EARTH DAY in 5 Easy Pieces
Doing some random act of kindness to the earth doesn’t have to be time consuming, costly or wierd (talking to budding flowers is totally optional). Hear are my 5 Easy Pieces for Earth Day (Jack Nicholson would be proud):
1) Green Electrons – even if you can’t put a windmill or solar panel on your home, you can still put more of these renewables into the grid by signing up for green energy on your electric bill. Look at your next bill and check the box for renewable energy – you will be paying a small surcharge (roughly $5 per month) to bring more wind, hydro, and other renewables onto the grid. It creates the demand that increases supply and tilts the balance towards a renewable future.
2) Home energy Audit – invite CL&P over to audit and weatherize your home – it’s a $500 to $1000 house call from the energy doctor, but its toally free if you have natural gas or electric heat. Great for the pocketbook and the planet.
3) Recycle Your Sneakers – bring your worn out running shoes, basketball high tops, cross-trainers, tennis shoes or other kinds of athletic footwear (no cleats, spikes or walking shoes) to Wolcott School in West Hartford (Wolcott Road off New Britian Ave). Any brand, any time of day up till about 11 PM for the next month. Your worn out sneaks will be turned into running tracks and other kinds of athletic fields as part of Nike’s-reuse-a-shoe program.
4) Change your margins and save trees – the next time youre in word – or whatever word processor, notice that the default margin in 1.25 inches. Studies have shown that millions of trees a year can be saved if we all narrow our margins to 0.75 inches on either side – changethemargins.com – show you care about the environment through your narrow margins
5) Make your own green clearner out of common household items like vinegar, water, borax detergent, dish soap, baking soda and essential oil.
Extra bonus features – ride a bike, eat a veggie dinner, hang out your laundry, take mass transit, do organic lawn care.