The next few weeks  I’m going to be lightening the load a little and put the fun back into green living and talk about community.

Don’t worry in the next few weeks I’ll heat it up a bit.

This week, I’ll be taking care of some important issues so on Friday, I’ll  share my thoughts on community and carry that into the next week as well.

Until then…be well.

I have discussed consumption in great detail but for the last couple days, I’ve been contemplating actions that reduce electronic waste and how we can implement solutions.

I’ve decided to create a blueprint, a road map of questions to help you dispose and purchase electronics wisely.

steps to reduce electronic waste

The best way to look for a solution is to disect the causes of the hazards into 3 main areas:

1. production (the manufacturer)
2. consumption (the consumer, that’s you)
3. disposal (the government with cooperation from you and the manufacturer)

follow a road map to make your decision

A few questions  & resources followed in order can be applied to any sustainable purchasing process quite effectively to make the right choice.

Question 1 – do I really need this product or do I just want it?

If NO you are done

If YES or MAYBE go to question 2 & 3

Question 2 – can I repair or stretch the use of the old one?

Question 3 – can I wait 30 days?

This gives you a chance to rethink.

If YES or MAYBE go to question 4

Question 4 – where do I repair it?

Research your options (even an expensive repair can stretch your money and reduce landfill). You can look on local classifieds to find a handyman that may repair it for less.

If you decide to repair you are done

IF you decide to purchase then move on to question 5

Question 5 – what product is the best quality and value?

Research the best products and places to purchase – what matches your needs (do a chart)

Go back to question 1

Then ask these questions to research eco friendly electronic purchasing:

1. What is the most energy efficient device?
2. Which product will last the longest?
3. Can this product be recycled?
4. Is the product made from recyclable material?
5. Are there replacement parts or consumables?
6. Does the replacement and consumable have a recycling program?
7. Does the manufacturer have a disposal or take back program?
8. Does the manufacturer reduce packaging and distribution?
9. Which product will last the longest?
10. Which manufacturer cares about the environment and community?

Here’s a bit of help to choose green products. You can also check out the green washing index to help make a quick choice.

Now you are ready to purchase by moving on to question 6

Question 6 – can I buy, barter or trade to get this product used?

If yes or maybe here are some great ideas to swap barter and trade

If you decide to buy it new (or are unable to find the perfect match) ask question 7

Question 7 – what is the best place to buy this product new?

If you have done question 5 thoroughly, you will know which product you want and whether you want to purchase new or used. Make sure you buy from a responsible retailer!

Now the follow up begins and you will need to move on to question 8

You need to dispose of the old one – keeping it only adds to a consumptive mentality since you will need space to hold on to it and it’s value is limited if unused (it is depreciating). Throwing it out will increase the chances that it ends up polluting the environment.

Question 8 – how do I get rid of the old product responsibly?

If it is in good condition you have 2 choices:

Question 9 – can I sell it to a consumer?

Try the usual suspects of online classified, ebay or bartering sites mentioned in question 6.

There are a few programs that may pay you for your old products and even have products for purchase. One recently discovered program is You Renew.

If you find a buyer you are done.

If you have no luck selling it move on to question 10

Question 10 – can I give it away?

You can choose to give it to a consumer or donate it:

To give it away ask your friends, coworkers or people in your community firts. Then try all the online classifieds (make sure you use ones that are free and only sell locally as this keeps it out of the recycling stream and reduces the impact).

Even a broken product could be someone else’s treasure. You can also use the Free Cycle Network to find a quick home.

If you find someone you are done.

If you need to donate it ask question 11 and/or 12

(some recycle programs listed below will be donate it to schools or communities in need)

Question 11 – is there a manufacturer take back program?

Start with the manufacturer – they have more stringent guidelines that are regulated globally.They also partner with many programs that benefit the community.

Visit the Electronic Takeback Coalition for a  comprehensive list of programs.

If you find a program, call them and you are done.

If you can’t find a manufacturer take back move on to question 12

Question 12  – what programs recycle responsibly?

Try your municipality first to make sure a program is in place.

You can look up where to recycle on earth911

Find the right program. Research for the correct disposal method usually only takes a quick email or call:

Guide To Recycling Electronics Responsibly

Recycling and Donating Electronics

Basel Action Network

Tech Soup Complete Donation List (this is a very large list and can be sorted by region)

Once you have found the program you like, do a quick call to one of the other groups to make sure they are a solid choice!

Give them a call and you are now done!

