Slow the Paper Waste Stream

Step 1. Got junk mail? You do have control over it -- you can opt-out. Its a privacy issue, but it is also a waste of paper and resources if you have no interest in these solicitations. Just let them know the mountains of paper is not welcome in your mail box. More information is available at http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.shtm

Step 2. Saving trees is easy thanks to the internet. Paying bills online cuts down on paper consumption and saves the cost of paying for checks and stamps. Credit card companies are advertising it helps prevent identity thief too. Contact companies that send monthly bills and ask them to change your monthly payments to online billing. Save some bucks and a few trees! You will have less to shred and recycle too! Win, win, win, win, win!

Step 3. While you are surfing the internet and come across something you want to read later, don’t print it! Save it as a portable document file (pdf), read it offline, forward it to someone and save it for all eternity in your neat and dust-free file cabinet in your computer.

Red Light:

I don’t recycle. I commute daily in the biggest vehicle I can fit in my garage. I drive my car everywhere even to the gym to workout, to get the mail and to walk the dog. I circle the parking lot several times to find the closest spot. I often complain about the inconveniences of modern life – thank goodness for drive-thrus! I buy, buy, buy and trash my old or used stuff.  Off to the landfill! I don’t have time to recycle and I don’t like spending extra dollars on organic products. What’s the point?  I am really busy, plus I could really care less.

Yellow Light:

I’ve heard of the environmental movement and I think it is important, but things get hectic and I forget sometimes. I try to recycle but I get overwhelmed. If a recycling bin is convenient, I will use it, otherwise I’ll toss it in the trash. Whoopsie! I tried to take the bus once, but missed it. I will do what’s right… if it’s easy. I could probably do more, but will that really make difference? What do all these acronyms mean anyway??? BPA, CFC, EV, ICE, CFL, GPM, KwH…

Green Light:

I get it, I love it, I want some more of it.  I am totally committed to living a green lifestyle! I try to live my life in a way that inspires others to do the same.  I find ways to cut down on trash, recycle or compost my waste and donate my used goods to charity. I purchase organic produce and support the local economy by purchasing from area farmers.  I use pubic transit whenever possible, carpool or drive a hybrid.  I am committed to making sure that my impact on the planet is as minimal as possible. If there is something else I can do, I want to hear about it.

Future blogs will discuss how you – regardless if you are a person favoring the tendencies of a red, yellow or green – can work towards greener days!