Rathdrum taking steps to ‘go green’
Going green in 2008 is a great idea. Resolving to learn more about the growing list of environmental concerns including global warming, transportation, energy, water, food, waste, clothing, personal products, furniture and décor and even the chemicals we use to clean our homes is vital if we want to save our world for future generations.
The new year gives each of us the chance to choose to live in a more environmentally friendly way – to learn the steps we can take to cross “go green” off our list of things to do this year. This column will give you the tools you need to do just that. It will include up-to-date information, the latest trends, local programs and simple steps you and your children can take to go green in 2008.
Although there are a few eco-chic sophisticates excited about the latest eco-trends in conserving energy, using natural products for cleaning, purchasing insulation made from recycled blue jeans and laying eco-friendly flooring like cork, bamboo, rubber or recycled carpet – the majority of us are still trying to figure out how to recycle our aluminum, paper, plastic and glass. We’re still trying to figure out what it even means to “go green.”
Online resources define going green as exhibiting a concern for the preservation, restoration and improvement of the natural environment – such as the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of pollution. It simply means we care enough about our environment to pay attention to the impact we have on it.
While most can’t afford to take that big green step of purchasing a hybrid car, the majority of us have taken beginning steps toward living green. If you routinely haul your newspapers or aluminum cans down to the school recycle bins or have a compost pile in your garden, you are living green. You might have purchased a low-flush toilet or a water-saving shower head; or you might have formed a carpool to get to work or to pick your kids up after school. If you did, you’re already a shade or two greener. Becoming green is just that simple – taking whatever small steps you can toward protecting our environment.
•John Roth, Lakeland High School student body president, knows the importance of protecting the environment. “So much is going on in the world, but every small step helps,” he said. Last year, recognizing that most recyclable bottles and cans were being thrown in the garbage, one of his campaign promises was to improve the school’s recycling opportunities. His request for recycling containers to be placed in the cafeteria area next to the garbage cans is still going through proper channels, but he expects the project will be accepted and implemented soon, resulting in a huge increase in the amount of aluminum recycled by the school. Roth says a “quick and easy fundraiser” will be held to pay for the project.
•Winter is a great time to look at energy conservation and efficiency. It’s a good time to go green – you’ll cut your energy costs and protect our natural resources.
Pools, hot tubs and spas use a lot of energy. They should be well insulated and maintained regularly. Turning down the temperature and using a tight-fitting, well-insulated cover help save energy costs.
Adjust your temperature. Every degree you lower your thermostat will reduce the amount of energy you use and reduce your heating and cooling bills by 1 percent or more.
Purchase an automatic, programmable thermostat that allows you to set different temperatures throughout the day, again lowering the amount of energy use and your energy bill – about $150 per year.
Set your water heater at the mid-range of 120 degrees and be sure to wrap it in an insulation blanket if it is more than three years old.
Use weather stripping kits to stop drafty windows and doors, and remember to close the drapes before you leave your house for the day. The drapes help insulate, keeping cold air out and warm air in.
Make sure the damper on your fireplace is completely closed when not in use.
•Go green by turning off the lights when you leave a room and leave the lights off during the daytime. You’ll be helping our environment by saving energy and you will appreciate a lower electric bill.