Pat yourself on the back.

You can follow this process for any product that you feel is harmful if you want to keep it out of the waste stream.

Go to Digital Tips or Greener Computing for an even more comprehensive breakdown of each step for a consumer to take in the cradle to grave scenario of computer and electronic waste and purchasing. A few more questions to ask if you are interested in further research on the topic.

I hope this provides a good guide and helps you dispose or purchase electronics accordingly. If there is anything I have missed or any suggestions please add your comments below or contact me. Please share and distribute this as freely as possible. I may make a visual road map in the near future to promote this idea further as I feel quite strongly about the impact of the solution.

As manufacturers produce more and more electronic equipment, computers, monitors, televisions, telephones, cellphones, mp3 players, printers and gadgets at incredible turnover rates we end up with a big problem – electronic waste.

this is planned obsolescence – it’s on purpose

These items have to get disposed of somehow. Not the best outcome, especially since much of it gets thrown directly into the garbage. Even equipment that gets recycled often ends up in the wrong hands, in under developed countries – more often than you think. Ironically, this is where many raw materials are extracted at the hands of slave labour, greedy governments and business.

Children and impoverished people handle equipment to extract metals and minerals. The are exposed  to highly toxic material. The leftovers are then dumped into our fragile eco-system.

Equipment is being produced at incredible rates and replaced at an even greater one. As soon as a new product comes in it goes out of fashion. We discard it and move on to the next. The product life cycle is shortening every year. There are now over a billion obsolete computers and monitors. Cell phones too!

Here are some stats on how we dispose of our electronics.

Equipment needs batteries, consume power, use raw materials and create a huge carbon footprint but the worst is all the chemicals that get improperly disposed of.

There are actually over 1000 chemicals and minerals in your average computer. They contain lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, brominates and cause nerve damage, cancer and various medical conditions. As these reach our water shed they destroy further use of natural resources.

Do you want to be exposed to all those materials?

Do you want your children to be safe?

This doesn’t even touch the concern, but should send out a big flashing red light signal.

what do we do when we see a red light?

We stop.

Okay, so it’s time to stop.

Stop consuming, stop encouraging consumption and start changing.

A lighter footprint. It’s time to take the step.

On Friday, I’ll take a look at some solutions. Sometimes we are just moving too fast to get the brakes on.

That’s just the start. The conundrum. Without technology and  growth we are unable to sustain our economy. That makes it hard to make a living. The poor suffer the most in this situation

While online media reduces paper and CO2, it also has a cost. Each computer uses 40-80 grams of greenhouse gas every hour.  Read this CNN article on reading an article and take a look at the Wall Street Journal’s take on the impact of just searching on Google.

There is also the servers and pipelines scattered across the web that need to be accounted for. For every hour you access you are also using up the servers energy. Then there are the countless devices and gadgets, both mobile and stationary use. Using them may consume less energy but they have batteries, and production costs too – not to mention packaging.

Technology needs to be manufactured, marketed and distributed. With more technology and gadgets, consumers use more resources. Oh, and power needs to be consumed – at increasing levels!

so what are the environmental burdens?

1. loss of habitat such as forests and watershed
2. destruction of fragile eco systems (non reversible)
3. global warming as a result of gas emissions
4. contamination of water and land as a result of waste
5. limiting or eliminating natural resources available
6. imposing on a culturally historic or dependent society (to the land)
7. removing resources for a community
8. exploiting a community for labour and resources

Those are some of the big impacts.

but what can I do about it?

Many people ask this question and expect someone else to come up with the answer. I hear this answer a lot:

The government or big corporations need to come up with a solution

Here’s an eyeopener for you – Governments are designed to regulate and create policy. Corporations have to meet shareholders and owner goals of growth and wealth. That means they are not in it to find a solution for you – only one that meets their agenda!

Initiatives and ideas are the responsibility of everyone. That overused quote by Ghandi “be the change you want to see”, really is the solution. Every action and choice you makes is woven deeply into the earth’s destiny. If you want a solution – create one or participate in it. Spread the word and take ownership. We all need to become smart consumers to make the world sustainable.

What are you going to do?

