Introduction

The following is part of a larger book that will be published in the future. Rather than wait until the book is finished, I wanted to make the material available for people to read and put into practice. The topics covered are included in this order: transportation, food, uttilities, recycling and consumption, and lawn and garden.

Transportation

Environmentalists and lawmakers spent years shouting at one another about whether the grim forecasts were true, but in the past five years or so, the serious debate has quietly ended. Global warming, even most skeptics have concluded. Is the real deal, and human activity has been causing it.[1]

     Unless this book is the first thing you’ve ever read about ecology, you are probably familiar with what global warming is all about. Here’s a quick review just incase you’ve been playing ostrich these last ten years. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to higher temperatures on earth. Most of the human contribution to greenhouse gases is coming from gasoline in cars and plants fired by fossil fuels. Though the earth goes through natural cycles every few thousand years, what scientists have been observing has been very startling. Changes are taking place so fast that unless humans figure out a way to deal with this in the very near future, dramatic changes will take place that could put our survival in jeopardy. Since this book is about what you can do to personally to make a difference, here are a few suggestions related to transportation.

1. Walk when you can

     Depending on where you live, there may be times when walking is a viable option. I live about four miles from where I work, so walking is not practical. I’m a late sleeper. My morning routine always includes hitting the snooze button until hitting it one more time will guarantee that I will be late to work. However, my laziness is not so debilitating that I do not eventually get moving. I drive like a maniac, tailgating idiots that apparently have time to waste. Eventually I settle down into the routine of my day, at which point I try to do as much walking as I can.

     When I must run errands by car, I try to park between stores and walk to each. I am trying to get in the habit of walking or riding my bike to a grocery store that is about a half mile from my house. The main deterrent is poor planning by the city for pedestrians. There is not a crosswalk for pedestrians and there are six lanes of busy traffic. Perhaps some of you live in a better situation.

     My city has miles of paved “greenway” for exercise. Why walk on a treadmill and stare at a TV like a zombie when you can get out and breathe fresh air and enjoy nature while getting your exercise?

2. Ride a bike.

     A while back I was looking for a place to park at my local YMCA and saw a scene that made me laugh out loud—a group of about 20 people riding stationary bikes out in the sun. I was not laughing at the efforts of these people as much as I was the strangeness of the situation. Less than half a mile from this place is access to a paved greenway that runs through a wooded area near a stream with wildlife. A paid city worker rides this trail daily to ensure safety. Every time I have been on the trail I have seen dozens of people—running, walking, riding bikes, and roller blading.

     Riding a bike is a great form of exercise. It is also a great way to travel alone. I work with a man who rides about four miles on his bike to and from work each day. He is in great shape. With traffic, it probably does not take him much more time than it does the rest of us to get to work.

     Your home, job, and overall life situation is unique. A bike is a great investment in your health and the environment that you could probably fit into your routine with a little careful planning. Of course, be careful to consider your safety by wearing a helmet, reflectors at night, and bright clothes when riding on roads.

3. Public transportation

     Public transportation is impossible for some, repulsive to others, and an everyday money saving, eco-friendly routine for many. For those who don’t have this option, go to the next suggestion. For those who associate riding a city bus with an event on a Survivor episode, it may surprise you to find out that riding a bus is relatively safe. Unfortunately, the risks are a bit higher for children and young women traveling alone than it is for men or for those in groups.

     According to the American Transportation Association, in 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA 21) amended the federal tax code to create financial incentives related to commuter benefits for employers and employees. This allows employers to designate $100 a month for employees to use for public transportation. These are tax free dollars that both employers and employees benefit from. See http://www.apta.com and find the section under government affairs “Transit Commute Benefit” for more details.

4. Car pool

     Car pooling just makes sense for anyone that can do it. You can save gas money, wear and tear on your car, and contribute to lower pollution. It is also a good way to make friends with people you might not otherwise spend much time with. Start asking people you work with where they live. Start asking your neighbors where they work. Find a good match and get started.

