I see a lot of companies with commercials that tout how environmentally friendly they are. Or how they’re complying with new efforts to make their factories and warehouses more “green” in various ways. Great idea, except that, like most anything a corporation says, it’s almost always marketing bullsh*t. Even for the few companies who are at least somewhat sincere, it is hardly enough.
So, I’m proposing my ‘Greener Than “Green” Initiative’, in the hopes that someone will take notice, and do something more substantial to help keep our planet capable of naturally supporting life. A reduction of carbon emissions doesn’t cut it. All that does is slow the poisoning of our atmosphere. Recycling is great, but that’s not exactly making much of an impact. What I would like, is for everyone who reads this to do some research, find ways to improve the environment on a personal day-t0-day level, and do it. Comment on it. Plant a row of trees. No land? Plant a window box. Something. Anything. But do it, don’t just say you’d like to do it. And, tell us why you did it, and how it makes you feel. Comment with your ideas, your projects. Help others to do similar things.
I’ll start. I have planted a row of trees in my backyard, and I’m in the process of planting more. It’s difficult, because I live on the beach, so soil is an issue, but I’m working on it. I’m trying to bicycle as much as possible, to reduce exhaust emissions. I can usually do it day-by-day. The only time I find I need a vehicle is grocery day. I support local farmers by buying fresh produce. I support true ‘organic’ farms by reducing my dependence on packaged and processed meals. Why I made these changes, is because unlike sci-fi movies, we can’t fly to another planet if we ruin this one. The Earth is all we have. I believe we can recover from the atmospheric damage, if we actively re-plant vegetation. The logging and paper industry can only cut down trees they have access to. By planting on our own property, some of that loss can be recovered. How does it make me feel? Doing my part, however small that is, makes me feel very good. I don’t do it for fame, or to offset my guilt over adding to the carbon footprint. I do it because this planet belongs to me, and you, and I’d like it to stay.
Some things I think could help (Some are more expensive than others)…
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Buy local “fresh” produce as often as possible.
Go “organic”, and know it is genuine. There is a lot of *FAKE* organic food. Don’t trust FDA.
Try to supply at least part of your electric power by wind turbines or solar panels.
Plant trees. If you can’t plant trees because you don’t have land, use planters.
Buy land, planting trees and various shrubs on empty lots.
Recycle in the home. Don’t throw away empty water bottles. Re-use everything possible.
Ride a bicycle or walk. If you can fit purchases in a bag, walk to the store. Start walking clubs.
Set aside one or more days or nights in the week as *NO ELECTRICITY* time.
Blog about new green technologies and practices.
Well, that’s a start. Please comment, and get involved!
