I didn’t get to attend our city’s Earth Day celebration today because I was working. However, I have managed not to use a car all day. I walked to work. It’s not far, so I don’t save a lot of driving miles in one round-trip. On the other hand, I walk almost every time I go to work and I’ve had the same employer for nine years. It does add up. I figure at least 1,600 car miles displaced in that amount of time.
I’m continuing my effort to live a more environmentally friendly life by making one change at a time. Here are the steps I’ve taken since last Earth Day:
Reusable coffee filter. One of those things that pays for itself eventually. No more paper filters.
LED light bulbs. They’re much more energy-efficient than compact fluorescents, and contain no heavy metals. Also, they’re supposed to last longer – the package advertises 18 years. We’ll see. They’re still pretty expensive, so we’re replacing bulbs gradually, as they burn out.
Mesh produce bags.
I’ve been using canvas grocery bags for quite a while. But I was still tearing off the plastic bags from the rolls in the produce aisles at the grocery store when I wanted to buy a bunch of spinach or several apples. Now I have these. They weigh next to nothing, so they’re not running up the price on fruit and vegetables by the pound.
No single one of these things is a huge change. But I hope, as with the walking, over the years it will add up enough to make a significant positive difference.
Next goal – a rain barrel or two.
Nomadic Noesis 