5. Turn off your engine.

     There are many times you may want to consider turning your engine off. There is no clear consensus exactly how much time your car can idle before it would be more efficient to turn the engine off. It probably depends on what kind of car you are driving. Newer cars are supposed to be more efficient at starting. For most cars, turn your engine off anytime you are going to be letting your engine run idle for more than a minute. This may be likely if you are waiting for someone in the store, stuck in a traffic jam, behind an accident, or waiting on a train to pass. If you anticipate your wait to be more than a few seconds, but not more than a couple of minutes, put your car in park or neutral.

6. Use a garage in the cold winter months.

     Not everyone has a garage, but if you do, read on. Warming the car up for ten minutes a day throughout the winter months can amount to a tank or more of gas, depending on what kind of car you have. The garage may not have your car as toasty as you would like, but it will warm up quickly as you start driving and the shelter of the garage will keep it a bit warmer than outside. It will also save time and effort needed to scrape ice and snow off windshields.

7. Think hybrid.

     Consider making your next new car a hybrid—or whatever the latest gas saving technology has produced.

     Be careful about getting a used hybrid without a warranty. Replacing the battery pack can run in the thousands of dollars. According to Consumer Reports, most hybrid manufacturers cover hybrid components, including battery packs for eight years or 80,000 miles. These batteries actually have a 150,000 to 180,000 mile life expectancy.[2]

     Each year, new hybrids are available to customers. Most models have not been available long enough to be able to compare reliability with more established models. Though hybrids cost more than conventional cars, they save money on gas. Some models are better than others. You will benefit economically if you keep your hybrid for several years and/or if you do a lot of driving. Of course, the higher gas prices are, the more you will benefit from driving a more fuel-efficient car. Even if you break even, you have contributed in a small way to helping the environment which will benefit us all. Also keep in mind that hybrids or ethanol based cars are not a solution. They still contribute to pollution, only to a lesser degree than conventional cars.

     I drive a Prius. I chose it over other models because it was more efficient than the other models I had to choose from. It advertises 60 mpg in the city. Because I live in a mountainous region, I get considerably less than that. I average about 50 mpg in the summer and 40 mpg in the winter. I also get quite a bit less during the coldest months of the year. However, I am still getting much better mileage per gallon than with my other vehicle, a small SUV.

8. Watch for hydrogen cars.

BMW has invested over a billion dollars in their version of a hydrogen car. About one hundred of these were being given to select celebrities and politicians to promote this new vehicle in 2007. Anticipating that it will be difficult to get hydrogen fuel in certain areas at first, BMW has developed their vehicle as a hybrid that can switch to traditional gasoline consumption when needed. According to claims, the only bi-product of using liquid hydrogen to fuel cars is water vapor. It will be up to governments, oil companies, and of course, consumers to get this concept mainstream.

9. Switch to a fuel economy car.

With all the media attention on hybrids, it may surprise you to know that you can usually save more money on gas by switching from a mammoth sized SUV to a midsize car than by switching from midsized car to midsized hybrid. The large SUV’s have become a status symbol for many. If you must flaunt your wealth, try finding a better way by eliminating one of your gas guzzling goliaths. Try wearing gaudy jewelry. Plate your teeth gold. Wear expensive clothes and be sure to talk loud in public about where you bought your clothes and how much you paid. These options are just as tacky as having two or three SUV’s and they are better for the environment.

     Seriously, I understand that some of you have big families or live where you need a four wheel drive. It makes one wonder how people got along without them when families used to be even bigger. If you must be more than a single car family, limit your driveway or garage to one SUV and have as a second car a fuel economy car. Most of your errands will not be with more than three or four people and will not be during a blizzard. Finding a car that gets even just a few miles per gallon more can save you hundreds of dollars in a year’s time.

10. Maintain your vehicle well.

     Oil and filter changes and proper tire maintenance can make your vehicle more than 10% more efficient in your gas to mileage ratio. Faulty exhaust systems not only stink and sound bad, they also contribute to pollution.

11. Follow federal regulations about disposing car waste and parts

     Government controls related to my private life drive me crazy, but this one is necessary. Dumping hazardous waste (batteries, old car fluids) hurts wildlife, increases toxins in the human food and water supply, and is illegal. Be responsible and take care of your trash. Most places that will change your oil will take care of these things for you for a small fee.

