Living an environmentally friendly life ... is it possible? (a rant)

[DrKym]

Acording to my foot print, we will need 3.3 planets......and I actually thought I was doing pretty good, I walk alot of places , ride my bike, plant gardens etc.

Sigh. I guess I will blame the dogs for the extra methane.

[Cataholic]

I try to do my part. Maybe my part is less than someone else's, maybe it is more. I recycle, and am going to begin composting, again. I had some complaints from one neighbor about it, and let it influence my decision. I have also made a pact with myself to go without my dryer this warm season time. I buy organic for somethings, do go to farmer's markets, reuse, reuse, reuse, and conserve. I only wash in cold, I keep my thermostat at 60(now that Jonah is old enough to keep covers on at night), and won't turn on ANY air until June (let's see if I make that one). We take bike trips/stroller when we can, combine trips, plant a garden, and practice greener practices, in general.

I have found that going green is usually more cost efficient (with the exception of buying organic, but, since I don't eat meat- it kind of evens out) to the user.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I try...and I know there is so much more I could be doing. We use the "new" light bulbs, I walk on many of my errands, we recycle (there is more in our recycle bin than in the refuse bin) and I avoid bags. If I go shopping and get one bag, any other purchases I make go in the same bag. If it is a small item I ask if I can put it with the reciept in my purse.

I do not turn the heat or a/c but one or two days a year. Yes, that is easy in California, but my house gets down to 57 in the winter. I put on another sweater and the E's grow really thick coats.

Plastic water bottles concern me. I use a reuseable bottle for the gym.

Last week there was a big discussion about a silly suggestion made by a silly rock star. However, an important point was missed. Trees are renewable...albeit rather long cycle renewable, but paper processing -- even of recycled paper -- consumes a TREMENDOUS amount of energy and water. Raw materials are only one part of the equation in conserving. I have always like paper plates for parties and picnics. I have decided when my supply is depleted I'll give it up.

[Giselle]

Does anybody have links to environmental clubs? I tried to get involved in one, but it was more like an outdoors camp event. I'd like to try again but am having difficulty in finding a suitable club. I figure since "doing what we can" is so miniscule, I might as well aim higher and join a larger organization.

[crow_noir]

Sorry, i JUST found out that we have one here in my area, but it's pretty much only focused on improving out general area of the state (though they are concerned for the whole world.) I don't think a regional MI group is going to be much help to you out in CA.

Does anybody have links to environmental clubs?

[Blue_Frog]

Does anybody have links to environmental clubs? I tried to get involved in one, but it was more like an outdoors camp event. I'd like to try again but am having difficulty in finding a suitable club. I figure since "doing what we can" is so miniscule, I might as well aim higher and join a larger organization.

Maybe these might help?

http://www.hcn.org/links/links_rerg.jsp

http://www.webdirectory.com/General_...es/California/

Or if not, maybe someone from these links in your area could point you in the right direction? Or contacting a local college with any Environmental programs might have contacts too? Hopefully thats helpful

[crow_noir]

My mom's family re-uses plastic ware (eating utensils and plates) for common get togethers. When i brought the idea up with S.O.'s family (asked if the washed them or threw them away, when i was finished eating) they looked at me as if i was the most disgusting thing on the face of the planet. It's washed, it's clean, it's re-usable. His family even throws away birthday candles!!! I never knew any family that threw away once used birthday candles. (Sorry... this started out as just being a suggestion, but turned into my ranting stemming from me being ticked at how PROUD they are to not re-use anything.)

I try...and I know there is so much more I could be doing. We use the "new" light bulbs, I walk on many of my errands, we recycle (there is more in our recycle bin than in the refuse bin) and I avoid bags. If I go shopping and get one bag, any other purchases I make go in the same bag. If it is a small item I ask if I can put it with the reciept in my purse.

I do not turn the heat or a/c but one or two days a year. Yes, that is easy in California, but my house gets down to 57 in the winter. I put on another sweater and the E's grow really thick coats.

Plastic water bottles concern me. I use a reuseable bottle for the gym.

Last week there was a big discussion about a silly suggestion made by a silly rock star. However, an important point was missed. Trees are renewable...albeit rather long cycle renewable, but paper processing -- even of recycled paper -- consumes a TREMENDOUS amount of energy and water. Raw materials are only one part of the equation in conserving. I have always like paper plates for parties and picnics. I have decided when my supply is depleted I'll give it up.