What are you doing to save the enviroment?
@jewelenterprises (1996)
Australia
May 12, 2010 5:00am CST
These days we hear a lot about the environment and how we should all do more to help preserve it.
Here in Australia we've had 13 years of drought, and in the state of Victoria where I live the water reserves are only at 33.3% capacity. They're building a desalinization plant that will be capable of supplying 30% of the states water needs (based on current consumption) but that won't be completed until 2013... assuming it is completed on time.
And this is just one aspect of the environment. We also have power consumption etc.
So I'm curious, what are mylotters doing to help save the environment. Installing rainwater tanks, solar panels for power, water recycling (i.e. using wash water to water the garden etc).
Here are some of the things I do.
Dishes: Installed a dishwasher because it uses less water than washing by hand. We also make sure we only run it when it is completely full which usually takes us two days. This also saves power of course.
Water saving: Don't use the washing machine for part loads always make sure there is enough clothing to completely utilize the amount of water required for the cycle chosen.
This one is a little bit gross but we don't flush the toilet every time, we use the adage 'if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down' which means that if we only urinate it doesn't need to be flushed every single time, every second time is sufficient but if you do a number two then flush immediately.
Saving power: Turning off unnecessary lights and when we stop using an appliance or computer we turn it off and unplug it from the wall to stop the passive power usage. Of course, the less power you use the less it costs aswell so it benefits your hip pocket.
Transport: Don't use the car unless necessary. Walk or take public transport instead. In fact, for various reasons we actually sold our car and I estimate that saves us around $300 per month on fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance etc.
So what do you do?
16 responses
@jamesbrownbete (15)
• Philippines
13 May 10
I may say that you are an environmentalist in disguised. I congratulate you for opening this particular issue. This is the issue where everyone of us should be involved. Moreover, we can actually do a lot in order to save our planet, like what you've mentioned, saving power and recycling. But the most and the best we can do actually is to plant trees. This is what is lacking in our planet today since people continue to be abusive. Destroying our forest and polluting our air. Global warming can be preventing by simply planting trees. If our worldwide population would just plant a single tree, then everything would be OK.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
Annoying that we can't edit after posting isn't it. I'm surprised mylot didn't introduce that ability when they upgraded a few months ago.
Actually, I have friends that are a lot more environmentally conscious than I am and sometimes I feel guilty that I don't do more. I'd love to have solar power and a rainwater tank but at this point in time I simply can't afford it. Of course, that would make a huge difference as the majority of our power currently comes from the burning of fossil fuels (coal). They're building more wind turbines to provide power as well and there is a huge push including government rebates for installing solar power and rainwater tanks. In fact, you can't build a new home any more without installing a rainwater tank, same as you have to install low voltage lighting etc. I think in time the installation of solar panels will also become compulsory.
@jamesbrownbete (15)
• Philippines
13 May 10
They don't need to make it compulsory. They have to make the installation of solar panels free!:-)
@jamesbrownbete (15)
• Philippines
13 May 10
Correction: Global warming can be prevented by simply planting trees...
@keval32 (1096)
• India
12 May 10
Well, I can't say I do very much for saving environment, but I do some things. Whenever it is possible I try to go by foot or by bicycle, I don't waste water, I switch of and plug out electronic appliances when there's no use, I never use lift for going to the extent of 4th floor, sometimes I plant tree.
If we want to save our earth and if we want to give our next generation green earth, we must save environment. Many countries have taken steps towards saving environment and that's commendable.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Yes it is commendable that we are being much more conscious of the impact we have on the environment.
I'd like to be able to do more like have rainwater tanks and solar panels installed but at this point I seriously can't afford the money that would cost because it's in the thousands an I'm low income.
@Twinia (2)
• India
12 May 10
I use cloth bags while going for shopping.
I try to save electricity in my office when ever i go out i turn off my monitor.
Even in my home i try to save electricity.We use CFL bulbs in house and energy star appliances.I think there are still many things that i need to to and i am in the process of trying to do them .
@creative_genius (992)
•
12 May 10
This is something I feel passionately about and here is what I do as my bit for the environment:
Diet I am a vegan and this is the single biggest step you can do to help the environment. The meat and dairy industries create so much waste and carbon emissions. Stopping or at least minimising your use of animal products helps to waste less water and reduces carbon emissions.
Eco-friendly Products I buy all of my cosmetics from Lush as they make vegetarian and vegan items, do not test on animals and reduce excessive packaging.
Reuse We use reusable containers for food storage instead of wrapping food in foil and plastic wrap when possible. We use rags to wipe up spills instead of paper towels. I also stick with rechargeable batteries as disposable ones are wasteful and contain mercury which is a hazardous product.