Food

1. Buy from local farmer’s markets.

     These foods are often fresher, tastier, and healthier. Anyone who gets spoiled by the fresh taste of vine ripened tomatoes will never want to go back to buying anything else. Some fruits and vegetables in grocery stores are picked while still green, shipped hundreds of miles in crates, and then sprayed with a chemical to make them ripen quickly in the store. Buying from local farmers will contribute to the local economy, reduce massive shipping costs, contribute to your health, and help you to step back in time as you peruse the aisles in an old-fashioned market setting. You may ask the manager of your local market if he or she has organic or naturally-grown options.

2. Look for local brands in your grocery stores.

     The impact that shipping massive quantities of fruits and vegetables around the world has on the environment is difficult to calculate. One only needs to consider the amount of fuel, plastics, and trucks used to get a small idea. Buying local brands will help curb this impact.

3. Buy organic.

Many people think that the only health benefit in buying organic foods is found in the nutritional value of the food itself. This is only part of the reason that organic food is healthier than conventionally grown foods. What some people do not think about is the environmental impact conventional farming methods have on the environment. Conventional farmers use tons of chemicals every year. Organic farmers do not use genetically modified organisms or foods and use methods that are supposed to sustain the quality of the soil. Organic farmers do not use man-made fertilizers or pesticides. They also do not inject their livestock with hormones or other chemicals.

     One objection to buying organic foods is the higher cost of the foods. This is a legitimate concern to all those on a limited budget. However, the health benefits of eating natural foods that are pesticide, artificial flavor, artificial color, and artificial preservative free may be more than high enough to offset the cost of health problem you may be able to avoid. “Pay now or pay later” may be more than just a catchy phrase when it comes to going organic. As for me and my house, we have chosen to go organic with dairy, eggs, and most of our cereals, breads, and meats.

     Many fruits and vegetables grown conventionally will carry higher levels of pesticides than others, even after washing. These include apples, pears, cherries, grapes, berries, celery, spinach, and potatoes. It is especially important to consider buying these items organic. It is also a good idea to buy organic baby foods since children’s bodies are more vulnerable to toxins. It is also important to use organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy.  This will help you to avoid exposure to supplemental hormones and antibiotics.[3]

Make sure you look at labels. There is a difference in “100% Organic” and “Made with Organic Ingredients” which can have up to 30% of its ingredients non-organic. “Organic” means that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic. “Natural” does not mean organic. Natural is supposed to apply to ingredients of the food, not necessarily growing methods.[4] The standard for “natural” is not strictly regulated by the USDA.

Eating out is going to be a bit more challenging. Don’t forget to look in your phonebook to see if there are any restaurants in town that offer organic or all-natural alternatives on their menus. In some cities, there are restaurants that are completely organic. I predict that we will see more of these options as people become more aware of the benefits of eating organic foods. Once savvy business leaders understand that there is a demand for these things, going completely organic will become more realistic. If you do not have organic options when you eat out, just try to order healthier foods like salads, vegetables, and lean meats.

4. Prepare the food you need and eat your leftovers.

This will save you money and reduce waste. For a long time, I was in the habit of saving food in the fridge only to throw it out weeks or days later. Many of you probably do the same thing. Leftovers may not be all that exciting, but if eaten within a day of putting them in there, they are not bad. Find new ways to cook your old foods. Visit recipe websites such as the following link from Recipe Goldmine for tasty and creative ideas: http://www.recipegoldmine.com/leftovers/leftovers.html. One of my favorite ideas is simple and tasty: Mix your leftover spaghetti with the leftover sauce. If you have more noodles than sauce, add oil or Italian dressing and diced vegetables to make a pasta salad that will keep for a couple of days. Just make sure you eat it within a day or two of storage. Though some of the green growth on old food won’t hurt, don’t take the chance.

5. Plant a garden.

If you live in the city, small attractive gardens can be planted in a sunny spot in your yard. There are books in Lowe’s or Home Depot that will help you to get started. Better than buying a book, you can find loads of information on gardening on the internet. Not only is gardening a healthy alternative than canned foods, and less expensive than buying organic, it is also good exercise and can be a lot of fun.

     Some communities have neighborhood gardens on vacant lots or in someone’s yard that happens to be big enough to have a large garden. Everyone can pitch in and help with the plowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Those who have never gardened are often surprised to find out how much food a small plot of land can produce.