When we view media online the following list just touches the tip of what is available to replace traditional media such as television, radio, newspaper and other print media:

1. documentation
2. forms
3. data collection
4. storage
5. print publication (newspapers, books, magazines, classifieds,mailers,directories)
6. advertising
7. photos & graphics
8. audio
9. visual media
10. games
11. post
12. banking
13. learning
14. social events and meetings
15. communication
16. telecommuting

The result of the above list (which is far from complete)

• no paper (in theory) – blackberries, iPads, Kindles, cellphones, etc. could eliminate the need for paper completely. Even for legal documentation.
• no harmful ink or chemicals
• less packaging with less materials being shipped – just go online to look up your info
• gas & harmful pollutants reduced -  delivery, commute (at an average of 3 hours driving a day).

There are business savings in the form of  cost and effectiveness too.

• Postage and delivery costs lowered
• Response time improves
• Market exposure is increased and can be targeted
• Client relationship improved (real time, high accessibility)
• Flexibility & convenience  ensured – 24 and 7
• Enhanced quality of product, reduced cost to distribute & produce

The newspaper industry has seen a dramatic decline in the use of paper for print since the inception of the internet. Every year. In scale large circulation and distribution saves money and the environment – in a big way. No longer do we need to consume vast amounts of paper and use large distribution channels that create harmful emissions.

We have choices. Plenty of them. Now it’s a matter of adjusting and using them effectively.

traditional methods of delivery

The standard method of shipping for the last century has included freighters, rail, transport trucks, delivery fleets, couriers and postal service.

It is hard to avoid the delivery of goods and initiatives are being created by each industry to find a greener level of service. Here are a few:

• Postal service has bike delivery and green fleets
• Companies converting vehicles to alternative fuels and eliminating unnecessary delivery
• Paper is being replaced by electronic data
• Courier companies and fleets alike are finding the most efficient way from point A to B
• City law firms, architects and businesses have been using walking & bike couriers for years

There is no shortage of ideas and examples.

but what can you do?

There are many eco friendly shipping and delivery choices as a consumer or business you can easily implement in your routines for both buying and sending goods.

1. buy goods locally
2. avoid air freight when possible
3. walk
4. use a walking courier
5. ride a bike
6. use a bike courier
7. use public transportation
8. plan your route
9. do multiple chores when picking up and dropping off items
10. consolidate (order and deliver in bulk,)
11. improve how you drive
12. use alternative fuels
13. use hybrid vehicles
14. maintain your existing vehicle
15. share your vehicle or deliveries with other local business
16. sell your products with other companies and share distribution
17. order online instead of driving to the store
18. pressure government and shipping firms for environmental standards
19. offer a bulk incentive when selling goods
20. use a shipping firm or courier that practice green principles
21. for small parcels that have to go a short distance out of town use a motorcycle courier

This list is  an ever growing one. There are lots of creative ways to reduce your delivery impact. I would be interested in hearing your suggestions and additions in the comment section.

We are never as helpless as we make out to be when it comes to making changes, only unwilling. ~ simply stephen

Next week’s theme will explore some of the environmental benefits and pitfalls of online media.

Oil Spills – We all remember Exxon Valdez, actually a rare occurrence but over 85% of the 10,000 spills take place during unloading and are considered accidental. The remaining 15% are intentional, typically dumping dirty ballast while changing oil. The impact is still very large on the port wildlife and water quality.

Ballast Water – To ensure stability a ship needs to take on water to adjust the balance of the ship. Water that is typically taken on (thousands of tons) in one port can then get discharged in another port and carries various non-indigenous species that can become invasive in their new environment. The Zebra Mussel in the Great Lakes is a perfect example of this.

Air Pollution – Although ships only account for 2% of the world’s air pollution this is a significant number on a whole. Some pollutants such as sulfur dioxide are largely coming from the ships, perhaps as much as 60% of the worlds emissions.

Anti-fouling Pollution – Fouling is when unwanted barnacles and waste appear on ships. Every 2 to 5 years they need to be removed from the ships hull. An alternative to this is to apply a coat of tributyltin which kills sea life and is know to cause deformities in shellfish. Many waters around shore have high concentration levels that make all seafood unfit for consumption and also reduce the sustainability of the eco system.

Dredging – Digging trenches in the water to create new land and deeper routes for larger ships disturbs not only the sea life eco system but also land eco systems when the material is relocated. The noise and disruption to laying grounds, plant life and various animals can cause a total breakdown in a highly sensitive biological life form that my be only found in that area.

Ship Disposal – When it’s time for a ship to go to a graveyard the potential waste and leakage increases. They are no longer a ship that is running and regulated and since the ship is decomposing the chance of chemicals being released into the ocean is increased. The actual breakdown of the ship for scrap and disposal is in question too as not all materials are removed safely and recycled efficiently.