Travel I use my car only when I have to. I keep the tyres inflated as it saves on fuel and makes them last longer. I like to walk when possible and I even took a big step choosing to work from home as a freelance designer eliminating a commute. I also drive in a way that reduces fuel costs (smooth, good use of gears etc)
Recycle I tend to make greeting cards make from recycled materials (as well as using e-cards for people).
I do as much as I can but these are the ones that popped into my head! 
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Wow, you certainly are very conscientious!
I don't use make up at all... el naturale for me :) Just wash with mild soap and water and maybe add a little moisturizer.
I do use reusable containers for food storage. But I don't use rechargable batteries, have considered switching.
@creative_genius (992)
•
14 May 10
I don't wear that much makeup and I include toiletries such as shampoos/ soaps etc when I say cosmetics! I don't like to use too many chemicals that end up in the water supply so am exploring more natural cleaning products. No more bleach for me!
@oldchem1 (8132)
•
12 May 10
Hi, i think that we as a family are actually doing quite a bit in our effort to save the environment.
We are all very much int recycling, we use Freecycle a lot to try and stop the landfill problem we try to save on petrol as much as we can ( that is financial as well!) and we have made huge steps in cutting down on the electricity we use.
I really do think we all owe it to the planet to do as much as we can.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Yeah, I'm a member of freecycle too... I didn't realize it ran in other countries though.
And you mentioned another thing I forgot. We have three different bins... one for regular garbage, one for paper cans and bottles and another for garden waste and we utilize all three as well as taking plastic bags back to the store for recycling.
We do owe it to the planet... and to our kids to do as much as we can to preserve the environment for their future as well.
Some people think they're just too small to make a difference but if everyone makes their small difference it adds up to a very significant difference.
@marycar26 (31)
• Philippines
13 May 10
good day ma'am...as for me all we have to do to save our environment it all started at home,once you do all good things like waste from the household like plastics,papers everything that distroys our environment i think it must be done in a proper way...like what i did at home,to segregate wastes and also do some recycles...i think its so easy doin things that you used to and that would help a lot to our environment.
@347eat (113)
• Philippines
12 May 10
Hello mam. Like you I'm also an environment conscious since every year the temperature here in the Philippines rises and the rainfalls are very rare so my own ways to save the environment are reuse, reduce and recycle. These basic 3 R's is very useful since you can start this at home like for example when I'm taking a bath I use another bucket to catch the used water when I'm rinsing my body and then I used it to clean the bowl so 2 in 1 use aside from that I use the commercial beverage bottles to be the container of my drinking water so it would lessen the waste such as plastics, papers and styrophors so if you want some tips for 3 R's don't hesitate to pm me besides I will be glad to help you.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Yes, it's important to keep in mind the three R's
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
If you consider that continually then you can find lots of ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
For example, I sometimes use my daughters bathwater for cleaning and I always keep my showers to about four minutes max.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
Oh, as far as the shower goes I have one of those water saving shower heads that only use half the water of a 'normal' shower head. So four minutes in the shower actually uses a LOT less water than the bath does.
@347eat (113)
• Philippines
13 May 10
That's a good idea to reuse the bathwater of your daughter besides when taking a bath I will recommend you to use bucket and pail because you can save a lot of water from that rather than using a shower. If all people in this world knows how to recycle their bathwater im sure we can save for about 200,000 to 500,000 liters of fresh water every year.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
You're right, it starts from each and every individual.
There is a saying... Think globally, act locally!
By the way, you may like to consider putting more information into your posts. When you receive your reputation star it will be low if you're not making worthwhile contributions to the discussions. Also you will earn more with detailed responses.
@grayxenon (1313)
• Philippines
13 May 10
it is my habit since grade school not to ask plastic bags in grocery stores or any other shopping stores as long as i can hold/carry the item i bought. i usually return plastic bags to the saleslady and say to her to save it..
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
Yes, I do the same. I always keep a folding shopping bag in my bag so when I pick up a few items after work I can put them in it. Though I will take a plastic bag if that bag isn't big enough... I also have one of those insulated bags you put fridge stuff in in my bag now.
@screwdriver (643)
• Philippines
12 May 10
HI jewelenterprise,
Here's what will I do to save the environment:
1. Plant trees.
2. Conserve water.
3. Save electricity but switching appliances when not in use.
4. separate bio-degradable from non-biodegradable materials.
5. Throw garbage in the right places.
6. Use paper bags instead of plastics when having a groceries.
~Screwdriver
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Excellent! It's nice to see people doing their bit for the environment.