     For those who live in town homes or apartments, there is the option of having a few potted plants on a sunny deck, balcony, or porch. Vegetables that do well in medium to large pots include tomatoes, peppers, and greens. Root vegetable like potatoes and carrots typically need more soil than most pots will allow. Remember to water these plants more often than you would a regular garden. The soil in the plants will dry more quickly than the ground soil. Also, decks and porches can also be very hot in July and August. You might find a spot that gets shade at least part of the day.

     When you go to buy your seeds, look for seeds that have not been genetically modified. These are often signified by the label NO GMO. These can be ordered online, from magazines, and are found in some seed supply stores.

6. Avoid cafeteria food.

Most cafeterias use the cheapest ingredients they can find. Cheap food often means foods grown on conventional farms using methods that are harmful to the environment. It also means less healthy, highly processed foods filled with artificial additives and preservatives. Some cafeterias are changing their ways and giving healthier options.

Consider what your child may be eating at school on a daily basis. Since it is more effective to light a candle than curse the darkness, perhaps you could have an influence to help out your local school system improve their menu. A school where I taught took a poll of what high school students would like to see changed on the menu. Overwhelmingly, the most common suggestion was healthier options.

7. Re-use shopping bags.

Paper bags can be used many times before they need to be tossed into the recycle bin. Even better, you can purchase heavier canvas-type bags at natural and organic foods that can be used for years at some grocery chains. In the past year or so, I’ve noticed more and more people bringing in their own bags. I’ll admit that I was a bit embarrassed at first; however, this small contribution to the planet is worth it. WARNING: This is one of those suggestions that will not give you immediate health or wealth. It may even be a bit inconvenient until you get in the habit of bringing your own bags. However, some people who use their own bags may experience a feeling of satisfaction knowing they are doing something good for the planet.

8. Drink tea.

Tea is an extremely healthy drink. My favorites are Earl Grey and Jasmine Green. They are loaded in cancer fighting antioxidants. During cold and flu season, I keep a box of Echinacea tea handy. I buy Celestial Seasonings organic Echinacea tea that has been clinically tested and proven to help prevent or diminish the symptoms of colds. I have found that many tea companies, such as Traditional Medicinals, donate some of their profits to green causes. I also enjoy certain teas using a tea ball. This eliminates the bag and staple waste.

     I used to drink a cup or two every few days. Now I find myself drinking two to three a day. I had heard someone say that old teabags are good for the garden so I decided to stop throwing mine out and start saving them. I keep my used teabags in a cardboard shoebox. I keep one under my desk in my office and one under the kitchen sink. This allows them to dry out and keeps me from making a trip to the garden or compost bin every time I have a cup of tea. Be sure to squeeze as much moisture out into your cup. Don’t put them in a plastic bag or they will mildew and stink.

     Most staples are made of stainless steel. Some have an aluminum finish. Since aluminum has been linked with certain neurological disorders, I choose to cut of the top of my teabags and throw them away before putting them in the shoebox. However, I will say that a representative from the tea company Traditional Medicinals contacted me regarding their use of aluminum staples and stated that their staple wire is not water soluble and that they had confirmed this through an independent laboratory analysis of steeping the wire in boiled water. Celebration Herbals is a tea brand that does not use staples in their tea bags. They claim that it is because they are committed to the environment.

     Besides the obvious health benefits of drinking tea, I strongly recommend tea for environmental reasons. The space required in trucks to ship soft drinks across the country results in the burning of more fossil fuels by delivery trucks than with tea since tea bags are compact. Furthermore, tea bags do not come in aluminum cans or plastic bottles. Soft drinks and bottled water produces millions of tons of waste a year. It should also be mentioned that while tea offers a positive impact on your health, soft drinks have a negative impact on health. This is true whether one is consuming the large quantities of sugar and corn syrup in regular drinks or the artificial sweeteners in their diet carbonated counterparts.

Utilities

1. Change your lights.

Changing just 5 of your most commonly used conventional light bulbs with the longer lasting, energy-efficient compact florescent bulbs, the average family can save $60.00 a year on their power bills.  Compact fluorescents are capable of putting gout the same light as normal bulbs; however, they only use about a quarter of the energy and last ten times as long.[5] These bulbs cost more than conventional bulbs, but you will not have to buy them as often, plus they will more than pay for themselves over the years in your energy savings.

