Happy Earth Day 2006

As Indians apart from the fact that we’ve got garbage strewn all over the place and the concept of not littering has yet to gain a strong foothold , I still think Indians have got the basics right when I comes to not wasting and being environmentally friendly …. Think of the reusable bags when we go to the market , using actual washcloths and dishcloths rather than paper napkins, Styrofoam cups and plastic spoons ( are you kidding me??) we have our fingers for heavens sake ( I still cant eat a vada or dosa with a fork or spoon without being messy , and I couldn’t care less, cutlery is overrated!!) , paper plates ( we have our staple stainless steel dishes , ok when guest come we get out the china , or actually if it's a traditional ceremony we have our eco friendly banana leaves),in India the concept of have legs –will walk or at least use public transport available when needed exists ( this is tiring and you get a tan!! ,but you know sometimes a little walking is good)..and I can go on and on, unfortunately once we leave India , and I’ve noticed this more so in the US , we tend to forget this, yea I know we cant really do laundry half as often as we do in India ,so there goes the idea of reusable washcloths ,but what about all the other things ,we certainly don’t need as many plastic bags when we go shopping or all that packaging , and here's one I’m personally guilty of … how many printouts of the same thing do I need I just OverDose on print outs at times ..should cut down on it …anyway ..its earth day today , used to have a compulsory commemoration of the occasion when I was in school , here are a few eco friendly tips for when you go shopping …….

from Global Stewards



Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future. For information on voluntary simplicity, check out Voluntary Simplicity Web Resources. (umm I lead a pretty cluttered existence sad to say!!)

Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.

As much as possible, create a tree-free home:
replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse
purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum)
if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)
create and use note pads from once-used paper ( I do this often)
leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board ( yup Pranoti and I used to do this :)
make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper

Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers.

Instead of buying these items new, save and reuse all: bags (plastic and paper), rubber bands, twisties, boxes, and packaging material.

Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance specifically not to be given these items - it may (I have found many times it DOES) make the store clerk/owner think twice about giving these items out freely in the future), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!

Buy products that will last and take care of them.

Teach your children the value of thrift.

Pick up books from your local library or used book store. The library is also many times a great place for finding magazines, CDs, books-on-tape, and videos.

Buy food (and drinking water) from local companies whenever possible. Support your area's Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices.

Eat unprocessed/unpackaged food whenever possible.

Only purchase tuna labeled "dolphin safe".

Reduce your energy consumption:

If you enjoy reading newspapers and/or magazines offline better, consider visiting a local library. If they don't carry a magazine you like, find out if you can buy a subscription for the library
Never release balloons outdoors. They frequently find their way to open water (even from 100's of miles away) and can harm or kill turtles, whales, and other marine mammals.

GIVE ECO GIFTS ( interesting concept!!)
Offer/ask for gifts that don't involve buying anything. For example, time together, a back rub, babysitting, donation to charity, tickets to an event (musical, lecture series, play, movies, concert, etc.), etc.

As an alternative to standard greeting cards, look into sending electronic greeting cards or making your own from waste paper. ( i dont know ecards are cool but regualar cards are good too..)

I guess digicams and e-newspapers are the way to go !!!!