As far as the shopping goes I try to use the cloth bags rather than paper or plastic
@zedrick_11 (931)
• Philippines
13 May 10
these are my ways...
recycling = having recyclable materials recycled for further use..
saving power = i watched tv less than the normal.
walking = i prefer walking or using bicycle when going to school.
thats all..
hope i can help saving our environment.. :)
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
Walking or riding your bicycle is also better for you. Provides some exercise which is something that many children in western society lack these days... the main exercise they get it their fingers on the joystick of the favorite game console LOL.
I work as a checkout operator in a large grocery store. The receipt rolls have a little cardboard insert in the middle and I collect those to give to my daughters school for the art department. In addition, the register warns us when the roll is getting low but I don't change it then, I wait until it runs out completely then change it over, that way I'm not wasting paper.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
I guess we all just need to be more conscious of the impact we have on the environment and just think and do what we can to reduce that impact.
@maxyl12 (236)
• Philippines
12 May 10
Well that's for me too. Saving resources and recycle is the best thing to do in saving the environment. Also joining a summer camp in tree planting and be an active role model in saving resources by educating the young ones the right way of being and eco friendly. And dont forget the important thing, never buy and exotic pet because it is also one way in saving a species thus saving what is in our only mother earth.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
Yes, we can all make a small difference and those small things can add up to big things in the long run.
@ndubose (418)
• United States
12 May 10
My goal is to get more in tune with the green products and also trying to use non-manufactured products. I have began to recycle and also use less water and energy. So my main focus for now is being green and conservation.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
It's nice to see that there are so many others trying to help out and reduce their own impact on the environment.
There are lots of things we can can do. One of the reasons I started this discussion was to get some other ideas on how to save resources etc.
@347eat (113)
• Philippines
13 May 10
Another alternative way to save our environment is to plant plants in our garden. Its not just only an ornament for beautification besides it helps to clean our air that we breathe by converting carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into oxygen which is vital to humans and animals.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
13 May 10
That's true, it's one of the reasons that hospitals like to have plants and flowers around, it helps to purify the air.
But have you ever wondered why they take flowers out of the wards at night? I once hear that it's because at night the plants do the opposite, they breathe oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. I'm not sure whether this is true or not.
@Civic_Racer (33)
• Philippines
13 May 10
first is the garbage.. we just built anything and throw it away without segregating it. then using wisely the electricity and water. turning off unnecessary lights. using the water that have been used to water the plants or streets. using public transportation to decrease automobile emmisions.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
4 Jun 10
Hi, Personally I am very concerned about the environment and try to do whatever I can.I am careful about using electricity.Anyway with the power shortage and frequent power cuts we need not bother.I make use of water used for washing rice and vegetables to water my potted plants.I also hand wash clothes outside on a washing stone and the water is let out into the garden.
Some of us ladies get together and grow saplings and distribute it with a nominal charge to office and schools so that they can plant them in any space available...IU too walk a lot, never use the car to go to the bank,post office etc; which are close to my house...all the best and happy mylotting 
@workoutfreak (377)
• Indonesia
12 May 10
hi...thanks for asking...i probably don't do anything.don't get me wrong, i'm a person who concern with the earth i am living on. i have so many things to save the environment in my head starting from little thing until the biggest one. anyway, to save the environment is not enough only from my effort. how about my neighbor, people around me, do they have the same idea that i thought? no! me against hundreds even thousands. i can't win and the environment can't be saved. not to say i'm pessimistic but more than to logic. if all of the people care about the environment, the global warming phenomenon wouldn't exist.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 May 10
That reminds me of a story I once heard. A man was taking a morning walk along the beach the morning after thousands of starfish had washed up on the shore. As he walked along he kicked them out of his way. Then he saw someone coming toward him, every so often the person would bend down, pick something up and throw it into the ocean. When he finally reached the person he saw that it was starfish that he was throwing back into the water. He said to the man, "Why do you bother, there are so many of them, what difference can you make?" The man bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the water and replied "It made a difference to that one!"
Personally, I believe that if I do my little bit and mention ideas for what to do to my friends then it might encourage them to make the effort also. As I said in response to one of the other comments here, we might think we can't make a difference so why bother, but if a lot of little people make a little effort then it can have a significant influence.
Another example would be the tea room at my work, that place gets so grotty, tea, coffee, sugar and milk spilled on the benches. The thing is, no one person is responsible for the mess. It's a whole bunch of people, each making a little spill and thinking 'oh, it's only small, I won't wipe it up' but in the end the benches are filthy because no-one bothered to clean up their one little spill.
Do your bit, at least then you will know that you haven't contributed to global warming yourself... it's a good feeling!
