I was supposed to make a last entry last week for my class, but between my 15-year-old's girlfriend breaking up with him, trying to spend time with my 19-year-old daughter who is returning to Hawaii on the 29th, my grandson's birthday, my oldest son's birthday, and my alzheimer's diseased grandma suffering from a stroke and expected to die any day now (all things that happened last week), it totally slipped my mind.

I will make this last entry in the hopes that I will be shown some consideration for my busier-than-normal life, which has been more involved with others this past week. I have enjoyed all the research and things I have learned from this blog. I agree with Hyrum that many times people involve themselves too much on blogs, but as a homework assignment, I enjoyed it very much because it was a great way to keep track of my progress as well as my favorite web sites, etc. that I continue to refer to. Thanks to my teacher for having us be involved in this learning experience.

Final Entry

I was really disappointed that more of my friends wouldn't commit to doing/changing things to help our environment. I have enjoyed this blog because I have been able to do some fun research and make some great changes in the way I do things. If everyone would commit to just a little, it could make a huge difference.

I will continue my efforts to influence others in making wiser choices regarding the environment. Next Tuesday I will give my report on my blog and if I accomplished my goal, which I didn't because my goal was to get 25 people to commit to doing/changing 2 things. I did have some people say they needed to do better, but no commitments to specific changes they were willing to make. So, I guess we know why our environment is in trouble! I really don't think it is a lack of information or knowledge, people just don't want to change the way they do things. This has been a real eye-opener for me.

New for this week

I learned that in the summer it is best to fill the gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation – good to know and something I plan to do when the weather gets warmer.

I have started adding my aluminum foil to my aluminum cans to recycle. I have had three bags I keep in the kitchen; one for aluminum, one for milk jugs, and one for other plastice drink containers.

I normally rip up and throw away quite a bit of junk mail, but I have started a 4th bag for recycling paper stuff, and I'm going to start another one for cardboard like cereral boxes and stuff, along with a small box for used batteries.

Looks like I'll need the whole family to go with me to the recycling center in Orem next week to haul it all in. I really do feel good about my efforts and wish that more people would get involved in doing the same.

I got an e-mail from a co-worker asking me where she could take some hazardous waste, so I think my friends, co-workers and family are at least using me as a resource, and hopefully I will have planted some seeds in their consciences to be more aware and do some things differently.

Efforts and Successes

Over this past Winter I have rarely put the thermostat above 66 degrees; in fact only when company was coming over. I've just worn warmer clothes inside.

During the past month, I have started washing more clothes in cold water instead of warm.

I've always turned off lights when leaving a room, and encourage my family members to do the same. It's hard to get them all to do it, but I do regular walk-throughs in the evening to make sure all lights that are not being used are turned off.

Last week I purchased some "green" toilet paper. While it is not as soft or nice as what I am used to, I'm okay using it except for blowing my nose.

I discovered that you can actually report smokig vehicles to your local air agency. I will look up and see what I can find on the web for a phone number to report these to. Everyone hates to be behind one of these stinky vehicles!!

Soy Candles

I have read information on soy candles and found out that regular candles regular scented candles are made from Paraffin and are made from non-renewable petroleum and inject soot and smoke into the air. Clean-burning soy candles are more environmentally friendly and burn longer than paraffin candles so you get more for your money. I've seen soy candles, but didn't know what the difference was. I think this is great to know and will buy soy candles in the future.

A thought for this week: Since paper products are such a huge percentage of our waste, and since it costs so much to run a dishwasher as far as water and electricity are concerned, which is the better choice?

I walked to school last week and was proud of myself for getting the exercise and for not using my car. I plan to do this more if the weather stays nice. So, doing something is better than doing nothing, right? I will continue to do little somethings and I will feel like I'm doing my part.

Here is a comment from Gina to go along with the article and website I posted about our ecological footprints. She is unable to post this comment because she does not have a google account. "Thanks! It will not let me post a comment as I don’t have a Google account or blog spot. I took the footprint quiz and I need to be better. It would take 5.06 earths if everyone lived like me. Yikes. Jeremy can you post this comment for me. Linda has inspired me to do and be better. Please post by footprint of 5.06 earths. I am not ashamed but can do better. Thanks!"

Green Toilet Paper

Thanks for your comments Chels, I really appreciate that someone is getting something from all this information besides just me. I went to the store and checked out recycled toilet paper. Because I have so much T.P. at home already, I didn't buy any, but I noticed two brands that are available: Scott Naturals and White Cloud Green Earth. They both sell for $2.68 at Wal-Mart for 4 mega rolls which are supposed to equal 10 single rolls. I'll try them next time I run out. They may not be as soft as what I usually buy, quilted northern, but I really do want to make all the changes I feel I comfortably can, and I want to at least try them out.

I have two garbage bags full of plastic containers to take to the recycling center, but I want to wait until I have a full bag of aluminum cans also. I'll let everyone know how that goes in another couple of weeks. Ben is doing a great job keeping the cans crushed for me!

To conserve water, I don't run the water while I'm brushing my teeth, and I don't let water continue to run when I'm loading up the dishwasher like I have in the past.

