July 27, 2008
10 things you're doing/will do for the environment
Feeling inspired, I'd like to start a meme on what actions you're taking, or planning to take (a pledge!) to help the environment. This is a broad-reaching scope, and encompasses anything and everything: choosing organic food, taking transit, composting, donating to an environmental organization, recycling unwanted goods, installing solar panels, or even just educating yourself on issues and solutions. Is there a particular action that tops your list? Or one you've been eager to try?
For brevity's sake we'll keep the list to 10 items. You can divide it up between "doing" and "intend to do" in whatever ratio you like.
So here's my list, in no particular order:
Right now, I:
1. Eat local
2. Use cloth bags and compostable plastic bags
3. Advocate for revival of the Interurban community rail
4. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
5. Use strictly natural cosmetics and soaps, with recyclable packaging and no chemicals
6. Use strictly natural cleaners (baking soda, vinegar, water, the occasional lemon)
7. Use a reusable stainless steel water bottle
I will:
8. Reduce waste by switching to Lunapads products (they're local!) — immediately
9. Live in a walkable neighbourhood with frequent, accessible transit — 2 to 3 years' time
10. Buy a cradle-to-cradle, toxic-free sofa made from natural materials — 2 to 3 years' time
The overarching theme? GHG reduction, waste reduction, sustainable communities, environmental health (reduced toxicity) and therefore improved health of humans and other animals.
I haven't done a meme before so I'm not sure how to tag people, but I'd love to hear from Raul (great post that may help you get started on thinking up some "will dos"), Paul, Darren, Stephen and Mom. (Whoa, apparently I need to get to know a few more blogging women! Late Bloomer, where are you???)
Please, if you can, leave a link to your post here for everybody. I'll try to update this later if I see your posts in my RSS reader.
Looking forward to your responses!
UPDATE: Late Bloomer has a great post about what she and her family are doing. Inspirational, and worth a read! Do have a look. Nice photo, too!
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About
I am a communication designer in Vancouver, BC. Most of my writing and community activism are in the interconnected issues of public transit, local eating and food security, politics, health, environment, and sustainability in general. At heart, I'm a geek and a total treehugger. Nature, tea, good food and great company make me happy.
Currently reading:
"Trauma Farm: A Rebel History of Rural Life"
Brian Brett
Featured project
Comments (5)
Hi Erika,
I am not sure what blogging platform you use, but if you use WordPress, it’s really easy to find out that people tagged you (because you see the tag in the incoming link). I think you’re Movable Type.
Anyhow, on to the meme.
Things I do right now.
OOOPS. I’ve gone over 10. I guess I can add an “I will do” that I currently don’t do - buy recycled clothes (did you see my post at HappyFrog on recycled clothing, during EPIC?)
Ditto, for many of these! Composting (have done it for 35 years!) and consuming less. Wish I could have a big vegetable garden.
I’m here - it’s just been a busy few months and I just can’t seem to find the time to sit down and gather my thoughts into something intelligent and/or interesting to read.
That said, I will write a “top 10” list (“do now” and “want to do”) and pass the meme on to the two other bloggers that I know. :-)
I have been reading your posts even though I haven’t commented (sorry for lurking). Perhaps I’ll have more time in September - it’ll be back to school time for the oldest two and the first year of preschool for the littlest one.
Until then, I’m kept busy with kids’ sports, camping, my expanded vegetable garden, bike rides through the ‘hood, and trips to the playground.
Thanks for posting the link to Rail for the Valley - interesting stuff - I am going to check it out!
Hi! I’m glad to know you’re still around. I felt the same way for a month recently.
Awesome, thanks :)
Happy to have your readership. Sounds like you’ve been keeping busy in a good way. Lots of fun! If you tend to take photographs, a quick way to keep a blogging presence is just to post some photos, maybe even a haiku.
You’re welcome. And thanks for your message! Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Thanks, Raul! That’s a great list. I like #5 — informing people is such an important step.
I don’t think I saw the post about recycled clothing. That’s an area I’d like to venture into — even just organic clothing — but I can’t afford it. In the meantime I donate used clothing so some good comes of it.
Yes I use Movable Type. Thanks for letting me know about the junked comments problem. Eek!