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September 29, 2006
10 Things I do for the Planet
We are all stewards of this planet, and it is our responsibility to protect and nurture it for future generations. I often think I don't do enough. So here's my list, and I invite any ideas or suggestions.
1. I take my napsack or canvas bags to the grocery store. Places like Whole Foods give me a 5-cent per bag credit for not using the plastic. Not that the 5-cent credit goes a long way, but I like that they record the fact that someone didn't take a bag.
2. I turn the water off in the shower when I am scrubbing (I learned this on the boat because we had finite water). Same thing with dishes.
3. I buy organic when I can.
4. I support small independent retailers (Westerley Market is a wonderful organic grocery store at 54th and Eighth, as an alternative to Whole Foods).
5. I don't own or drive a car (that's like saying I walk on the sidewalk - who needs a car in Manhattan?).
6. I get crazy when I see excessive packaging. Like, if I buy a tie, why do they have to wrap it in tissue, then put a little sticker on the tissue, then put it in a (usually plastic) bag. I was in L'Occitane today picking up shave cream, and she wanted to wrap it in bright orange tissue and put it in a paper bag. I said thanks anyway, and put it in my napsack.
7. I recycle EVERYTHING (except sometimes out on a walk I toss a plastic water bottle in the bin - bad, bad, bad).
8. I walk most places, and rarely take a cab. I also rarely take the subway, although I have a MetroPass and support public transportation.
9. I take stairs instead of an escalator. If I'm not carrying anything, I'll climb the 10 flights of stairs to our apartment.
10. I keep lights off unless I need them. No decorative lighting.
11. I send emails to companies who I think could significantly reduce their packaging.
12. I give money to street musicians (if they're good).
Wow, maybe I do my part. There's a lot more to be done. Like, I don't stop on the street to pick up garbage and put it in the bin. I don't give money to the homeless. New York does not do organic waste like Toronto does, and there's no room in our shoebox for a home composter. The trick is staying committed and disciplined, and I think I'm doing okay.
Posted by dave at September 29, 2006 04:26 PM