2. Reduce washings.

Unless you sweat like junior high kids holding hands on a first date, you probably don’t need to wash a garment every single time it is worn. Of course, I suggest you make an exception to this rule in the case of undergarments, for the sake of your friends, family, and co-workers.

3. Use less heat in the winter and less air in the summer.

When leaving town for a few days, don’t forget to adjust the thermostat. Don’t turn the heat off in the winter to avoid having pipes freeze and burst. However, just turning it down a few degrees can significantly reduce the amount of energy you are using, not to mention the lower heat bills. Unless you live in the south, temperatures get low enough at night that opening your windows is a practical option almost any night of the summer. The fresh air and sounds for those in the country or suburbia will be soothing. For you city dwellers, you may have to experiment. Remember to turn your air off before opening the window or you will only be cooling off the yard and wasting money and energy.

4. Turn your hot water tank down a few degrees.

Some estimates are that 20% of the energy used for your home each year is used keeping your water warm. Most water heaters are set at 140°F. This is generally too high; 110°F to 120°F is usually hot enough. Dishwashers have built-in heaters to heat water to higher temperatures if necessary.”[6]

5. Replace old appliances with energy efficient models.

     Energy-efficient models will both save you money on your electric bill as well as cut global warming pollution. The Energy Star label will help you know whether the model you are purchasing is energy efficient. Research www.energystar.gov to help you find the energy efficient-products that fit your needs.

6. Research alternative home energy options.

More homeowners are venturing away from the traditional heating and cooling approached and turning to solar energy panels and geothermal heating cooling systems. Both of these result in a cleaner environment as well as lower energy bills. These systems can be expensive to install, especially in older homes. However, it is worth looking into, especially for those building new homes. Several companies are doing things in this area. One promising company is Green Mountain Energy. They provide energy to customers from less-polluting sources like wind, water, solar, biomass, geothermal, and natural gas. Check their website to see what options are available in your area at www.greenmountain.com. Another company doing work in this area that claims to offer service in all fifty states is Sterling Planet. Their website is www.sterlingplanet.com.

7. Wash with cold water.

Unless clothes are badly stained, try using a cold water setting with your laundry. Clothes will actually last longer when washed in cold water, since extreme heat can speed up the breakdown of many natural or synthetic fibers. This is one more small way to experience energy savings.

8. Reduce the amount of water you consume.

Fix leaky faucets and commodes. Try using shorter cycles for your dishwasher and laundry machines. Most new machines work well enough that the results will be just as good. If you must use a sprinkler in your yard, be careful to not over water. Unless your grass is beginning to turn brown or show footprints when you walk on it, it does not need watered. Over-watering your yard can actually encourage certain weeds and mildew to take over.

9. Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances, stereos, TV’s and computers not in use.

     I actually know people that will leave their air conditioner running with their windows open at night. These same people have a television on most of the time, even when they are not watching it. Some people have lights on constantly. They might as well be flushing money down the toilet.

     If you have safety concerns, instead of having bright porch and lawn lights burning all night, set up motion lights. If you have certain lights that you leave on when you are away on trips, replace the bulbs with compact fluorescents bulbs. Adjust your thermostat as much as you comfortably can. For each degree you cut your thermostat in the cold months, you can cut your energy bill by as much as 3%.

10. Seal your home.

     Most of the heat lost in winter and air in summer is from windows and doors. Many homes could benefit from using weather-stripping on doors and caulking corners of windows. If you plan to replace windows, look for those that best insulate your home.  Also make sure that the flue to your fireplace is closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Recycle and Consumption

          Most Americans recycle a small percentage of what they use. “Producing new paper, glass, and metal products from recycled materials saves 70 to 90 percent of the energy and pollution, including CO2, that would result if the product came from virgin materials.”[7]

1. Take advantage of existing city recycling programs.

This is the very least you can do. Many cities provide bins and will pick up recyclable goods for you. Those living in these cities that will not participate are being thoughtless or lazy. Unfortunately, not all cities and towns make it this easy, but even many small towns have a recycling program. Do a little research to see what is offered in your area. Though some cities will not pick things up, they offer drop-off locations.

