make a smaller ecological footprint

I already became vegan which is a big step. I want to spread the word about this great lifestyle.

I am sure more can be done…..

Recycling and using freecycle.org!

I took the ecological footprint quiz at http://www.myfootprint.org and in fact I am not leaving a really large ecological footprint right now (WAY below average at least) – but there is always room for improvement. Right now I’m focusing on the following five things:

• Recycle all paper and bottles
• Re-fill water bottles instead of always buying a new one
• Minimize use of plastic bags
• Run the dishwasher and the laundry machine only when full
• Buy less! Replace items only when I really need to

• Walk, bike, or take public transit when ever possible

http://www.myfootprint.org/en/your_results/?id=514940

I took the ecological footprint quiz, and it’s not good at all! Still living in my parents house makes things a bit harder, along with the fact that I’m a poor university student. But I have to find some ways that I can do better! I can probably be more stringent on recycling, especially the paper and plastic products. My biggest problem is probably my car travel time… but I can’t help that yet because my job is out on an acreage and no public transit goes there and I’m not willing to give up this job. I will find ways to do better though :)

When I send books out to people through paperbackswap.com, I’m wrapping them in plastic grocery sacks to keep them weatherproof and using recycled packing from books I’ve received previously.

I read an article last night that Brooks running shoes are one of the first shoes to become environmentally friendly, decreasing their landfill breakdown from 50yrs to less than 20. Its a huge step. They are also using less plastics and more recycled materials. Im proud to be a wearer of Brooks. And dont be fooled, they still cost less than Nikes and Asics. Until the others hop on board, try a pair of Brooks. They are great running shoes, especially for pronators. And apparently the world.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-488—12892-0,00.html

www.myfootprint.org

If everyone lived like me, we would need 2.3 earths to sustain us. Thats scary because I thought I was doing well. Just shows we could always do better. These are not my results, just what your report card looks like. Keep in mind, just being from the US puts you in the bastard child category…as always.

Get with it people. Me too!

We are members of our local co-op. When we go the grocery we buy Eggland’s best cage free eggs (groceries do not carry free range) because I cannot bare the thought of buying any other eggs that support the horrible treatment of egg laying hens. They are expensive, but, I stand my ground. Those other eggs are $.99 for a reason.
Today, at the co-op, I noticed they have not just cage free, but free range, no antibiotic, organically vegetable fed hen eggs. AND they were cheaper than Eggland’s Best. AND, and here is the awesome AND, they are local. Less than 50 miles from Buffalo. I told P that when we shop next week, we need to make sure we add eggs to the co-op list.
So happy.

a buddhist temple made completely out of plastic bottles. From the roof to the steps to the inlay. When asked why they answered, “why not, it takes 700 years for a single bottle to being to breakdown. What better way to insure our temple lasts that long’.
Brilliant.

I just bought a new house so there are going to be many things that I did previously that I’m going to be re-doing here as I begin to settle in and figure out how I can make this place more green. We’ve been here a month and have spent most of that time in construction so I’ve yet to be able to really figure out where my troubled areas are going to be. We’ve already put new insulation in the attic over the kitchen and dining area but I know I’ll have a real to do list in the next few months here. SO I’ll be back here for sure.