Archive for Conservation

Reduce, reuse …

August 22, 2008 at 9:57 am · Filed under Conservation, Recycling, Uncategorized

Hello friends,

We’ve been talking this week about how some materials—glass and metal, for example—are more recyclable than others, like plastics.

But when we talk about recycling, we often leave out the two most important parts of the process. You’ve surely heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Well, there’s a reason “recycle” is the last word in the phrase—it’s supposed to be your last resort.

Yes indeed, I am telling you that recycling alone isn’t good enough. You have to actively reduce the amount of waste you produce: buy items with less packaging, buy in bulk, only use a bag if you need it, and don’t buy “disposable” anything, if you can help it. Next, reuse what you already have: old plastic bags, plastic sour cream containers, etc. I’m sure you know someone—a grandparent or parent—who lived through the Depression and had to make everything last as long as it could. Following our elders’ example is one of the most Earth-friendly things we can do.

Viva the old people!

Love, The Green Fairy

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Ways to save water in the kitchen

August 12, 2008 at 8:20 am · Filed under Conservation, Water conservation

Hi friends! This week, we’re discussing how to save water. Did you know Utahns use more water per capita than anyone else in the nation, except for Nevadans? Not to make you feel guilty, but don’t you think we could do a better job of conserving an already-scarce resource?

With that in mind, here are some more tips for saving water, this time in the kitchen:

  • When you boil something—say, potatoes—in a big pot of water, save the water when you drain the potatoes. Let it cool, then use it to water dry spots on your lawn or flower garden. This is called “graywater,” and it means using un-drinkable water for other means. (Note: don’t do this if you’ve put oil or butter in the water.)
  • Same goes for if you blanch the vegetables—save the ice bath and dump it in the garden.
  • Leaky faucets can lose 20 gallons of water daily. Enough said.
  • In one of the great green triumphs of all time, it’s more water-efficient to run the dishwasher than it is to hand-wash. Yee-haw! Just make sure you’re running full loads—if you run the whole thing for five dishes, that’s not very efficient.

Tomorrow, we’ll move on to the bathroom!

Much love, The Green Fairy

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Ride the wave!

August 11, 2008 at 10:21 am · Filed under Water conservation

The Green Fairy went to Raging Waters this weekend.

Boy, what a waste of water. And a lot of fun, too.

Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s fun to hurtle down a waterslide. It just wouldn’t be the same without the water.

The way I justify it is this: If I work to conserve water in my daily routine, I can enjoy Raging Waters (which I’m sure employs all kinds of conservation techniques) once in a while.

So this week, let’s talk about conserving water in your daily routine! Let’s start in the bathroom. When you wash your hands, turn the water off while you lather up with soap.

That’s it! We’ll talk more water-conservation techniques tomorrow.

Much love! —The Green Fairy

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The Big Idea, #2

August 7, 2008 at 6:37 am · Filed under Big ideas, Conservation

Good morning!

We’re talking about the big ideas—the lifestyle alterations that will help you change the planet. Yesterday we discussed driving less. Are you ready for today’s big one?

USE LESS

Now, I’m not saying you should go out in the country, live in a dirt house, and wear a burlap sack. 

No, I’m talking about giving up some of the small conveniences in your life. This is something I think about a lot. In the 1930s and 40s, Americans went through the Great Depression and World War II, and during those times, they had to give up a lot, first out of economic necessity, then because their country asked it of them. Butter, sugar, nylons, convenience foods—they gave them all up, because the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the individual.

These days, nobody seems wiling to give anything up. I’m sure you know someone who’ll say: “I want to help save the world, but I can’t live without my Land Rover/air conditioning/wide-screen TV.”

This is kind of a vague topic, and I could probably write a year’s worth of posts just about making do with less. I’ll give you a few concrete examples, but keep in mind that there are thousands more; that’s why this change requires a big shift in our mindsets.

USE LESS gas (We’ve talked about this one).

BUY LESS stuff (Buy high-quality clothing/furniture/tools once, and use them as long as you can, instead of buying cheap items more often).

CHOOSE FEWER CONVENIENCE ITEMS (Swiffer, Brawny, wipes of any kind—these are all disposable versions of the good old-fashioned cloth rag. Think of all the trees, chemicals, etc. went into making them).

We’ll touch on this point often. I’d love to hear your ideas, too, in the comments.

I love you, friends! —The Green Fairy

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Just FYI

July 23, 2008 at 3:41 pm · Filed under Conservation

Today’s a Yellow Power Forward day, per Rocky Mountain Power.

That means you should try not to use much energy between noon and 8 p.m., periods of peak demand.

I recommend unplugging everything in the house, finding a shady place, and killing an icy pitcher of lemonade.

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