These are the basic concerns of shipping a product. Kinda makes you think about how and where you get your products from doesn’t it. There are solutions and actions you can take to reduce your need for shipping and delivery. We will discuss some of these in our next article.

traditional  methods of packaging

Everything we buy has to come in some form of packaging to protect it from damage, deliver and market it. Traditional methods typically use the most cost effective solution to get the job done. Until recently, considering eco friendly packaging options was not a concern. Some traditional packages may be the most viable choice – for instance bringing a bottle of wine in a reusable organic bag is very sustainable.

make your own packaging

One of the best options is to use existing materials and re-purpose them to wrap, stuff, box, seal and label your products. Take a look around your house or office and consider the following ideas.

• Use an organic tote bag (i.e. made of hemp) to wrap it
• Get rid of existing magazines, tissues, papers and material
• Save old boxes  and material for reuse
• Use non-toxic, recycled and recyclable material
• Reduce labels and tape by binding it or writing directly on the package
• Send it in a reusable container like a cookie jar

Go to Make It and Mend It for some creative ideas and solutions for cards, packaging and more…

green choices for packaging

If you have to send larger quantities for your small business or need a more professional image you can still create your own using existing materials. For those that don’t have the time or creative flair a green designer can help you come up with a solution.

If you just want supplies look for an eco friendly packaging supplier to help with the following items

• wrapping paper made from recycled materials
• boxes that have been recycled (try box cycle first)
• alternatives to tape such as self tying packages
• biodegradable packing peanuts that can be reused or composted
• use the smallest, lightest choice possible

extreme choices for green packaging

There is still a few extreme options for packaging green that don’t work for everyone. Consider them if you want to make the greenest most minimal choice.

• don’t package the item at all and mark your address directly on it or tag it
• locally deliver the product “raw” without packaging (I will talk about delivery next week)
• offer a green delivery option and charge for packaging with a donation to a green fund
• create a reusable container that gets returned for your use

how to get rid of unwanted packaging

The best suggestions:

• Go to Kijiji and Craigslist and offer it for free, you can also find it this way
• Go to smaller local online classified ads
• Ask local shop owners or community groups if they can packaging
• Use Boxcycle to find or offer used packaging near you

There are many more creative ways to package your items. Seek solutions and discover new ideas. Don’t be afraid to copy what you see other people doing. A great idea is a great idea.

Next week I’m going to talk about the other half of the packaging – delivery and shipping. While I know there are a ton of ideas left out of this article, the idea is to give you sizeable chunks of information that is easy to digest. Please share your ideas and additions in the comment section so we can look at all the options available.

Did you know that about 75% of all household waste comes from our packaging?

The goal when shipping is to discover the most functional and cost effective way to ship a product without damage. It’s difficult to keep costs down without adding extra criteria. There are many creative ways to reduce packaging costs and still benefit the environment and your customer in the long run.

what are the traits of eco friendly packaging?

1. reduced volume, weight and layers of materials
2. renewable materials that are organic and biodegradable
3. recyclable materials
4. minimize the impact of labels, tape and other bi-products
5. materials that can be kept out of the waste stream completely
6. avoid the use of toxic or harmful material
7. minimal effect on the environment – no emissions, limited water and energy use
8. reusable packaging

In our next article I will look at some solutions to reduce or eliminate the need for excessive packaging. Do have any other indicators you would like to add to the list?

The impact of not recycling has the earth in a bit of trouble. Our levels of consumption create vast amounts of waste. The waste produced in the last half century is greater than the total of all years combined!

1. cans
   • it takes about 90 days to complete the recycle process from garbage back to the shelf
   • it takes over 500 years for a can to decompose
2. steel
   • just one pound of recycled steel saves one day of a single light bulb worth of energy
   • the world has enough  “old” steel to have a sustainable supply – if we recycled
3. paper
   • 70 to 90% less energy is required to recycle paper
   • it also produces over 70% less pollutants
   • paper makes up almost 50% of landfill ingredients
   • if 1 million people stopped their junk mail we could save 1.5 million trees
4. glass
   • recycling just one glass jar provides enough energy for 4 hours of  a lightbulb
   • it also saves 9 gallons of oil
   • recycling glass reduces air pollution by 20% & water pollution by 50%
5. plastic
   • plastic takes over 500 years to decompose
   • every hour (in the USA) 2.5 million plastic bottles are thrown in the garbage
6. general facts
   • 60% of the contents in the average household garbage container can be recycled
   • items in landfill generally do not decompose because they lack oxygen

discover what and where to recycle

There are programs for just about everything. When your municipality doesn’t offer a program sometimes the manufacturer does. If you want an easy way to find a recycling center go to earth911 and look it up by location or product.

what can you do to minimize your impact?

