Question of the Week: What are your New Year’s resolutions to help protect the environment in 2009?
Posted on January 5th, 2009 - 10:30 AMEach week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.
Happy New Year! I will drive more efficiently. I will start a compost pile. I will read pesticide labels. I will …
Share what YOU will do in the coming year to help protect the environment.
What are your New Year’s resolutions to help protect the environment in 2009?
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Question of the Week
January 5th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I will try to buy a environmental friendly car, and conserve more on engergy and money. I will try to invest on items are “green-engineered”, because it will have longer term potential.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I will work harder in my campaign to reduce the size and influence of the Federal Government. They are leading us to our own suicide as a Nation.
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Jimmy reply on January 5, 2009 12:42 pm:
Preach on Brother. We are exporting jobs to foreign nations that pollute much more than we do. If we could get the EPA off our backs we could install new efficient refineries and technologies that would save taxpayers billions of dollars.
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Charles reply on January 6, 2009 8:55 am:
Jimmy, talking only about today’s dollars is the classic “them” short-sight view. It’s false to believe we must choose between the environment and the economy. In the long term, it’s cheaper for everyone everywhere, for companies and products that pollute the least, use the least resources, save the most energy, are sustainable, and so on. Alas, companies have demonstrated over and over that they will not willingly take the long term view and be good stewards. Can’t you?
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Anonymous reply on January 6, 2009 10:28 am:
You act as if your arguing against jon at the same time you are for him your not making sence!?
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Mary G reply on January 12, 2009 12:42 pm:
And YOU’RE not using proper grammar!!!!
Who is silly now?
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Jane W reply on January 5, 2009 1:13 pm:
Instead of that, please spend your energy on your resolutions to protect the environment. Smaller government is really just “their” code word for less regulation for business - meaning less controls on air pollution, less controls on mines that fill in mountain streams, less controls on lead-coated toy imports, less controls on runoff into rivers and bays, less controls for car companies to go on making wasteful vehicles, and so on.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 11:58 am:
Where do you get your information? Less regulation, have you looked at the CFR
or the state regulations lately? It fills my shelves, but never mind the facts
right Jane? There have not been reductions on air emissions or
effluent discharges since the CAA and CWA were implemented in the Nixon administration. Similarly extensive mine permit and reclaimation laws were also implemented in the 1970s and expanded thereafter.
It has become incredibly difficult to permit a new mining operation
unless you live in Nevada or Alaska. We now export most metal
mining operations overseas.
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Michelle reply on January 5, 2009 1:22 pm:
Good luck to you. I agree completely and wondering when it is going to break up due to this like USSR for the opposite reason but yet the same, greed and more greed amongst the upper crust of corporations (if I am allowed to make a radical statement).
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Alan reply on January 5, 2009 1:59 pm:
A rather silly answer. The greed and irresponsibility of the majority of Americans is independent of the size of the federal government and “reducing the size and influence of the federal government” does nothing to address our irresponsible use of our nations bounty. Your answer does not call for any personal sacrifice on your part - no pledge to use energy and our land resources more responsibly. The federal government is not leading us anywhere. It is simply giving us what we ask for…..and deserve.
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nhb reply on January 6, 2009 4:18 pm:
Why the ‘Federal’ government is some sort of distant/distinct creature is always amazing to me; it is made of people. We are all people, all the same — our government is a reflection of ourselves.
Why not focus on your personal actions, vs. an amorphous other?
For my part, I resolve NOT to rely on single-use plastic bags (or paper bags) and instead carry my own bags when I shop.
Also, I’ve given up plastic cups for any parties I host.
Lastly, I always turn off lights and unplug appliances when they are not in use. Simple, steps, but steps nonetheless.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I will have a new President that cares more for the environment than corporate greed. A President that recognizes that a cogent Energy Policy and Environmental Protection are fundamental to the future of the United States. And, hope that we will be able to recover from the damages inflicted on our economy, our environment and the world that we share.
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Bob reply on January 5, 2009 12:37 pm:
blah blah blah Mr Carvalho
same old left wing rhetoric and you did not even answer the question!
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Jimmy reply on January 5, 2009 12:44 pm:
You also have a new President that wants to tax Americans so that he can send monies to the United Nations to waste on failed foreign policies. He wants to also put our military under U.N. control.
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fantumfighter reply on January 5, 2009 10:52 pm:
I love the word “greed.” You and I, of course, are not greedy. What we do is prudent financial management to better the lives of our families. That other SOB, though, is greedy.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:47 am
My resolution to help protect the environment is to pay more attention to household trash and recyceable items. It seems that most people are very careful at work with waste desposal and recycilg but tend to slack off at home.
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Marlene reply on January 6, 2009 10:35 am:
I agree with you! but I on the other hand do take recycling serious in the work place and at home. I recycle the most worst product they invented “plastic” , aluminum cans, card board, office paper, magazines, phone books, and news paper. I regulate my water consumption/use and I think every one does this’ conserve energy.
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SaraJean reply on February 2, 2009 1:34 pm:
As a reply to both you, Marlene and Recycle Racoon, I have definately been much more lazy at home than at work when it comes to recycling. It was part of my New Year’s resolution to get more organized, and the environment will benefit as well. I purchased reusable containers for my recycling waste and set them up in a convienient place instead of just throwing everything in the trash. My community already has a great recycling program, now I am set up to take better advantage of it and reduce my trash! Yeah me!
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Recycle Raccoon reply on January 6, 2009 10:42 am:
I wonder if this is because of ‘green’ peer pressure in the public sphere as opposed to a more relaxed or lazy attitude at home.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I will eliminate unnecessary trips in my car. I will use energy efficient light bulbs in all fixtures replacing each as the old bulbs burn out. I will conserve my water usage.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I will become an “empty nester” when my youngest goes off to college in the fall of 2009. So I plan to downsize my living space and move closer to work so I will have the option of using public transportation.
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Jayne reply on January 5, 2009 2:04 pm:
I like your idea about downsizing, and living close to work. You have inspired me to have greener personal and work space.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I am going to recycle for my entire house.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Reduce…..buy less value added products
Reuse……repair everything possible
Rethink…..everything
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:51 am
To identify at least two new waste streams of mine that I can divert from the landfill.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am
1- Use my own bottle for drinking water when at office, own cup
instead of the plastic cups for drinking coffee at office.
2- Use handkerchief for washing hands instead of tissue papers.
3- Use public transport only for office.
4- Stop playing 3D games and reduce the power consumption.
5- Switch off my monitor at home/office before leaving the desk. And
also switch off others monitors if they left it on(locked).
6- Use stairs in my office than lift and persuade others to follow the
same.
7- Change my TV from CRT to LCD.
etc., etc.,
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L. Sue reply on January 6, 2009 3:22 pm:
Hi Prahladh,
You need to shut down your computers not just shut the monitor off. If the system is on, you are still using energy.
Best of Luck!
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Mary G reply on January 12, 2009 12:47 pm:
Why would you only use public transportation for the office? The trains will run whether you are on them or not. The same goes for elevators and escalators. If you’re trying to get some exercise in, that’s one thing, but please keep in mind that the elevator flies up and down all day - whether you’re on it or not.
And, purchasing a new tv - on the basis of lower energy consumption - is a complete waste. It’s actually more “green” to continue to use your old tv until it breaks - THEN buy an energy efficient one. Otherwise, you’ll be saving energy, but destroying the earth with carcinogen laden landfills.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Since our town does not have ANY recycling services (the landfill collects aluminum cans and cardboard only - with no pick-up), I keep my ear to the tracks to find out about any recycling facilities or opportunities nearby. We burn our office paper and envelopes in our wood stove, drive efficiently (combine errands, coast up to stoplights, I own a Prius, etc.), compost our food and beverage scraps, buy recycled products when possible, change our bulbs to CFL once the old ones burn out, and use low-flow showerheads and toilets. We also re-use glass jars if they have good lids and the mouths are large enough to put things into them (again, no local glass recycling). My goal for 2009 is to find places who can use or recycle more of our non-compostable materials.
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Rhonda reply on January 7, 2009 11:34 am:
You can check out http://www.earth911.com You put in what you’re looking to recycle, your zip code, and it lists the places. Not always the most up to date, but a good place to start.
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January 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I intend to increase my recycling efforts. The area I live in has curbside recycling and I am beginning to monitor what goes in the trashcan and pulling material that I know can be recycled. I have begun an effort to inform my neighbors or the importance of joining the program.
I have always had a compost pile. I shred newspaper and other waste paper to use as mulch or underlayment to prevent weeds in the flower beds.
As items wear out for their original intented use, they are looked at for secondary uses. People are supprised to see me make rags out of sheets and then tear the rags down to tie up my tomato plants.
These are little things but the reduction to two trashcan loads a month from six means a lot to me.
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Recycle Raccoon reply on January 6, 2009 10:46 am:
I don’t think that your actions are little… make sure to check with your local municipal gvt or hauler to verify what can all go in your recycling bin!
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I resolve to do as much as I possibly can to prevent the pollution of air by the emissions of methane and toxic gases from confined animal feeding operations.
I further resolve to eliminate these same toxic gases from emitting from eutrophic lakes, ponds and even rivers, by introducing lakebed aeration systems. The results will include improving the environment locally as well as globally.
These are in keeping with the Clean Air and Water Acts.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Spalding
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Jimmy reply on January 5, 2009 12:46 pm:
I guess you think that when the buffalo roamed in massive herds they did not fart also.
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Anonymous reply on January 5, 2009 3:28 pm:
The methane I’m talking about is from manure lagoons. They stink up the neighborhood. With a little bit of aeration, they can be kept from stinking. Doing so prevents the manufacture of methane and h2so4.
Inside manure pits can also stink up the neighborhood because a slight negative pressure is kept on them to keep the h2so4 from killing the hogs. A little bit of ozone over the pits will kill the odor.
Aeration (more accurately “Continuous Lake Inversion” will keep ponds and lakes from becoming eutrophic. It will actually reverse the aging process of a lake.
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Vince reply on January 5, 2009 5:19 pm:
So Mr. Spalding and Mr. Anonymous have moved to an urban sprawl subdivision next to a farm and are now offended by the smells. Why don’t YOU BOTH commit to leaving your $300,000 McMansions, turn the area back into green space, and move back to an urban brownfield area. Naaa, as I suspected, we don’t want to be inconvenienced by acting green, we only want others to be inconvenienced as we preach from our ivory McMansion towers.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
My wife and I manage two apartment buildings for a company that owns a total of 25 properties in Portland. We are putting together “Green Boards” that will have information about garbage recycling, electronics disposal, CFL information, phone-book opt out, and a monthly topic component. I will manage content and will float the idea to the general manager for application at the other properties. Each month, I’ll send an email for the rotating post component to interested managers.
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Vince Brennan reply on January 5, 2009 1:22 pm:
I will work ever so hard to make every aspect of my life greener. At home more composting, reuse of items that can’t be recycled. Recycle all items that can be recycled and look for alternatives to items that can’t recycled. As a School Commissioner, bring our school district into the 21st century with greener buildings and a lesson plans that will teach our k-12 community a greener future. At work as always look at ways to make work more paperless than it already is currently.
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Lenita Leufkens reply on January 8, 2009 4:14 pm:
I will write (and pass) the LEED AP exam. I will educate others on the importance of waste reduction (in terms of both energy and materials) whenever possible. I will not buy things (clothes, food, cosmetics) that I do not need….and I will try to buy local and natural and whole whenever possible.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
My New Years resolution is to host a Native American Forum on Nuclear Issues to protect the land and people of the Great Basin. The Event will take place in Las Vegas during the first week of February, hosted by the Native Community Action Council, a Nevada non-profit composed of Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute people suffering the adverse health consequesces known to be plausible from exposure to raiaiont from US testing of wespons of mass destruction (WMD’s). The event will focus on the threats, hazards and risks to the already vulnerable Native American population from the proposed high level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and the EPA radiation standards that are not culturally appropriate for Native Americans. The event is invitation only in order to facilitate the effecient communication of technical information between Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute stakeholders, scientists and legal scholars that must advocate together with tribal community leaders.
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Jacob Zabarte reply on January 16, 2009 2:45 am:
I apologize for my non-related reply. I would like to keep in contact with you. jakezbroncosfan@yahoo.com if your interested sir.
Jacob A Zabarte
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I will work to improve EPA’s accountability to the taxpayers who pay us to achieve measurable environmental improvements.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I will continue to purchase and use mostly “green” product cleaners in the home and office and buy recycled products, especially TP and paper towels.
Recycle as much as possible and minimize driving where possible.
Use energy efficient appliances and minimize use of electricity and fossil fuel driven energy as much as is feasible.
I will be using cloth diapers for a new baby.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I will make a concerted effort to reduce the amount of trash I generate. This translates into reducing the amount of goods I buy from stores as opposed to farm stands, second-hand shops, FreeCycle and bartering.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Stop the building of corn ethanol plants.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Like most people, I make about a half pot of coffee every morning. Now instead of just throwing away the grinds everyday, I save them. I will put the used grinds into a reusable plastic sandwich bag that I keep in my kitchen.
About every three weeks I will empty the saved grinds into my rose beds. Old coffee grinds act as great fertilizer for roses and I am also able to reduce my waste.
I average about one pound of used grinds per week. That’s about 52 pounds of waste per year that I am eliminating and turning into useful, non-harmful, fertilizer!!
Happy New Year & Think Green!
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Marlene reply on January 6, 2009 10:45 am:
What about the plastic sandwich bag? how about using a old jar or something like that that can be re-used!?
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Recycle Raccoon reply on January 6, 2009 10:48 am:
This is an awesome idea. I know our local coffee place will save coffee grounds for a person if they ask, so if others would like to reap the benefits of coffee grounds but do not drink coffee, they should check there. I also like to reuse the coffee canisters with the ‘odor seal’ to keep my organics in until I can make it out to my dad’s compost pile.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
i will start a compost pile. I will read pesticide labels. I will …
Share what YOU will do in the coming year to help protect the environment
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
provide IT business solutions in waste management with the Obama-Biden transition team for the greening of america and create employment in green product distribution that cannot be outsourced.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
i will do that all possibal work from me which will help me to protect environment
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I resolve in 2009:
(1) Request getting off junk mail lists.
(2) Try to change bills to electronic only and pay electronically.
(3) Power down electrical devices completely when not in use.
(4) Recycle better (even though it is a skam by local governments to deny me the financial benefits of recycling).
(5) Double my water intake in the office daily.
(6) Work from home one day per week.
All are achievable and all within reason.
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Joan reply on January 5, 2009 2:31 pm:
Chris, I like your suggestion about making an effort to get off junk mail lists. Does anybody read that stuff? It’s a small step, but think how many trees could be saved if more people did this.
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Yolanda reply on January 7, 2009 1:26 pm:
I ordered a recycle bin from my local waste management facility and it will be delivered in 7 to 10 days. Until then I am reusing my water bottles at home until it comes.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I resolve to adopt even more habits to protect the environment in both my personal and professional lives–
PERSONAL: Carry my new stainless steel bottle to reduce waste, improve my composting habits, reduce my driving even more than I already have, and introduce my young children to even more environmental education and further inspire a sense of connection to the natural world.
PROFESSIONAL: Continue my work to launch our green tech start-up company aimed at reducing ghg emissions with a fuel catalyst that creates a much, much cleaner burning fuel. Until we abandon the internal combustion engine, we have to do everything we can to make that dirty technology as clean as it can be.
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
To Instill Faith,Hope,Trust and a sense of pride for the American People that the Dream is still very much alive…….
I know it is hard right now ,however, the spirit of the American People will not be broken.
As the Chairman of the Board of GO GREEN MECHANICAL,INC.
We Pledge to Inspire A new Compact, to Organically Help create Jobs
and inspire a NEW Green Economy affecting all the People.
and Not only meet E.P.A. Standards , but to exceed them beyond
the needs of the day, far into the future of our Nation.
I thank the E.P.A.
and all those who share in the pride of a better tomorrow.
HAVE FAITH !!! PERSEVERE !! OVER COME !!
THE GREENMAN
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 12:32 pm:
Ah green promotion at its finest. I am glad to see that profit-seeking Americans are hard on the coat tails of the new administration. If you throw in a few more palatable buzzwords you might even make yourself feel like a real environmental engineer. I have been working professional in the environmental and waste management industry for over 20 years and call me cynical, but I get a huge laugh from most of what I read here. Is “green” the new religion of disaffected masses who slept through high school science and math classes?
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I plan to replace all of my inflorescent lighting with regular bulbs. These bulbs may use a little more electricity but at least I will not be introducing mercury, a poisonous hard metal, into our landfills and eventually into our water supplies.
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Vince reply on January 5, 2009 5:23 pm:
With the added benfit of preserving American jobs since those Sylvania incandescent bulbs are made in an environmentally safe manner in Pennsylvania, while the CFL’s are made in China, as we all know about their concern for the environment.
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susan dier reply on January 5, 2009 8:02 pm:
Jimmy,
You can recycle those compact fluorescent and regular fluorescent bulbs.
What is “inflorescent” lighting anyway?
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Anonymous reply on January 6, 2009 8:27 am:
Compact fluorescent bulbs can be recycled. Home Depot accepts them at their customer service counters, free of charge. You’ll save a lot of electricity.
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Marlene reply on January 6, 2009 10:51 am:
You can recycle those bulbs at ACE’s Hardware stores and other facilities. Please check into it and spread the word!!!
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January 5th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Started new recyling center in the ozarks. Any input would be welcome.
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Marlene reply on January 6, 2009 10:53 am:
Fantastic! Is your facility large, like what do you recycle within your facility? How large is your town?
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January 5th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
After cleaning out and throwing out many outdated food items from my pantry, my New Years resolution is to buy only necessary foods. I shall no longer buy multi packs from the super centers, I shall carefully scrutinize all coupons before using them. I intend using up any canned products ASAP and will buy fresh produce whenever available from farmers markets.
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January 5th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
To promote to fruition a significant, innovative, proprietary and permanent solution for Superfund remediation to achieve (De-listing) by contracting with a Service Related Disabled Veteran Own Small Business (SDVOSB) contractor and by reaching this solution by fully enabling, Benchmarking and completing permanent footprint restoration(s) through successfully communicating to agencies and political officials at local, state, Federal, Tribal and International levels the efficacy and need to issue contract(s) to apply this innovative technology.
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January 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Our family will be planting additional trees to add to our life long project, creating our own little forest. I would have to assume that all things green will help to shrink our carbon foot print.
Also, if mother nature permits, try to lessen our dependance on small gas engines to mow our lawn or remove snow from access lanes.
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Wendy reply on January 5, 2009 5:03 pm:
Dave,
Just be sure that the trees you are planting are not considered noxious
weeds in your part of the country. Soil types, local climate, and
average precipitation amounts usually dictate which species will
grow as natives in your landscape. If you are planting noxious species,
they can eventually take over your land and crowd out the natives.
This means that they can also change the pH of your soil and disrupt
the habitat for your local wildlife. It may also mean wasting water, as
planting species that are used to richer soils and wetter climates will
die without excess water in arid climates and clay soils.
I would suggest you check out your local county extension office or
local state forestry service - they usually have brochures and info on
appropriate trees, shrubs and flowers for your area.
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Marlene reply on January 6, 2009 10:59 am:
Best thing to do is research what is native; trees/shrubs/plants, to your area before planting, this will save time and money and friendlier to your environment.
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January 5th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Just whatever I can to to improve habits and carry forward. My Mississippi is limited on recycling but trying to do what I can, energy conservation (clothes racks, driving trips w/ my Civic, etc.) and simply train out of this consumeristic mindset that exists in United States but seems not to be so much so in Europe.
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January 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Get legislation to ban plastic bags in New York State. I just hate them and so many states have instituted programs that charge for plastic bags like WA and OR they need to be eliminated. I know there are new soy based bags but recycling efforts are not up to speed and they hurt in so many other ways such as animal ingestion. Any ideas please pass them on. Thanks & Happy New Year!
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January 5th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I will try to expose to the public that there is a fairly new Builders Zoning gimmick out there called SmartCode (not Smart Growth) in which controls the Builders subdivision over local zoning, but the SmartCode Zoning laws are subject to the Communties elected officials to give adoption approval.
Its been said that by the year 2100 the USA will have an population of one ( 1 ) Billion in population (build to we drop) that is part of the Sprawl Lobby that is related to the Ratable Chase.
To help to stop this poor planning non-sense, I wish to see that all American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are LICENSED in all states that includes yearly ethical finial-public disclosure.
When the EPA designate a Stream-River as a Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) the State,County, Town or Village would have 90 days to adopt a Watershed Protection Law for that water course.
FEMA should pass a law to prevent any type of local development in a 100/500 year FEMA Floodplain .
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SandiegoDawn92009 reply on January 5, 2009 4:03 pm:
Sounds interesting. Check out Merced, CA. They had an outrageous flood a couple years back, I was amazed that it devasted new home developments! Looks like something fishy must have been done in the planning? Also, check out Carlsbad, CA where I live now… it is over built, esp commercial, looks like someone got paid off, there is one apartment complex ready to fall on the road down below! Crazy! Looks like Ponzi scheme of local zoning? Thanks for taking the time to advise us. WORLD PEACE, IMAGINE IT.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 2:58 pm:
SSA designation only relates to a protection of a groundwater resource
that is a community’s primary source of potable water. It has nothing to do with surface water except where the two interact or via aquifer recharge. Leave the hydrology to the hydrologists and AICP planners are NOT hydrologists.
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January 5th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I would like to be a better watchdog for polluters in the mining industry.
Some of the companies just flat out lie to the EPA, just to get the gold.
I will make sure that all the regulatory agencies make these companies go by the terms of their permits.
Did you know that 40% of the watersheds in the west are polluted by mining?
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SandiegoDawn92009 reply on January 5, 2009 3:59 pm:
In Mountain Back Nevada they have a gold boom happening with RE values actually going up. Are they a big polluting entity? The gold mines in Nevada? Thank you. WORLD PEACE, IMAGINE IT.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 3:05 pm:
Derrick, where do you get you information? Is it beamed into your brain from another planet while you sleep? Mines are subject to periodic and regular inspections by the agencies responsible for their complaince permits, BLM, state, USFS, EPA. You pays these government salaries with your taxes–if you have a job and pay taxes. These evil mining companies took years adn $MM to obtain their permits in a open process where the public (that’s YOU) were given ample and repetative opportunities to comment and participate. Now that you suddenly do not like their activites perhaps you should stop buting metal products like cars, jewelry, bicycles, and oh yes, the IPod stuck in your ear.
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January 5th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
A lot of great ideas, Thank you! WORLD PEACE, IMAGINE IT! I believe that if we all aim to be conservative, we will naturally go green. I was in an auto accident in 2006, it was painful to take showers, hot baths were great for my muscles/pain, but now I conserve water and do sponge bathes instead of full showers & when I do a shower, I turn off the water when I soap up or shave my legs. I spend at least a half hour on trash day, organizing the recycables(sp), most of my neighbors do not bother, and I understand why, this town makes it a pain in the butt to recycle; I can see why hard-working folks with kids are just too darn tired to separate it all! I only do full loads of laundry & dishes. Thanks for all the great ideas. We must look at the world as our home, not just the country that we were randomly born in. We must be a United World. We are no longer cavemen…it’s time to use our intelligence & compassion for all of the world, of course we need to focus at home first and then reach out to others as we are able to. Not easy, but not impossible either! Praise the Good, Forgive the Bad.
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January 5th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I resolve to thank God, starting January 20, that Stephen Johnson is no longer running EPA.
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Anonymous reply on January 5, 2009 8:05 pm:
Amen, brother!
And George Bush will not be trashing our environmental laws.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 3:08 pm:
Please name a case(s) where President Bush personally trashed our environmental laws. I am just curious as I have seemed to have missed those and perhaps there are members of Congress that also have something to do with the process.
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January 5th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I will work with my non-profit, BuildClean, to build a national awareness of the fact that being “green” isn’t enough. Our goal is to reach thousands of people via the web with the message that the materials and products we use in our homes could be dangerous to our health and today it is possible to choose things like floors, carpets and paint that are free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), lead or which carry the potential for breeding mold or bacteria.
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January 5th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I will always have a handkerchief in my pocket and use it indtead of paper.
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January 5th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I will be trying to stop the construction of The Perro Creek Stormwater Management Project,in Bayport Mn. This is a State of Minnesota Bonded project,that will allow the contaminated water from the Mn. Correctional Facility,to be emptied into the Wild and Scienic St.Croix River,just upstream from the Bayport Public Beach,and a bunch of little kids swimming. The Bay that this pipe will empty into is also critical nesting and spawning grounds for millions of critters in the spring,and since the Bay is mostly isolated from the main channel,of the Federally Protected Wild and Scienic St. Croix River,the discharge from this pipe will cause a giant algea bloom in the Bay,thereby destroying the habitat in the breeding grounds,causing a disruption to the entire ecosystem of the River. Since the State of Mn. has heard this,and continued moving forward with the project,the next step,before court,is the Feds. So I am doing what I can,but I could use some help. Thanks
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January 5th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
We will continue our legal battle to object to having Chloramine used as the disinfectant in our drinking water. Not only is it toxic to humans it is toxic to fish. We live in an area where we have world famous trout fly-fishing streams. Multiple watermain breaks like we have been experiences would destroy this national treasure forever.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 3:18 pm:
Dear Josephine, have you ever looked at an analytical report of your community drinking water supply or the expensive bottled water that you consume? Did they detect chloroamine in the analysis above the laboratory method detection limit? Do you know that the water supply needs to be disinfected to prevent water-born diseases from killing children and others? Do you think the concentration of drinking water treatment byproducts are significant enough to kill trout? Come on,
think for yourself, ask questions, do some reserach, or leave it to the scientists and engineers that spend their careers working on this.
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josephine M. Rakow, D.O. reply on January 8, 2009 9:11 pm:
Brian G,
F.Y.I. “Water Spill Kills McLean Fish”
hyyp://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2008/apr/o2/water-spill-kills-mcclean/fish/
https:www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/subs_list/Chloramines_BG.cfm
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Josephine M. Rakow, D.O. reply on January 9, 2009 3:08 pm:
Yes, Brian G (to continue our discussion as to why we do not want chloramine as the secondary disinfectant for our drinking water) chloramine leaches lead from our water pipes. No lead is acceptable for infants and children. It causes neurological damage, hearing disorders, learning disorders. Scientists world-wide are studying and reporting on these problems. Chloramine in water storage tanks and pipes causes nitrofication. NDMA nitrosamines are the most toxic substance known to man. If you want to learn about lead leaching and pitting of copper pipes review the research of Marc Edwards, Civil Engineer at V. Tech. He is known worldwide as “The Water Guy.” His research is on going and started many years ago. He is dedicated to working and speaking for the most vulnerable of our society–our infants and children, Your comments re: chloramine not being toxic to small children and fish are demeaning and it is obvious that you have not done your homework. Josephine M. Rakow, D.O.
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January 5th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
This year I plan to purchase water barrells to catch the rain from my roof and use the water on my garden. I also plan to purchase a energy saving washer and dryer. I have five kids and I do about 2-3 loads of laundry a day. Sometimes more when I wash blankets and bedding things. I already recycle and reuse all that I can. I buy organic and buy things with as little packaging as I can. All of the kids help with the recycling and we donate our old clothing or reuse them as cleaning rags. I also make my own environmently safe cleaning solutions and buy phosphate free dishwasher detergent. I have made huge steps in my home last year to help the environment and this year I will continue on spreading the word and making my own changes.
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January 5th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I am going to school for environmental science and plan to spend the summer with my kids volunteering to clean the city up.
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January 5th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I resolve to get Manatee County to adopt a Fertilizer Ordinance and to protect and preserve our wetlands, water and wildlife by not mining phosphate in the wetlands or watersheds..
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January 5th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Convince more people that recycling paper is not environmentally sound. Growing more trees to get the pulp makes better sense.
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January 6th, 2009 at 12:33 am
With the help of Envirofacts I will continue to rewiew facilities notification to the appropiate environmental agencies in my community,and to bring penalties to facilities who choose to violate our environmental regulations and to insure that our state agency here in Texas is conducting a correct Site Rewiew of a permited facility and to correct the responsibilty of EPA employees on protecting the environment in Region #06
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January 6th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I am a Environmental Engineering graduate student. I studied a course on “Solid Waste Mnanagement”. 3 R’s taught me to first reduce waste and then to think of recycling. I will buy things in bulk/wholesale so that it is not only cheap, but also can avoid packings on an annual basis. I already have a blue recycling bin to recycle milk and soda cans, papers, beer bottles which are the common house hold solid waste ending up in the trash can.
Moreover, I will use the electrical appliance (light, fans, coolers/heasters, computers, radios, etc.) only when necessary and switch off them when not in use.
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January 6th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Buy locally as much as possible, specifically majority of food. I find it hard to understand how some believe that buying food from a factory farm (monocultural, including organic factory farms) in California is a sustainable practice for east coast people. So far its not easy but once it becomes habit it will be second nature.
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January 6th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I would like to increase my home recycling. Expecially organic waste ann material plastic
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January 6th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Buy less things made in China.
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Brian G reply on January 6, 2009 3:20 pm:
Amen
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January 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I will continue reducing my consumption of all types of material (plastic bags, water, car fuel, wraped food, any products ect) and will continue also disussing with colleagues, friends and family about the urge to reduce our ecological footprint.
I will also teach my 3 year old daughter about Mother Earth and our relationship with nature.
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January 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am
I will continue to give presents in reusable tote bags, buy locally grown produce, refuse to use plastic bags, ride my bike or walk when possible, and plant trees. I will work harder to recycle glass by finding a recycling center or collection area close to my home and will try to encourage my friends and family to recycle, reuse, and reduce.
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January 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Keep recycling and reduce driving as much as possible. Just keep looking for ways.
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January 6th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I first used a carbon footprint quiz to assess myself (I posted a directory of sorts on my blog http://recycleraccoon.wordpress.com/2008/12/29/a-new-years-resolution-to-go-green/) and realized that my diet and the amount I drive are what I am worst with, so I am going to cut back on meat. I have to drive a lot for work, but will make sure my car is in peak working performance to increase gas millage. I also plan to continue recycling and composting as much as I can.
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January 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
the end of all WARS
the end of all factory that no our first need , like: all kind of car, and build factories that make full STRENGTH article.
the end of centralism and help all people in all world to build their LAND.
the end of SELFISH and AVARICE for this think: that we have EQUAL LAW for life.
discover galaxy to KNOW better and find friendly SOURCES and land .
WE ALIVE FOR environment & environment ALIVE FOR US.
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January 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I will strive to make sure that Michigan becomes the first state to inact a .10 bottle deposit on ALL:
Water Bottles, Sport Drinks, Juice, Tea, etc. instead of only beer and coarbonated drinks!!!!!!
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January 6th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
We plan to recycle and reuse. We did that for Christmas. I have a lot of pine cones and other lovely things that fall from the trees in our neighborhood. We used them to make wreath centerpieces with hurricane glass and candles. The family loved them, now they want to be a part of our projects. You can reuse just about anything, especially if you have an artist’s eye. We bought a card making kit with stamps, ink pads, special scissors that cut borders, card paper, and a puncher that cuts windows for see through cards. We can make our own envelops with any paper. It’s a hoot! Now it has become a family tradition - recycle and reuse to make new. You can take orders and personalise things using items from one’s past. It is great for anniversaries, weddings, anytime. If you have a glue gun you’re good to go!
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January 6th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I will donate generously to the campaign funds of the greenest candidate I know in office, so that other politicians will realize that it pays to be green. I will continue to donate on a monthly basis to carbon offset 2X the carbon footprint of my family. I will continue to push my family to continue to reduce their carbon emissions 15% a year on a year-over-year basis. I will continue to try to explain to anyone who will listen that when we talk about “global warming” we are talking about the near-term death of the planet, the plant and animal species, and the human race as we now know it. And I will continue to “face down” carbon deniers and hypocrits with ALL of my courage and ability!
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Hypocrite reply on January 9, 2009 3:33 pm:
Get over it…there’s no imminent doom for our planet. You are completely brainwashed – if our planet survived the 19th and 20th century with all of its unregulated environmental abuses (world war, atomic bomb testing, etc.), it will certainly survive our generation. I agree with being practical (just makes good sense to save money), but you militant environmentalists are just silly and (apparently) pretty gullible. Carbon offsets for 2x the amount for your family – hah! How about Diva Cups (if you don’t know about them, please look it up)!
Remember, America has made significant gains in terms of cleaning up our environment over the years. I rightly believe that this has and will continue to make a difference (and avert our pending doom). Don’t deny us this progress! You overly enthusiastic environmental militants will turn people away from your cause with your condensing attitude and holier-than-thou personalities. Just look at those obnoxious anti-smoking campaigns (e.g, the Truth) – does anyone else just wanna start smoking cigs after seeing those commercials?
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January 6th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I will try even harder to get people to sign on to the Pickens Plan!!! As a group we can accomplish far more than we can as individuals. But I will also do my best as an individual to continue with my personal GREEN policies!
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January 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I will start an information campaign on the negative effects that improper plastic bag usage and disposal has on the environment, especially the marine environment. I hope that if I educate others, I may be able to help somewhat stem the overuse of plastic bags in my local area, as well as change my own daily habits. If anyone could offer advice, information, or support on how I can maximize the efficiency of this information campaign, I would be grateful to have it. If so, contact me at pclax91@aol.com.
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January 6th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
My resolution for 2009 is to do more environmental writing. I’ve worked in the water industry for years and there are so many important topics.
Water shortage, desalination, pharmaceuticals in the water, and more. I also plan to make more frequent posts in my environmental blog, http://www.logicalecology.wordpress.com
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January 8th, 2009 at 10:13 am
My resolution is to bring to the attention of the EPA (hopefully though this post) that the issue of how best to regulate vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency needs to be addressed. In the U.S. we use separate CAFE standards for vehicle fuel efficiency because our emission regulations do not take efficiency into account. European emission regulations are specified in grams per kilometer rather than parts per million. The former takes into account the lower fuel consumption of higher efficiency vehicles whereas the latter does not. This is the single greatest reason why European automobiles routinely get better gas milage than their American counterparts. We need to standardize on the European emission methodology. A single standard would also make it less expensive for our auto manufacturers to compete globally.
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January 8th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
First of all, I will expand my knowledge (low) on the subject of care, management and interaction with the environment and thus contribute to improving our home, our planet earth. I’m going to recycle, sort organic and inorganic waste, make compost. Saving electricity and water: buy light bulbs that use less wattage, turn off lamps that are not needed, reducing water flow in showers, toilets, faucets. Begin to design and build a sort of hot water using solar radiation to the shower. tilizare bicycle to go to the campus with more frequency. Plant a tree or more. buy organic products is produced with organic fertilizer and it is important to develop awareness with regard to biodegradable packaging, forget the polyethylene, polystyrene which cause so much harm to the environment.
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January 8th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I have pledged to eat a strictly vegetarian diet, as well as to purchase offsets for the amount of carbon the average American produces in one year. I will offset any flights I take, and invest in longer-term reusable products, like a reusable water bottle, as well as try to purchase used, recycled, organic, local or biodegradable items whenever possible.
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January 9th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I will be turning off my cable tv boxes at night. They are big energy draws even when tv isn’t on. Only heard this recently.
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January 9th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Everyone should stop using Dihydrogen Monoxide completely. It is very corrosive and toxic
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January 9th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
I am trying to use as few plastic or paper grocery bags as possible this year. I’ve stocked up on reusable bags and to make myself accountable, I’m using zeaLOG.com to keep track of how many bags I do use. http://zealog.com/zealogs/bags-of-the-plastic-and-or-paper-variety I realize I’m starting small, but starting small is still starting. :)
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January 10th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
We already have a low footprint and no car. This year, we’ll use only reusable bags and charge batteries only on solar electricity
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January 11th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Buy more products made from recycled items.
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January 11th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
My new environment, which I moved to because it was the country, is loaded with tires builders refuse, sofas, water tanks.
I want to seek some kind of long term solution to this problem. At the moment I’m trying to think of a way that would be friendly to everyone. A lot of this comes from DIY-ers who have no other place to get rid of this stuff.
It seems to me that we need to legislate this so we can have a way of dealing with this monumental problem. Iwalk in state forests, gamelands, etc. The areas must have at least a few thousand tires. Not to mention the other stuff!
Every community should have a reasonable way to allow for these discards to be processed. With the gas prices the way they were, no ne was willing or able to take to the dump. Any brainstorming on any one else’s part would be great. Thanks
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January 13th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Use a reusable shopping bag instead of the single use disposable plastic grocery bags. The Wall Street Journal estimates U.S. consumers use 100 billion single-use plastic bags every year.
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January 14th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
To raise public awareness of ecopoliticians trying to wrest control of public and private resources through false science, their socialist agenda, and redistribution of wealth. To educate the public and media as to real CO2 science and CO2 effect on plant growth.
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January 16th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Yes, I am collaborating with some folks to do a project, the Habitats Environmental Project, with 3rd to 5th graders teaching them about how human made pollution and environmental degradation impacts habitats in the pacific northwest.
Our project includes trash clean-up from wilderness areas, household materials re-claiming by community members across Oregon and Washington.
We’ll go to classrooms, talk about the project and why, do an art project and then the program culminates with an interactive habitats show where the props, costumes, and scenery are made from the trash and materials collected by the community!
Check us out and please tell others! http://www.kricketskritters.com/habitats-project.html
Be sure to get on our mailing list!
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January 17th, 2009 at 8:26 am
To educate people about renewable resources like CNG and LPG and to use them myself. To organize a clean-up campaign in the neighborhood.
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January 18th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Yes, my company is helping the enviroment by allowing many of their employees to work from their houses 9e.g. telecommuniting). This will help the enviroment in many different ways …
1) Save gas on ~ 20 employees
2) Reduce pollution produced by the transpotation
3) Save energy by not having to iron clothes to go to work (also save energy at the local laundries)
There are many other social and individual benefits in telecommuting. However, there are also some risks e.g. loss in productivity.
That may seem little, but it is sa step in the right direction.
In the business, we are expanding our inventory of privately owned vacation homes to help our clients save by staying in a vacation home as an alternative to hotel rooms. That promotes group traveling, which also helps the environment. If more people travel in groups, there may be a greater enviromental impact.
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January 21st, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Stop poluting
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February 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
El amor a la naturaleza debe de ser sembrado en los jóvenes.
La formación debe de difiundirse en las Universidades , en las escuelas , los jóvenes integran el mayor compromiso con el futuro del mundo, de ellos nace la fuerza para modificar el presente.
Si se siembra éste amor la implicación con la naturaleza será parte de la vida de cada ser.
Personalmente escribo en los medios para que se sigan produciendo cambios relacionados con la consciencia del ser humano hacia el medio ambiente es importante que en los medios escritos , audiovisuales y medios masivos existan espacios que hablen de la naturaleza y el medio ambiente ,así como de campañas que involucren a los jóvenes, me pareció espectacular el surf y el medio ambiente ,una forma alegre de llegar.
Todo lo que sea para bien del mundo debe de ser difundido.
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February 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Our current environmental condition is damaging the human condition. The carbon levels are rising in the atmosphere, polar ice caps are melting, and habitats are corrupt resulting in the extinction of distinct species. Not only these, but the temperature of our earth is rising, and the UV rays are scorching our crust. The question now is, what has to be done to change the inevitable?
One of the most important steps is to drastically decrease carbon emissions and fuel excretion from every single vehicle built by man. Forget the cost, do it to save our planet. The next step is to destroy the harmful greenhouse gases escaping into our ozone and creating threatening voids where there should be protection. Lastly, everyone should promote healthy habitats for animals that aid in fertilization and distributes life in the form of oxygen. No one should construct businesses or houses at sacred places, that make our land beautiful, which pollutes the environment with choking hazards.
It is ridiculous how much time is burned just brainstorming when our crisis is now. As Toby Keith said, we need a little less talk and a LOT more ACTION.
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February 28th, 2009 at 9:34 am
My entire life, I have appreciated the great outdoors, and been concerned for its well-being. Over the past year, I have been made more aware of my environmental impact and my carbon footprint. Overconsumption and the American lifestyle of always wanting the biggest, best, newest “thing” has contributed to this deterioration of the environment. Due to this concern and awareness, I have made many goals for myself in order to lessen my impact to the enviroment by driving less, recycling, looking at where my produce has come from, and using a water bottle. These small changes that I have made have been both easy to do and will help the environment, by reducing the amount of garbage I put in landfills and the carbon I produce.
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