I really think I'm making some good changes, and will continue to work on more.

Additional things I am working on

I decided to start collecting my cans (especially since my son-in-law drinks almost a 12-pack of soda a day) and plastic containers. I have bags in my kitchen for both and my youngest son smashes the cans for me.

I should have enough to recycle by next week, and feel really good about my efforts to help the environment. It's certainly minimal extra effort to put the cans and plastic containers in separate bags. If anyone would like to join my efforts, I would be happy to take any items you would be willing to collect and take them to the recycling center by my home. Linda

Disposable Paper Products

After trying to find the brands that they listed, I discovered the easier thing to do would be to look at the brands that we use, and then next time we go to the store, check out which ones have the recyled symbol on them. I also discovered that even though the package says the product is recycled, it could actually only be the inside toilet roll that is recycled, not the toilet paper. Here are some tips from Greenpeace.

Here are a few more ways you can
help protect ancient forests every day:
• Rethink your use of disposable paper products like facial tissue,
paper towels and napkins. Consider using cloth napkins to wipe
your hands and cloth towels to wipe up spills. Think about
purchasing and using a washable handkerchief to blow your nose
instead of facial tissue.
• Buy Recycled. When you buy paper products such as toilet paper
and office paper make sure they have a high level of post-consumer
recycled content – 100% recycled is best.
• Look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
logo on wood and paper products. If you cannot
find FSC-certified products, then ask your
retailer to stock them. FSC is the only guarantee
of sustainably managed forests.

I will definitely check the content of my disposable paper products next time I go to the store. How about you?

For some reason, I was unable to publish a post on my blog earlier in the week. I just kept getting error messages, but it's working today, hooray!

This week I discovered a "green" web site that lists paper products that are "green products" and those that are not. Please go to http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp#towels. This site lists the brands of toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, etc. that we use and if they are made from recycled products and if they are recyclable, and thus "green products". It is very interesting and I plan to find out where I can buy some of these green products because the products that I use are "to be avoided". I'll let you know what I find out. Good luck in your continued efforts to make our world a greener place!

Household Hazardous Waste

Hey friends, I found another cool site to look at, and am attaching a document that explains what household hazardous waste is and offers safe handling tips. This comes from the site: www.hazardouswaste.utah.gov. What things are you willing to change or do differently to reduce the threat that hazardous waste presents?


Household Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Promoting a Healthy Environment

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Many hazardous products and chemicals such as cleaners, oils and pesticides are used in the home
every day. When discarded, these products are called household hazardous waste. To be
considered hazardous they must be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or otherwise listed as
hazardous by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Products used and disposed of by a
typical residence may contain more than 100 hazardous substances including:
 Batteries
 Cleaners
 Cosmetics
 Fluorescent light bulbs
 Glues
 Heating oil
 Insecticides and pesticides
 Ink
 Medicines
 Motor oil and automotive supplies
 Paints, thinners, stains and varnishes
 Polishes
 Swimming pool chemicals
 Smoke detectors
 Thermometers

Household Hazardous Waste is a Serious Threat
The average American household generates 20 pounds of household hazardous wastes yearly,
according to EPA estimates.
Since chemicals found in household hazardous wastes can contaminate soil and groundwater,
generate hazardous emissions at landfills and disrupt water treatment plants, it is important to
dispose properly dispose of them. Many solid waste treatment facilities are required to screen for household hazardous wastes to avoid operating under restrictive hazardous waste laws. Many communities also are required to establish household hazardous waste collection programs to qualify for storm water permits.

Safe Handling Tips
The best way to handle hazardous household materials completely using the product before
disposing of containers. The next best alternative is returning unused portions on your
community’s household hazardous waste cleanup day. Keep products in original packages with all
labels intact. If the container leaks, put it in a thick plastic bag. Pack the products in a plasticlined
cardboard box to prevent leaks and breakage.
Household hazardous waste cleanup days are for household wastes only. No industrial or
commercial wastes and no containers larger than five gallons are accepted. Explosives,
radioactive material and medical wastes are unacceptable.

Household hazardous wastes can be dangerous to people and pets who come in contact with them.
They also can pollute water supplies, damage sewage treatment systems and cause other
environmental damage. Use the products as directed.
DO NOT:
 Flush down the toilet
 Pour down the sink
 Pour down storm drains
 Pour on the ground
Contact your local health department or the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste to determine
whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program.
Identify Household Hazardous Waste
Reduce the amount of potentially hazardous products in your home and eliminate what you throw away by following these easy steps:

1. Before you buy:
 Read labels and be aware of what they mean
 Look for these words on labels. They tell you what products may need special handling or disposal:
Caution
Combustible
Corrosive
Danger
Explosive
Flammable
Poison
Toxic
Volatile
Warning
 Select product best suited for the job
 Buy only what you need

2. After you buy:
 Read label precautions and follow directions for safe use
 Recycle or dispose of empty containers properly
 Share what you can’t use with friends or neighbors
 Store properly
 Use recommended amounts. More is not necessarily better
 Use the child-resistant closures and keep them on tightly

For More Information, Contact:
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste - (801) 538-6170
Environmental Hotline - 1 (800) 458-0145
Pollution Prevention Coordinator - (801) 536-4477

Utah Recycles site

Hey friends, there is a great web site I discovered that you need to check out. It is at www.utahrecycles.org. Here are some of the WOWs I discovered that you can recycle: cereal boxes, paperback books, small appliances, computers, electronic items, packaging peanuts, sinks, wood, TVs, denim. I also found out that the closest place to take most of these recyclables is 2 blocks from my house! Okay, I am on board with making some more changes!