Well before you get to the recycle part of the equation try thinking about the other parts of the 3Rs:

1. Ask these questions to reduce your consumption
2. Make these changes for the biggest impact of waste reduction
3. Think of creative ways to reuse anything that you have
4. Find a new home for it instead of throwing it out
5. Stretch the life of everything and save money by repairing stuff

I hope you found the series on the 3Rs informative and refreshing. Maybe I reminded you of some simple things you can do that will make a big change. Maybe I inspired you to discover creative ways to reuse items. At the very least, I hope I encouraged you to make some simple changes and share them with your friends and community.

Continuing on our weekly themes for 2010, next week I will take a look at packaging – the main contributor to waste, landfill and toxins we create.

Okay, we are going to finish up our discussion on the basics of consumption this week. The theme is the final R or Recycle. We all know about recycling and most places now have some kind of a program and policies in place for both residential, commercial and manufacturers.

understand the reasons to recycle

Why should we recycle? Often it feels like a burden to recycle. Understanding the reasons why often elude us.

1. limited supply - with an increasing population more waste is being created
2. extreme demand - consumptive society demands more materials and creates more waste
3. conservation - to minimize the impact of harvesting raw materials and destroying habitat of limited natural resources
4. energy reduction – recycling uses less energy than the manufacturing of a raw material and therefore reduces carbon emissions (CO2)
5. pollution – reduced pollution from waste and manufacturing reduces climate change and toxin exposure
6. landfill - the more we recycle, the more we keep from landfill and incinerators saving the environment from toxins leaching into our eco-systems and methane gas escaping into the atmosphere (which is more potent than carbon monoxide)
7. money - recycling saves us valuable dollars by producing materials for less

Not having a program in place is all the more reason to reconsider what you should buy? It is also a good time to petition your government, change how you reuse and dispose of items, stretch your item for a little longer, repair it and find creative ways to keep it out of the landfill.

In our next article we will take a quick look at the impact of our waste with some amazing (and frightening) facts. Then we will explore how to make sure we optimize our recycling efforts. After all it’s your planet too.

Many of you probably remember your mother or grandmother darning your socks. Items were made to last – quality lasts though it usually costs more, so when an item broke it was important to stretch the value. Why not take on that mentality again?

Sometimes it just might be time but someone else would probably be willing to repair it. Instead of just throwing it out find someone that is willing to take your broken items and fix it. Don’t just throw it in the garbage!

Almost every item in your house that is broken could be repaired or reused. If it is the remnants of a broken glass it can be recycled. Garbage just doesn’t need to be created.

Almost all of my garbage (probably 99%) is from excess packaging that has been created by the manufacturer. For example the plastic wrapping on cheese. I reuse my bread bags and everything I can think of. I am doing my best to eliminate or reduce everything by seeking and creating options.

So before you throw something out think about repairing it, donating it, finding an alternative use or not buying the product in the first place. Next week we will talk about the final R – recycle.

Warning! My blog will challenge you to be more, give more, live fearlessly, take more chances and show up in the world unstoppable, daring and bold.

Without further ado, visit Tess for my article i’m not hungry, i’m starving and make sure to follow her on Twitter and subscribe to the feed to help you live a bold life.

Before you recycle (or if you can’t find or don’t have another use for something) try looking for a new home. A recent article on bartering & trading gives you a great list as a starting point online.

One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure!

That’s how eBay got their start! Even if something is broken there is almost always someone that has a use for it. Check out the stacks of free stuff on craigslist, kijiji and ebay to name a few places and then go to all the online or newspaper classifieds. We buy used stuff all the time, so there is no need to be ashamed or inconvenienced by it. Garage sales also indicate that people purchase and get rid of things on a regular basis. Everybody loves a bargain.

why should you worry about it?

The number of items showing up in the garbage because someone can’t be bothered is astounding. Just take a walk down the street on garbage day and look at the computers, old chairs and various items. Many a time, I’ve salvaged something in perfect working order that was going to end up in landfill, toxins and all. That kind of waste is a sign that we take things for granted.

Here are some quick steps I take. I never throw anything out.

