This WEBSITE has been CONSOLIDATED into the InterFaith Creation Care South Metro (ICCSM) website as of 2/2022 found at http://iccsmtc.blogspot.com/ . Please check it out for updated information on our group.
Individually We Have Many Ways To Help
The following list is only one of many lists that are available. A good goal would be to pick a few items that you can do now and then plan to add others when you are able. Post the list on a wall or inside a cabinet door where you are reminded of the list daily. (Copy and paste to a Word document). Yes! Each and everyone of these makes a difference. The more you do the bigger the contribution you make. Be proud of each and everything you do. Your kids and grandkids will appreciate what you do for their future.
Following this list is a couple of links to additional helps.
1. EDUCATION
- ____Learn about the environmental crisis and ecological justice.
- ____Read about or join a study group fostering voluntary simplicity.
2. GREEN YOUR LIVING SPACE
Energy Use
- ____Alternative energy: solar/ geothermal/ purchase wind from your energy company.
- ____Purchase Energy Star appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, water heater, dehumidifier) and high efficiency furnace, air conditioner, and windows.
- ____Get programmable thermostat. Lower thermostat in winter; raise it in summer. Change settings when away. Use ceiling fans.
- ____Clean and replace filters for all appliances especially the furnace.
- ____Replace all incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
- ____When not in use, turn off lights, TV, computer, appliances.
- ____Turn off TV, computer, microwave, etc. at the strip/ plug.
- ____Run full loads in dish washer, washer, and dryer. Use short cycles and or clothes line.
- ____Use microwave/ toaster oven/ slow cooker rather than oven/range.
- ____Set refrigerator at 36F to 42F, freezer at -5F to +6F, and water heater at 120F.
- ____Use cold or warm water when washing clothes; rinse in cold water.
- ____Insulate walls/ attic. Repair leaks around windows/doors. Lock windows to seal.
- ____Repair hot water leaks. Insulate water heater ("blanket") + hot water pipes (wrap).
- ____Contribute to organizations that will offset your carbon use with tree planting projects.
- ____Use non-toxic dish detergent and laundry detergent.
- ____Use safe cleaning products either purchased or homemade.
- ____Avoid spray or disposable products for cleaning, air-freshening, and cooking.
- ____Do not let water run while doing tasks.
- ____Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
- ____Repair faucet leaks and toilet runs immediately.
- ____Take a short shower rather than a bath, and shower less often.
- ____Wash dishes and laundry on full load.
- ____Buy fair-trade products.
- ____Buy organic products.
- ____Buy local produce and products.
- ____Buy only what you will consume, and then use all you buy.
- ____Put on your plate only what you will eat, and then eat all on your plate.
- ____Eat fewer (or no) meat meals each week. Have a "hunger" meal each week.
- ____Use recycled, post-consumer paper products for kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning.
- ____Avoid paper towels; use cloth napkins and handkerchiefs.
- ____Use electronic media rather than paper.
- ____Use recycled, post-consumer, acid-free note/office paper or paper from tree farm.
- ____Use the paper completely on both sides. Avoid bright-colored paper.
- ____Avoid use of paper, plastic, and Styrofoam in plates, cups, and utensils.
- ____Recycle glass, tin, plastic, newsprint, mixed paper, cardboard, etc.
- ____Recycle batteries, printer cartridges, cell phones, plastic bags.
- ____Safely dispose of computers, printers, paint, and other toxic products.
- ____Do not put grease or strong chemicals down drains.
- ____Buy products with less packaging.
- ____Compost food scraps and lawn clippings.
- ____Use canvas bags for shopping or reuse paper/plastic when shopping.
- ____When eating out, take your own plastic container for leftovers.
- ____Cultivate a green lawn and garden. Avoid herbicides and pesticides.
- ____Avoid gas-powered implements. Use hand mower, rakes, and brooms.
- ____Grow your own vegetables. Share with neighbors and food pantries.
- ____Plant native grass, trees, and shrubs.
- ____Purchase high mileage car. Maintain engine/tire pressure. Change oil/air filter.
- ____Over 55 miles per hour, drive more slowly. Easy stops and starts. Do not idle.
- ____Where feasible walk, bicycle, and carpool.
- ____Green the work space and work practices: office, shop, factory, classroom, farm.
- ____Advocate with employers to green your company, agency, or institution.
- ____Promote greening among fellow workers and clients/customers/students.
- ____Enjoy as kin the plants and pets in your living space.
- ____Take ten minutes a day to enjoy/love nature. Take a retreat with nature.
- ____Use devotional materials that enhance your love of nature and your care for it.
- ____Advocate for environmentally friendly legislation and policies.
- ____Restore a local habitat; protest a local environmental violation.
- ____Contribute to social justice organizations and environmental organizations.
- ____Invest in socially responsible stocks and bonds that foster eco-justice.
LINKS TO ADDITIONAL HELPS
* Carbon Calculator through The Nature Conservancy.
https://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/?redirect=https-301
* Carbon Calculator through CarbonFund.org.
http://carbonfund.org/how-we-calculate/
* Carbon Calculator through CarbonFootprint.com.
https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
* Carbon Footprint Calculator through EPA.
https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/
Offsetting your carbon through Offsets provided by Cooleffect.org.
https://www.cooleffect.org/
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