2. Grocery bags.

How many times have you walked by those plastic recycle bins at your local grocery store and not bothered to take a few extra seconds to return your old ones? My wife and I keep our bags for a few weeks at a time before taking them to the drop-off box. I am amazed at how many bags accumulate in such a short period of time. It makes me shudder to think of how many harmful chemicals are being released into the air every time these new bags are being made. Do your part by not adding to the problem by throwing your bags away. If your grocery store is still in the Stone Age and does not give you this option, ask to speak to the store manager about it. You may be able to help start a program in your area.

As I said earlier, better than recycling plastic bags is re-using paper bags or non-perishable bags made of hemp, linen, or canvas. If you get a strange stare by the person at the register, just smile at her and tell her that you are trying to do your part to help the planet. I am still going through the transition of not using plastic.

3. Buy in bulk.

     There are several benefits to buying in bulk from warehouse stores. When you buy in bulk, you often save money. You don’t need to take as many trips to the store. Less packaging is used per item when more items are found in a single package. One financial danger of shopping in these stores is that you could buy more than you need or more than you will use before the expiration date.

4. Recycle old cell phones and computer equipment.

     A number of nonprofit groups will recycle old electronic equipment. Look up the Wireless Foundation or the Charitable Recycling Program on your search engine.[8] You may also want to look in your local phonebook under “Recycling.”

5. Consume less.

     Try to alter your thinking about the things you buy. For many Americans, shopping for stuff has become a recreational sport. We shop for fun and buy things we don’t need. Within a year or two these things find their way into garage sales or garbage dumps. People covet their neighbor’s car and then go out and buy a nicer one. Let your thinking be transformed from one of addiction to stuff that can weigh you down to a simpler, freer, greener life. You will have less waste and more money.

6. Make lists (on recycled paper of course).

     When you go the grocery store, make a list in advance. Buy what you need. Resist the urges to fill the buggy with over-packaged processed snacks that will result in more landfill waste, as well as a larger waist and leaner wallet for you. When you go to the department store, resist the urges to buy plastic trinkets and decorative items that will become flea market commodities within a few months. It is doubtful that plastic pink flamingoes and Elvis singing Santa Clauses were ever on any one’s “to buy” lists but homes and yards are full of these wasteful tacky things.

7. Donate, not dump!

     I remember as a child going on a ride to the dump every now and then. We had trouble with garbage men stealing stuff from our garage and snooping around the backyard so we went to the dump instead. I knew when we were getting close because of the horrible stench seeping from the ground that traveled for miles on a hot summer day. Landfills are filling up all over the country as Americans consume and throw away more stuff each year.

     It is a shame that so much of what is taken to the landfill could be recycled. It is also a shame that people are too lazy to take a trip to their local Salvation Army or Goodwill to donate some of their stuff. These charitable organizations will re-sell many of the things you would throw away. What they cannot re-sell, they will often send of to be recycled. Just a few trips to these charitable organizations a year can result in hundreds of dollars of tax incentives for the donor.

Your Yard

1. Compost.

Why send your nutrient dense lawn clippings to the landfill and then spend your hard-earned money on lawn fertilizer? A compost box is a wonderful invention for those living in subdivisions or area where you cannot discard of lawn clippings and tree and shrub clippings in a wooded area. Compost boxes can be easily built or purchased in a variety of colors to complement your house and yard. Some choose to plant shrubs around the box for aesthetic purposes. The box or bin can be made of wood, plastic, or wire mesh. They are work. Plastic and wire will last longer. I recommend wire for its combination of durability and eco-friendly material. The compost box allows the organic waste from your yard to be broken down by natural processes into a rich soil that you can use for your gardens and lawn. It is even possible to buy compost activators to speed up the process.

     The compost can be used in flower beds, vegetable gardens, or anywhere else in your yard. Compost will produce healthier plants by stimulating growth, improving disease resistance, and drought tolerance (if compost is placed around shrubs as mulch). Soil made from compost is lighter, more conducive to root growth, and more nutrient dense than other soils. It will help to stabilize the ph of the soil. It can save water by increasing water penetration in otherwise clay-like soils. It also will reduce landfill waste.

     Many of the newer lawnmowers have a mulching mode that will allow you to either bag or discharge the clippings while you mow. If you absolutely refuse to consider using a compost bin or box, at least consider leaving your clippings behind to help replenish the soil.

2. Do not use inorganic fertilizers or weed killers.

I’m surprised how many people use poisonous chemicals on the same turf they let their children play. These chemicals also run off into local streams polluting plants, animals, and the human water supply.

     Glyphosate, the active ingredient in some weed killers is considered less dangerous to humans and animals than some other chemicals used; however, there may be an indirect effect by destroying the flora that they need for food.[9] If you must use it, please do so sparingly. And remember that artificial chemicals are just that—artificial. Natural alternatives in this department will probably mean more work, but could be safer.

     Some weed killers are more directly toxic to humans. Get used to reading labels of everything your purchase. Labels such as “danger” or “warning” carry more weight than “caution.” The Environmental Protection Agency says that a label of “danger” means that if a product is used in the wrong way you can get very sick or die.[10] This makes me nervous. I will always avoid buying these products. If it can kill me, why would I want to buy it? A perfectly weed-free lawn is not that important. I also wonder what a little bit of exposure each summer over the long run could do to me and my family.

3. The greenest lawns don’t have to be all green.

Why not just pave your yard and install Astroturf? The obsession that Americans have with the perfect lawn is troubling. Losing sleep over a few dandelions in your yard may be a sign that you are taking the appearance of your lawn too seriously. I’m all for people taking care of their property and having a neat looking yard. I do; I want my neighbors to as well. However, I refuse to add chemicals or other products to my yard that may give a slightly better appearance in the short term, but possibly increase my health risks and hurt the environment in the long run.

     You can begin combating weeds by seeding your yard with the best seeds for your region. Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue work better in the moderate, northern climates. St Augustine and Bermuda grasses grow better in the hotter, southern regions.[11]

     Do not cut your lawns too short (no lower than 2/1/2 inches). Longer blades of grass will discourage some of the wed growth. Also, do not over water. Over watering can hurt your grass and contribute to mold and disease causing organisms.

     Corn gluten is being marketed as a natural alternative that is safe for humans and the environment. It is supposed to be able to kill dandelions, crabgrass, and other common lawn weeds without harming shrubs, roses, and the lawn.

4. Diversify your lawn.

One solution to the complication associated with having the perfect grassy lawn is to reduce the amount of grass. Stone or sandy walkways surrounded by shrubs, flowers, and pools can make for a beautiful, peaceful backyard garden. If carefully planned with perennials, shrubs, and small trees, it can save you some money over the years you would have spent on gas for the mower and replacing the annuals each spring.

5. Plant trees.

Slash and burn farming practices have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of rainforests that act as filters, cleaning the air and keeping it in a healthy balance needed to sustain life. These same practices along with logging and intensive livestock production have destroyed 90% of the native forests in the United States.[12]

Trees breathe in carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Too much CO2 in the atmosphere contribute to global warming. Planting a few trees will not undo all the damage that others have done; however, you may receive an immediate benefit. Trees provide shade for your yard; they can reduce power bills in the summer by reducing the amount of time you use your air conditioner. Think about planting trees on the side of your house that gets most of the afternoon sun.

6. Plant a vegetable garden.

If your yard is small, consider using clay pots to plant peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. If you have the room, place railroad ties or large boards into squares and rectangles. Till the grass, fill them with several inches of compost and topsoil, buy a book on gardening (or do research on the internet), and begin. If you do not have access to a tiller, a flat head shovel will do the trick. Just insert the head of the shovel a couple of inches below the turf. Cut a square shape of sod and turn the sod over. It will soon rot. A few inches of topsoil and compost on top of the overturned sod will let you get started right away.

While you are at it, be sure and learn the benefits of organic gardening. Your family’s health is worth it. Yard work is good exercise and mental therapy. For me, it has become a bit of a spiritual exercise as well.

