks!