Community Corner
10 Small Ways to go Green in 2012
It seems that a lot of people want to go green, but aren't sure how to do it. That's where we come in.
- Recycle: Put a second bin next to your trash can, so it will be easier to separate recyclable materials (plastic, glass, paper etc).
Fact: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a statement that for each pound of aluminum recycled, Americans save the energy resources necessary to produce about 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity- enough to generate through a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years. - When You Leave a Room, turn off the Lights: If there’s enough light from the windows in your home, leave the lights off as much as possible. If not, be sure to flip the light switch to the “off” position when you no longer need it.
Fact: According to BC Hydro, there is such a thing as Light Pollution that effects everything from the way we see (or don’t see) the stars at night to artificial light trespassing on private residences. - Reduce Your Meat Intake: You don’t have to go vegan or vegetarian to make a difference. Just cut back on your meat consumption for a healthier you and a happier environment.
Fact: Livestock production is responsible for about 18% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. - Buy a Water Filter and Stop with the Bottled Water: Water filters are a one time buy that you may have to replace every couple years, but the overall benefit to the environment makes it worth it.
Fact: In 2010 the bottled water industry made nearly $11 billion in profits. Bottled water companies are not required, by law, to report test results from their products. A study showed that 10 of the most popular distributors were selling bottled water that contained a wide range of pollutants (fertilizer residue and arsenic to name a couple). - Compost: Use our guide to compost your organic waste.
Fact: Reduce the costs of gardening by using the waste from your garden. This will also cut down the waste of food. - Support Food Recovery: Go through that overstuffed-with-bogo-deals cabinet in your kitchen and donate what you know will go to waste to a shelter or food bank. Another way to help is to encourage your local restaurants and food stores to donate their “extras,” rather than tossing them.
Fact: According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, we waste about 34 million tons of food each year. - Buy Local: With all of the outlets Gulfport has to offer, from the fresh market to the ., shopping and buying local should not be an issue.
Fact: Foods like produce, eggs, meats and dairy are fresher at local distributors. Aside from that, your money will be going straight to the source. - When in Doubt, bike: If you can bike it then you should. This will help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions as well as gas bills; plus, it’s exercise.
Fact: Cities like Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis are starting Bike Sharing Programs where the public can rent bikes for short periods of time. - Turn it Down (or Up), the thermostat that is: When you leave for work in the morning, turn your thermostat down 10-15 degrees, if it is heating the house. Turn it to 78-80 degrees if you're cooling.
Fact: Households that do the above, save on their utility bill. - Garden Away: To start, plant lettuce in a window box. Lettuce seeds are cheap and easily acquired. The seeds need sunlight to grow and will provide multiple salad’s worth of lettuce throughout a season.
Fact: A small change such as growing your own lettuce will improve your health and your bank account.
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