1. if it is broken see if I can repair it
2. if I don’t want to repair it, post it on freecycle, craigslist or kijiji
3. if I still don’t have a home…wait and try again (could just be timing)
4. put it outside with a note “free to a good home”
5. ask friends, neighbours or family
6. if it is working fine (no excuse to throw it out) consider a garage sale
7. if you don’t want to hold a garage sale see if you can swap it or sell it
8. if you still haven’t sold it, consider all the local charities and donate it

Even things like toilet rolls & old paint can be used as art supplies at a local school or community center! Earth911 has a few suggestions and there are companies that take paint and recycle (creating a good quality paint too). Here are a few more items that you could always find a new home for.

1. cell phones – Don’t just throw out your Cell Phones
2. shoes – yep, shoes can and should be recycled
3. eyeglasses – many programs exist, here are some eyeglass programs and also cds, discs, packing material, phones, video tapes and various other common items.
4. printer cartridge programs exist too. Don’t just buy them, donate the old ones too.
5. glass jars – people always want these for canning & they make great containers

Computers, batteries, oil – the list goes on and on. I guess what I’m trying to say is before you throw something in the garbage ask if it really needs to be in there. My garbage is limited to a 1/4 of a bag every two weeks in a household of 3 and I’m ashamed of that. I’m always looking for creative programs or methods to find a new home for all the items that get used or are no longer wanted.

Suggestions welcome!

On Friday I’ll take the time to remind us about the other thing that has been forgotten – repair.

Here’s a starter pack of 30 ideas for reuse of everyday common items.

1. paper – take printed paper and make it into scrap notepads
2. ziploc bags can be washed an reused repeatedly
3. clothing can be turned into quilts, bags, blankets, dog beds, rags, pillows to name a few
4. boxes & packaging try finding someone else to reuse your boxes with BoxCycle
5. plastic bags have tons of uses, here’s a few ideas from green daily
6. scrap wood can be used for kindling
7. disposables – food containers, cups, pens, razors, paper towel
8. mattress can be broken down or even used to soundproof
9. tennis balls – 50 things you never knew you could do
10. print cartridges – here’s some suggestions to reuse printer cartridges
11. coat hangers – to charity or your local dry cleaner
12. paper bags can be used to make popcorn or pack lunches
13. rubber bands can be saved or donated to a local charity office
14. rechargeable batteries – saves energy too
15. business cards can be used to label boxes or as notepads
16. newspaper can be used to clean windows or line kitty litter
17. plastic food mesh can be used as suet holders or even made into scrub pads
18. citrus peels can be frozen and used for zest or thrown into the fire for aroma
19. cereal bags to restore food or to replace wax paper
20. cd’s could be used as coasters
21. bread tabs – everything has a unique use. Here’s some great ideas for bread tabs
22. bread bags can wrap your other food or scoop your dog poop
23. bread - instead of composting your old bread give it to the birds or squirrels
24. plastic pop bottles make great bird feeders
25. T-shirts are obvious as rags or patches
26. shoe boxes are great containers for taxes or storing supplies
27. toothbrushes become great scrubbers for shoes and cleaning around the house
28. old carpet can be reused as mats or to make things / line things (at least donate it)
29. broken or chipped dishes make great garden ornaments or planters
30. seeds from fruit and veggies can be planted

Wants some more ideas for reuse, here’s a few terrific sites:

How Can I Recycle This

My Zero Waste

AltUse

Next week we are going to move onto our next theme, which you probably think is the next stage of the 3R’s, recycle. Before we visit recycling we are going to look at two forgotten stages in the loop – repair and re-house (find another home for something).

why should we reuse

Just like businesses we are all trying to stretch our products, employees and dollars are far as we can go. If you can get more out of something then you should. Before you recycle, look for a new use for every item (even water can be reused) before you get the urge to recycle it.

If you don’t want to reuse it, you would be surprised how many people might want it. A local theater group for props, a community or daycare center to make arts and crafts. There is an endless list.

