On a slow news day with way too many VP diaries circulating, lets tackle something serious - on a personal level!
It's often said that movements begin with the people - not the Politicians. With that in mind, lets talk environment and what each of us (can) do to contribute.
Here's a link to some simple ideas:
21 Practical Ways to help the Environment
Here's another link:
Ways to Help the Environment
And another:
More you can do!
Courtesy of Mr. Gore.
The list goes on and on and on. The Internet is full of information. Probably nothing here that you didn't already know. But here's the challenge - what do YOU do to help the environment. Here are some things I'm doing:
- Bicycle commuting 2-3 days a week. If you decide to go this route - I challenge you to go one step farther and buy an American made bicycle! This is one industry where the U.S. is rising in prominance. There are many, many U.S. owned/based companies. Some are even manufacturing their frames in the U.S. Here's a fun commuting link/blog - The Snot Rocket from Madison, Wisconsin. Heck - just today - stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia was won on an American bike.
- Flourescent bulbs everywhere in the house.
- Always washing clothes in cold water.
- Recycling constantly - everything possible.
- Driving slower. Driving slower is not something new. Dropping the speed limit to 55 MPH dates back to Nixon (not Carter - as I incorrectly noted in another Diary earlier today). Here's a little background - Dropping the Speed Limit.
I tried this just this weekend. Took a 700+ mile all highway trip in my 2K4 Toyota Taco 4WD pickup truck with the cruise set at 60 MPH. Gas mileage was 24.81 MPG and 24.77 MPG. My typical driving habits (go with the flow - 75 MPH) yields 20 MPG like clockwork. So just by slowing down a bit - 24% savings! It wasn't that bad.
- Turning off everything - including subtle things - like the computer. And unplugging cell phone chargers when not in use.
So..........what are you doing?