Start How we work Our services References Need help About us Contact usDiane Rinehart, the editor of Homemaker's Magazine called me last year and invited me to write an article on what her readers could do to make a difference to the earth's deteriorating environment. It was an intriguing challenge: what is most important? what is just symbolic? what are people most likely to actually do? how do you make the argument without harping on things we already know but just aren't doing? The piece ran in September 2001 and was nominated for a National Magazine Award. Ultimately, Homemaker's and I had some serious disagreements about the text, so this version is somewhat different than the one that ran in the magazine.
The world is going to Hell. The ice-cap is melting. The permafrost is thawing out. Kids in Punta Arenas, Chile are told not to play soccer outdoors because of the hole in the ozone. Tropical diseases, such as malaria and West Nile disease, are moving north. Wilderness, from the ancient rainforest to the local wetland, continues to disappear.
Closer to home, Scientific American reports, "If truckloads of dust with the same concentration of toxic chemicals as is found in most household carpets were deposited outside, these locations would be considered hazardous-waste dumps."
"Every natural system on the planet is in decline," says Hunter Lovins, the renowned American environmentalist. Our activities are so overstressing the earth's natural processes that we are in danger of severing our own life support. Meanwhile - more bad news - our political leaders are less disposed to tackle the matter than they were a decade ago. The more you know, the more you feel like a passenger on the Titanic: the ship is sinking, but what can you do about it?
Fortunately, a lot. Though governments dither, they can't
stop the rest of us from getting on with the job. There are things we can do in our own homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces that will make a genuine difference. Some are painless and even money-saving. Others demand more, but strengthen the dike where it most needs it.
There are, of course, some problems that you really cannot do much about on your own. (For instance, if you are worried about nuclear waste but you are not about to make it a personal crusade, we suggest you fire off a donation to Energy Probe, and then go for a nice walk.) Then there are all those things we should do, but don't. Well, it turns out that many of them are not, frankly, all that important. Knowing which is which - that's the trick.
So here are 10 steps you can take, right now, to save the
world. And lot of us had better - or we are on the Titanic for sure.
Green Money Saving Tips
There are two major issues facing the world today: the economy and the environment. However, these issues are not necessarily as separate as it might appear at first glance. For the average consumer, going green to save the world can be all about saving some green as well.
As more people are forced to look for areas to cut in their household budgets, one possible place to start is with simple green fixes. There are a number of green money saving techniques, as long as consumers know where to look. Through green money saving at home, it is also possible to save the world.
Rent instead of buy
Though many people value ownership, it is not always the best route when it comes to going green. Instead, for those who are interested in a bit of money saving, it is perhaps time to reconsider renting to save the world. The best place to start for money saving effects is with the little things, such as books, movies, and CDs. These recreational items tend to be expensive and usually do not see much use, sometimes even being discarded prematurely. Therefore, a green money saving idea is to rent these items, which is possible at any local library. This green idea will not only help save the world but it also serves as an easy-to-implement money saving strategy.
Optimize computer energy settings
Energy expenses are consistently on the rise. Most energy sources are not infinite, which is why energy efficiency is at the core of the green movement to save the world. Most computers have various energy saving modes, which can be turned on in order to reduce energy waste and help save the world. These settings can be found in the computer’s control panel or system preference folder. With these settings in place, individuals can expect to see money saving of 40 to 80 dollars per year.
Another great money saving tip that can also save the world is to consider upgrading computers and other technology. Older models are far less green, and though newer models may be a bit of an investment upfront, they tend to be money saving opportunities in the long run that can save the world.
Use rechargeable batteries
Everyone knows that to save the world it is imperative to reuse. One of the easiest green money saving tips is to utilize reusable batteries. Batteries are a huge area of waste, with over fifteen billion thrown away each year. Reusable batteries can often be charged up to 1000 times, which certainly can help save the world.
To make it even easier to save the world and some money, the latest rechargeable batteries are even more convenient to charge, without the clunky charging stations that are such a turn off to so many consumers. The latest rechargeable batteries can be plugged in to a USB drive to make it that much easier to save the world.
Install CFLs Light bulbs
Another bright money saving idea to save the world is to replace inefficient devices. One easy green option is to switch out old light bulbs with money saving CFLs bulbs. These innovative greens bulbs not only use a third less energy, but they can also last up to ten times longer. This means that one bulb can reduce power plant emissions by 450 pounds, which is a great way to save the world. It is true that this green fix will cost more initially, but the real money saving occurs with the reduced cost of the power bill and the longevity of the bulb.
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