There are SO many great tips on how everyone can make a difference in reducing, reusing and recycling.

Please look at the site and commit to two things you will commit to doing differently in your home, at work or anywhere you go!

My Ecological Footprint

Hey, I just went to this really cool website where you can take a quiz and find out how big your ecological footprint is on our earth. I am very sad to report that it if everyone on the planet lived my lifestyle, we would need 5.83 earths.

The site also outlines some ways in which you personally can reduce your footprint. Please go to the website and/or look at other information online and list two things on this blog you commit to doing differently in the next two months to help preserve the space we have left on Earth and to reduce your footprint.

I commit to change the following starting this week and continuing through the next two months (which at that point should be habits, and I will then choose two more):
1 - Unplug electronics when not in use.
2 - Avoid allowing car to idle and turning off the engine (unless I am in traffice). The site recommends not going through any drive-throughs, but parking the car and walking inside. I commit to this.

Please visit www.myfootprint.org, take the quiz, and let me know what you commit to!!!

Here are some facts I took out of Intermountain Stories, a newsletter for Intermountain employees about recycling and saving energy:

• Every ton of paper that's recycled can save the energy equivalent of 185 gallons of gas.
• Turning off the tap when you brush your teeth can save as much as 10 gallons of water a day per person, according to the Chicago Tribune. That's about 14,400 gallons of water a year for a family of four.
• For every 38,000 bills paid online, 5,058 pounds of greenhouse gases are avoided and two tons of trees are preserved, according to the Electronic Payments Association. The association also estimates that using direct payment can save people about $150 annually in late payment fees along with stamp and check costs.

Here are some of the things I have done in the last 6 months to go green:

• I don't bag milk, bottled juice or other larger items when shopping at the grocery store.
• As a department at work, we have a recycle bin where we put paper items that are not confidential that can be recycled. The department housekeeper then collects the items and puts them in a bin to be taken to a recycling center. I have been putting a lot of paper and cardboard items in this bin that I previously put in the one that the company pays a lot of money to have recycled, which I still use for confidential information.
• I pack my lunch in a reusable container.
• I donate used clothing that no longer fits and other items no longer needed to charity.
• I recycle my newspapers and phone books.

Did you know you can cancel your junk mail? Send a request to Mail preference Service, Direct Marketing Association P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512 or go to http://www.dmaconsumers.org/.

Please respond and let me know what you have done in the last 6 months to "go green".

Environmental Health

Environmental health encompasses all the interactions of humans with their environment and the health consequences of these interactions.

How to Be a Green Consumer:

• Remember the 4 Rs of green consumerism:

1. Reduce the amount of trash and pollution you generate by consuming and throwing away less.
2. Reuse as many products as possible, either yourself or by selling them or donating them to charity.
3. Recycle all appropriate materials and buy recycled products whenever possible.
4. Respond by educating others about reducing waste and recycling by finding creative ways to reduce waste and toxicity and by making your preferences known.

• Choose products packaged in refillable, recycled, reusable containers or in readily recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, aluminum, or glass. Don't buy products that are excessively packaged or wrapped.
• Look for products made with the highest possible content of recycled paper, metal, glass, plastic, and other materials.
• Choose simple products containing the lowest amounts of bleaches, dyes, and fragrances. Look for organically grown foods and clothes made from organically grown cotton or Fox Fibre or another naturally colored type of cotton.
• Buy high-quality appliances that have an Energy Star seal from the EPA or some other type of certification indicating that they are energy- and water-efficient.
• Get a reusable cloth shopping bag. Don't bag items that don't need to be bagged. If you forget to bring your bag to the store, it doesn't matter much if you use a paper or plastic bag to carry your purchases home. What's important is that you reuse whatever bag you get.
• Don't buy what you don't need - borrow, rent or share. Take good care of the things you own, repair items when they break, and replace them with used rather than new items whenever possible. Sell or donate used items rather then throwing them out.
• Walk or bike to the store. If you must drive, do several errands at once to save energy and cut down on pollution. (Carpool to work).
• Look beyond the products to the companies that make them. Support those with good environmental records. If some of your favorite products are overpackaged or contain harmful ingredients, write to the manufacturer.
• Keep in mind that doing something is better than doing nothing. Even if you can't be a perfectly green consumer, doing your best on any purchase will make a difference.

Sources: U.S Environmental Protection Agency 2006, Consumer Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste. Natural Resources Defense Council 2006, NRDC's Guide to Greener Living.