Here are some more pressing reasons why we should reuse:

• it keeps the materials out of the waste stream
• it costs money and energy to remove them
• reduces the need for more raw materials or product purchase
• reduces a strain on natural resources and manufacturing emissions
• saves money in purchasing costs
• creates opportunities to develop new products with the old one
• invokes a sense of value in material items (if you value something you will treat it well)

In our next article I’ll give you a great big list (I’m not a fan of lists but this one can get your creative juices flowing with ideas) to demonstrate just how easy it is to reuse things and just how many things really do have another use.

easiest green changes to implement

1. if you don’t need it, don’t buy it
2. bring a green bag with you everywhere
3. bring a coffee or drinking mug too

changes that create the biggest green impact

1. stop drinking bottled water
2. replace all your paper products with a cloth option (i.e. napkins, paper towel)
3. buy local & organic food – support your local economy

green changes that will save you the most money

1. changing to LED lights will save the most in the long run, but even going from incandescent bulbs to CFLs will save up to 90% in energy and emissions.
2. energy efficient appliances will save you a small fortune and can also get you tax credits
3. getting rid of you car – going autoshare, bike or public transport (and it’s healthier too)

here are some government rebate information sites

Australia: Australian Government, Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator

Canada: Natural Resources Canada

UK: Energy Saving Trust

US: US Department of Energy

I think we are heading in the right direction this year. Next week will continue to discuss the 3Rs and look at the reuse part of the formula.

Why Reduce?

I won’t teach you to suck eggs but here’s a quick recap:

1. the global supply of raw materials is finite / limited (we need to get creative and smart, not just with what we use but also how much of it we use)
2. toxins and pollutants are destroying the air, water and land, including farming and forests – let’s face it we all need air, water and land to sustain a healthy, happy lifestyle for generations to come.
3. Reducing what we consume saves valuable time and money

Why is it hard to make changes?

Changes in general are hard to make but with green changes there is a sense of the unknown. The flip side is an excessive amount of new information has overwhelmed us. We are still in the digestion stage.

Oh, and we typically move forward when a few more people take the plunge. Lead by example to keep the momentum.  I’m here to break this down into little chunks to help you with the changes. Ultimately these adjustments will help you save money, the planet and your health.

Once we understand what actions are the best ones we can move forward!

What are the areas we need to reduce?

Reduction is not just about garbage anymore, the scope has become much larger. There is a constant state of flux – we need to continually review and improve our efforts.

30 Questions to Ask:

Energy:

1. Will this product cut down my energy consumption (water, electricity, heating/cooling)?
2. What is the Carbon Imprint (CO2 emissions) to make, deliver & use this product?

Product & Packaging:

3. Is it certified? (i.e. Energy Star, EcoLogo, EcoCert, Rainforest Alliance, FSC, USDA Organic, and Fair Trade)
4. Is it organic, natural, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic & non toxic?
5. Is there an alternative to plastic? (i.e. stainless steel, glass)
6. Is the company committed to the environment?
7. Is it made with recycled material?
8. Is the material reusable or recyclable?
9. Is it sustainable? (will the resources “die out” – think of overfishing)
10. Can I avoid making garbage with it?
11. Can I buy in bulk?
12. Is the packaging excessive?
13. Can I avoid a bag, container or wrapping? (bring your own – mug, bag, lunch, container)

Paper:

14. Can I replace disposable paper with cloth product or rag?
15. Is this made from recycled material?
16. Is there an renewable alternative (such as bamboo or hemp)?
17. Is this bleach free?
18. How can I reuse this paper product?
19. Can I eliminate my mail?

Location:

20. Can this be found locally?
21. Is there a lot of transportation or travel involved to get this?

Philosophical:

22. Do I  REALLY need this?
23. Can I reduce my activities to a few that I really enjoy? (and do more of them)
24. If I simplify and reduce what I own how much money can I save?
25. Can I get money from the things I don’t use?
26. Is there an area of my life I can simplify?
27. Can I wait 30 days to see if I really want this?
28. Will this save money?
29. Will it make a difference – globally?

Water:

30. Will this product save water consumption or protect it from pollutants?

There certainly are many more questions you can ask but just start to review this list and ask these questions and you will start to rapidly educate yourself and get in a habit of green change.
In our next article we will help you disseminate all this info with some cool resources and a short list for the simplest things you can do, the things that have the biggest impact and the things that will save you the most money.

The whole green change movement is confusing and overwhelming for many but it can be solved by implementing three simple rules:

1. make a pact to consume less
2. educate yourself on products & sustainable lifestyle
3. repeat rules 1 & 2

That’s right. It’s a circle. Keep educating yourself and challenging yourself to consume less and buy smarter. Every week try to reduce consumption in various areas of your life. Start making conscious, deliberate choices. Celebrate and share them with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbours and peers.

Next weeks will revisit an old concept Reduce, the first of the 3Rs where we will discuss ways we can all reduce, why it is so important and the quickest things we can do to make an impact.