7. Mow the old-fashioned way.

     Most of us cannot remember life before the modern gas mower. The old-fashioned mowers, sometimes called “reel” mowers, are making a come-back. This option may seem laughable if you have a very large lawn; however, if you can do it, you should. A friend of mine has used a reel mower for several years. He understood the benefits of not having to use gas and oil, of not having to breathe the fumes, and of getting the extra exercise. He pointed out that these mowers are cheaper than gas-powered mowers. The upkeep is minimal. Every few years you may need to sharpen the blades. These mowers do a surprisingly good job, take less of your garage or shed space, will save you money, and will help the environment. These mowers chop the grass into small pieces as you push them, leaving behind a natural fertilizer. A quick web search will show you a variety of models that begin in the $90 to $100 price range.

     I bought a reel mower last summer after we moved from a town home to a place with a yard. My favorite thing about the mower is that I don’t have to smell gas fumes while I am mowing. It cuts very evenly. It came with a detachable bag for those who don’t want the lawn clippings to be left behind. I have only two complaints: 1) When the grass gets too long between mowing, it takes a couple of passes to get it to the right length. 2) The model that I bought does not do a very good job cutting anything larger than a small twig. It is best to clean the yard of medium and large debris before mowing. Other than these two complaints, I have enjoyed the ease and cleanliness of my new mower.

8. Rake your leaves.

For most of us, fall is a beautiful time of the year that sometimes involves a little extra yard work. I have several large oak trees in and surrounding my yard resulting in huge piles of leaves. I have tried both raking and leaf blowing. I really have not found that much of a difference in the work load. Leaf blowing is probably a bit quicker, even though it is equally exhausting, not to mention taxing on the environment. The last time I used one I remember getting a bad headache from having the gasoline exhaust blowing in my face for several hours.

The fastest way that I have found to get a lot of leaves up is to have a big tarp or blanket and rake the leaves onto it, then drag them to a designated spot in the yard. I am fortunate enough to have a thin wood line on one side of the yard that I can dump my leaves. I like the way the leaves make a neat, natural border along the edge of the grass. Some cities will pick up bagged leaves and take them to the landfill on a designated day. This makes me angry when I consider all the millions of plastic bags transporting billions of nutrient rich leaves to be buried with tons of trash and dirt. However, many cities will go to the trouble of separating the leaves from the plastic bags, recycle the bags, and then let the leaves go back to nature. Check with your local landfill before letting them haul your leaves away.

If you have a place on or near your property that you can dump your leaves, by all means do so. Let nature decompose your leaves and replenish the nutrients into the soil. You’ll notice that the piles will shrink considerably in a short period of time due to rain. For those of you who have fewer leaves, your lawnmower will likely take care of breaking them into small enough pieces to be decomposed by spring.

Miscellaneous

1. Support local initiatives to clean up your town.
   1. Protect waterways and wetlands. Support higher penalties for those who illegally dump toxic wastes into local waterways. Support legislation requiring those who make the mess to have to be accountable by cleaning it up.
   2. Support higher penalties on those who abuse the land. Not all toxins are dumped in the water. Some people dump anywhere they think that they will not get caught.
   3. Get your place of employment to be involved in an “adopt a highway” program. Just going one time to pick up trash on the side of the road can be a life-changing experience once you see up close the garbage that people toss from their windows.
   4. Pressure your state legislature to deal with global warming by requiring stricter emission controls for vehicles and by giving incentives for using wind and solar energy alternatives. Laws do not always have to result in higher taxes. How about suggesting tax breaks for those who voluntarily take steps in this direction.
2. Educate yourself.

     Knowledge is power. Knowledge liberates. A proverb reads, “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”[13] Confucius said, “To learn without thinking is fruitless;
To think without learning is dangerous.” Educate yourself about ecological issues so that you can discern the difference between political rhetoric and genuine concern coupled with strategic plans. Don’t just vote a party. Most democrats claim to be concerned with the environment, but some cannot be trusted. There is a growing concern amongst conservatives about the importance of ecological issues.

     Read more so you can do more. Books and websites abound on these issues.

3. Educate others.

The best reason to learn is so that you can help others. Confucius said, “Never tire to study and to teach others.” Some people are more willing to listen than others. Try to inform without offending; teach others with the authority of the facts, the morality of a good cause, the humility of one who is still learning, and the sincerity of one who walks the talk.