Going Green: 12 Simple Steps for 2012

[Playinghardball]

Source: The Smirking Chimp

As we head into 2012, many of us will be resolving to lose those few extra pounds, save more money, or spend a few more hours with our families and friends. But there are also some resolutions we can make to make our lives a little greener. Each of us, especially in the United States, can make a commitment to reducing our environmental impacts.

The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Broadening access to sustainable energy is essential to solving many of the world’s challenges, including food production, security, and poverty.

Hunger, poverty, and climate change are issues that we can all help address. Here are 12 simple steps to go green in 2012:

(1) Recycle

Recycling programs exist in cities and towns across the United States, helping to save energy and protect the environment. In 2009, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to require all homes and businesses to use recycling and composting collection programs. As a result, more than 75 percent of all material collected is being recycled, diverting 1.6 million tons from the landfills annually—double the weight of the Golden Gate Bridge. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for each pound of aluminum recovered, Americans save the energy resources necessary to generate roughly 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough to power a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years!

More at: http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/nourishingtheplanet/40444/going-green-12-simple-steps-for-2012

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/nourishingtheplanet/40444/going-green-12-simple-steps-for-2012

[hfojvt]

1. that's gonna be kinda tough

I already do about 10 out of 12 of them. I don't share my car and I don't garden, but otherwise ... Actually I did plant some spuds this year, but the two weeks of 100 degree heat sorta took care of them. So far my winter garden has not sprouted.

[kestrel91316]

2. I'm pretty sure it takes more than 7.5 KWH to power Pittsburgh for a week, let alone 6 years.

[Gregorian]

3. These are things any conscious being would do.

I find it so difficult to realize that what some of us have been doing for half a century, some are not even doing still. Does it really take an education in engineering in order for people to act responsibly? Or is it just a nation of slobs who haven't had their leaders preach to them about resources?

I imagine many who read my post will fault me for being what appears to be smug about this. No, I'm offended by the fact that some of us have sacrificed so much, and for what appears to be nothing. I won't list the things some of us have not done, in the name of saving the environment. It's a long list. And one that detracts from an easy and enjoyable life. I guess you could say I'm jealous of the people who get to live their lives with careless abandon.

[taterguy]

7. Any conscious person would use a bicycle instead of a car?

L
O
L

[tabatha]

4. I do all of those except (6)

and I walk instead of ride. I work at home, so car use is minimal.

[jeff47]

5. One very important error on the list

#3 - switch to compact fluorescent bulbs.

Don't do this if the light is only on for brief periods of time. Such as a closet.

If the light will not be on for 10 minutes or more, the CFL will die very quickly. And since CFLs take a lot more energy to produce, burning it out fast is worse for the environment than using an incandescent. So use CFLs where they will normally be on for a while. Use LEDs or incandescents when the light won't be on long.

[hughee99]

6. Why not just buy an assload of "carbon credits"?

As i understand it, you don't have to be environmentally responsible if you're willing to pay enough.