EARTH SAVERS August 2022

Welcome to our new EARTH SAVERS webpage. AADC is committed to supporting environmental awareness. This new page is the creation of AADC member Jody Brady. Each month she will be giving us information and tips on how to be more friendly to the environment. And we will offer all visitors to this page an opportunity to comment and give your own environmental tips. Scroll down if you would like to comment! Comments are curated and may not appear immediately.

AUGUST, 2022
TEN WAYS TO HELP OUR EARTH

By Jody Brady

We can make the earth a healthier, better place to live if we each take ownership of our personal contribution, carbon footprint, and effects on climate change. Before every action we take, we need to ask: Does it harm the earth? – OR – Does it help the earth? Below are ten ways we can minimize our personal mark on the earth.

1. SAVE WATER
   The average American family uses over 300 gallons of water every day. With climate change around the world, we need to save water whenever and however we can.
   Daily Water Usage at Home
   • 24% – Toilet, 18-24 gallons
   • 20% – Shower, 20-50 gallons
   • 19% – Faucets, 26 gallons
   • 17% – Washing Machine, 30 gallons
   • 6%  – Miscellaneous. The remaining 6 percent are from a variety of sources, such as bathtubs which take up to 36 gallons to fill, or dishwashing which can use up to 30 gallons per load.

    

2. A NONTOXIC HOME
   Indoor air is up to ten times more polluted than outdoor air, due to the toxic chemicals in many cleaners and products. Choose eco-friendly, less-toxic cleaning products, detergents, fragrances, candles, body care, and shampoos. Have a healthy home.
3. GREEN YOUR CLOSET
   Americans excess clothing is glutting landfills. Donating clothing to developing countries is overwhelming their local economies. If you want to live sustainably, buy less, buy organic and green clothing that lasts longer than flimsy “fast fashion” pieces.  Check out Green America’s website for tips on finding sweatshop-free clothing. Earth Savers highly recommends clothing by Patagonia. Check out their web site for information about their environmentally healthy standards for clothing and recycling.
4. YOUR ENERGY USE
   Buy energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, etc. Cut your energy bill, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint at home and at the office.

          What Uses the Most Energy in Your Home?

47% – Cooling and heating
14% – Water heater
13% – Washer and dryer
12% – Lighting
4% – Refrigerator
3-4% – Electric oven
3%- TV, DVD, cable box
2% – Dishwasher

5. LET YOUR MONEY SPEAK
Choose socially responsible bank accounts and investments. Use your economic power to pressure corporations to clean up their acts, and therefore the environment.

6. CHOOSE “GOOD FOOD”
Eat organic food, grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute the planet. Try to purchase foods from regenerative agriculture, which heals the soil. Studies by The Rodale Institute, long-time leaders in organic gardening, have found that a global switch to regenerative farming could actually reverse the climate crisis. Check out Rodale’s free courses outlining the true impact of farming on our health and planet at their website.

7. BUILD GREEN
Buildings—new and existing—have a huge impact on the environment. Using renewable or recycled and salvaged materials, can greatly reduce a building’s impact on the environment and the climate.

8. REUSE AND RECYLE
Reuse products instead of buying them new. The Green America website gives great tips for reuse and recycling. Find innovative ways to use things you already own or swap, buy, or barter someone else’s items. Choosing reusable products instead of single-use throwaways (bottled water, anyone?) curbs waste and reduces the burden on landfills, as well. Remember: swap, buy, or barter – instead of new.

9. GREEN YOUR TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is one of the world’s largest causes of global warming. Walk, bike, or take public transit instead of driving. You’ll cut down on air pollution and help reduce emissions contributing to the climate crisis. Plus, it’s good for your health!

10. TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY
Air travel in particular contributes to climate change. Whenever you can, take public transportation to curb air pollution and global warming. While on vacation, choose locally owned hotels, organic restaurants, and green businesses. Help minimize your travel footprint.

We at Earth Savers, will be following up with more suggestions and ways to help Mother Earth. We’d love to hear actions you have implemented to “do less harm.” Please scroll down to leave your comments!

Remember: ask, Do my actions harm – or help?  

Final Note, a little inspiration from an ever-inspiring voice

” There are so many things that need to be
done that sometimes it seems overwhelming. I
try to remind everyone that no one person has
to do it all, but if each one of us follows our
heart and our own inclinations, we will find
the small things that we can do. Together we
will come up with enough to create a sustainable
future and a healthy environment.”

John Denver, December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997