Most 15-16 year old Americans have one thing on their mind (after that boy/girl they're chasing, that is): how to get wheels. An old rusty or brand new convertible, either way it's all about movement.
Cars are the ultimate status symbol. Yes, a sleek new Corvette is trendier than, say, an '84 Grand Marquis, yet ultimately, it's control over transportation (and the speed) that matters.
Think about it. In the Midwest/Southwest/South especially, we value cars over buses, buses over bikes, bikes over walking in our sprawling cities. Partially because our cities are so spread out (case and point, Oklahoma City) and partially because of the value individual cars over public transportation, public transportation in the Midwest/Southwest/South is completely shoddy.
So what is the point to all this? The point is, we have assigned certain values to different types of transportation, values that adversely affect our environment and our wallet. As the price of gas goes up and up and the car industy flounders, running and maintaining a car subsequently becomes more expensive. And the number of cars on the road increasingly affects the environment, through depletion of resources (both the limited oil supply and our rainforest through the production of biofuels) and by increasing carbon dioxide output. Culturally, we may value the ability to control our transportation (or the sleek sexiness of a cool ride), but environmentally and economically, our values are misplaced.
Yes, buying a hybrid or other fuel efficient car certainly helps. But would it hurt us to take the bus once a week? Or walk? (Your heart would thank you!) Or bike? Or even car-pool?
Also, as noted above, part of the problem is our public transportation isn't the best. But supply and demand speaks even with environmental issues--if there were a higher demand for public transportation, cities would be forced to add routes, times, etc. Also, it never hurts to call your congressman or even start a petition/protest.
But if that all seems like a little much to you, how about just taking a nice walk to your local coffeeshop instead of driving? Do it for the environment, your heart, and your wallet. And your conscience might rest a little easier, too.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Paper Towels, Paper Napkins, and Toilet Paper, Oh my!
I've been thinking a great deal about paper towels lately. I know, odd thing to spend my time thinking about. But I live in a dorm, which means an immense amount of paper towels are disposed everyday in my building. I honestly don't know that much about the paper towels we use, but if every person averages 2 feet, and there are 40 people on my floor that's 80 feet a day just on my floor. There are 4 dorm floors and 6 office floors in my building. Think about all those paper towels! Even if they are made from recycled paper, think about the energy it takes to make them, to transport them, to dispose of them. And that's just one building in one small town.
Of course, normally, people at home use cloth towels, at least in the bathroom. But what about in the kitchen? What about out in public? At work?
The same goes for paper napkins. Most of us use them in our daily lives--at dinner, at restaurants, for a snack. They have become so ubiquitous we hardly even think about them anymore.
So what's the solution? Well, in the kitchen, of course, it's an easy switch--cloth napkins are a good substitute for paper, and over the long run, they are much cheaper. Also, instead of using paper towels for spills, use cloth towels or sponges. They clean up spills just as well, and they can go into the wash with all of your other towels. Actually, sponges can go in the dishwasher to be sterilized; just make sure they can't fall through the rack. In the silverware holder is probably best.
But what about all those paper towels? Well, air drying is always an option. Most bathrooms provide hot air dryers; if not, shaking and air drying works. Or, drying hands on the clothes your wearing is also an option (if they aren't expensive!). At work, bring a cloth towel from home.
Of course, these are just some options. Going green sometimes means being creative, and thinking counter-culturally. So get creative!
Next time... toilet paper and tissues! :) Excited?
Of course, normally, people at home use cloth towels, at least in the bathroom. But what about in the kitchen? What about out in public? At work?
The same goes for paper napkins. Most of us use them in our daily lives--at dinner, at restaurants, for a snack. They have become so ubiquitous we hardly even think about them anymore.
So what's the solution? Well, in the kitchen, of course, it's an easy switch--cloth napkins are a good substitute for paper, and over the long run, they are much cheaper. Also, instead of using paper towels for spills, use cloth towels or sponges. They clean up spills just as well, and they can go into the wash with all of your other towels. Actually, sponges can go in the dishwasher to be sterilized; just make sure they can't fall through the rack. In the silverware holder is probably best.
But what about all those paper towels? Well, air drying is always an option. Most bathrooms provide hot air dryers; if not, shaking and air drying works. Or, drying hands on the clothes your wearing is also an option (if they aren't expensive!). At work, bring a cloth towel from home.
Of course, these are just some options. Going green sometimes means being creative, and thinking counter-culturally. So get creative!
Next time... toilet paper and tissues! :) Excited?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Shopping at Thrift Stores
I recently read an article about being green by shopping in thrift stores, and I think this is a great idea! I love shopping at Goodwill and other second-hand stores for several reasons. First of all, the prices are great, and you can often find some amazing deals. I picked up a tuxedo jacket that has absolutely nothing wrong with it for $5!
Now, that's not to say you don't want to examine everything you buy at a thrift store. Some are certainly better than others. I've been to some once and never returned. However, if you find a thrift store that offers good quality merchandise, you can save money and save the environment. Recycling clothing (and other items) like this helps cut down on the number of new items made. It also helps cut down on landfills. A nice third benefit is that stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army use the money you spend to help those in need. Truly, is there any downside to shopping at thrift stores?
Some people say the clothing in these stores smells or that you never know what's been on it. While that may be true, a good washing can take care of that. Yes, some of the clothing may be a bit thread bare in places or need a button or two fixed, but all in all, it's well worth it.
Now, that's not to say you don't want to examine everything you buy at a thrift store. Some are certainly better than others. I've been to some once and never returned. However, if you find a thrift store that offers good quality merchandise, you can save money and save the environment. Recycling clothing (and other items) like this helps cut down on the number of new items made. It also helps cut down on landfills. A nice third benefit is that stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army use the money you spend to help those in need. Truly, is there any downside to shopping at thrift stores?
Some people say the clothing in these stores smells or that you never know what's been on it. While that may be true, a good washing can take care of that. Yes, some of the clothing may be a bit thread bare in places or need a button or two fixed, but all in all, it's well worth it.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Let's Go Green...Because it Saves Money!
Welcome to The Green Kitten! You may think this is going to be yet another blog about buying carbon offsets and recycling. Well, you're both right and wrong. The purpose of The Green Kitten is to talk about ways going green can save you money. Yes, sometimes it does actually pay to help the environment, plus you get that good feeling of knowing that you're saving energy and resources!
In the following weeks, I'll be posting different things you can do to save some green by being green. You can also leave any questions you may have as comments and I'll do my best to answer them.
In the following weeks, I'll be posting different things you can do to save some green by being green. You can also leave any questions you may have as comments and I'll do my best to answer them.
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