That’s it. I’m leaving you to ponder what choices you can make. Share them with me on twitter or make a comment on the blog.

This year’s focus is simple green changes. Ones that are easy to implement and drastically reduce our carbon footprint. Consumption includes information and time too – less is more.

Today, I am pleased to announce my first guest post from Vlad Dolezal of Fun Life Development to shed some light on why (and how) less is more.

Last summer, I was at a meet-up of esperanto speakers. One evening, a folk singer decided to throw a concert for us. So he played his guitar, and sang, and gave us little bits to sing along to, and everybody had a great time!

After about 10 songs, he finished, and we all clapped and cheered, asking for an encore. We really loved the concert, so we thought we’d have one more song as the encore, and then be off with a great feeling about the concert.

Anyway, he played a song as his encore. And then he played a second one. Then he played a third one, and by this point I started wondering when he was going to be done – I kind of wanted to get out of there. I saw other people in the audience shifting uncomfortably, so I know I wasn’t the only one.

By the fourth encore song, people started leaving. When he finished the fifth encore song and went into the sixth one, I just got up and left. Over half the audience had gone by this point.

Very quickly, we went from having a great time to wondering when the hell he will be done. He simply dragged on just a bit too long, and lost the audience.

And the same applies to your blogging!

You might think that throwing in another statistic, and one more anecdote, and a few more quotes will only make your point more persuasive. But if you lose your audience’s attention, you lose your argument.

Instead, state your point, offer one or two bits of evidence, and then get the hell out, before your audience can start wondering when you will be done.

Like this.

Vlad Dolezal of Fun Life Development has a way of making complicated things simple. His ideas are meant to be fun with fresh anecdotes to drive them home -  passion and purpose is evident. My world improves with Vlad on the sidelines. Check out his blog for more great ideas for improving your life!

The year 2010 has finally arrived. A warm welcome to all my readers. This year I took some time to reflect over the holiday’s. My focus this year is on consumption and simple green changes. Ones that are easy to implement with a dramatic impact on the environment.

By reducing our footprint on the planet we can make a difference for future generations. No need to suffer, these changes are actually quite easy and your participation can make it happen. I can help you explore how to make the changes, what changes to make, how to buy things, what to buy, how to reduce your consumption, what is realistic and what is a greenwash, how to save money and so much more…

the wake of climate change

In the wake of Copenhagen 2010 it is apparent the time has come to make  changes. The real message is not about climate change but is about consumption – both how and what we consume. The time window is very limited and we need to make immediate action. We can’t wait for governments and organizations to debate and discuss. We need to educate ourselves and take matters into our own hands with simple green actions for a better tomorrow.

baby steps

Change is easier if taken in little steps. This year I will be introducing weekly themes with simple changes that are almost pain free once the initial hurdle has been taken. That hurdle exists in your mind. If you think you can do it – you can. If you want to do it – you can. This week (and for the year) the theme is consumption and learning that less is more. To have less and use less really does create a lot more abundance.

Consumption includes information and time too – less is more. So the articles and information given on any simply stephen website will be kept short and simple (for the most part) in easy to digest bits of information with tips, challenges, resources, incentives, suggestions, products and ideas to move you further along your green pathway.

Some of our themes will include paper, wood, plastic, water, air, food, transport, travel, holidays and so on down the line. If you have a theme you would like to learn about please contact me and I’ll put it on the schedule. I’d also be happy to guest post or have you guest post any simply stephen website.

I will post a little more frequently with short, quick posts with a purpose each week. You have enough info and change to digest, so I’m here to ease your burden. Here’s to the green changes you can make this year.

Holiday season has arrived and I want to share a simple message.

A life with abundance is not a world filled with things, it is the things you fill it with that make it worthwhile.

Spend time reflecting and cherish the people and things in your life. Be grateful, not just over the holiday season but for the year to come. Be conscious and dare to make the changes that create a world you want to see. Live on your own terms and inspire others. Strive to be the best and let your unique gifts contribute to a better world.

Here’s a reminder from last year of some Simple Christmas Pleasures that can make the holiday extra special. I know each of you took the time to make some green changes this year and am thrilled to have connected and shared on our journey. Your footprint counts, the little things matter, each of you inspires me to go on.

Be safe, be warm, be happy and enjoy your time with loved ones. Enjoy your holiday! This is the last post until the New Year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year…to the possibilities ahead. I look forward to hearing your stories in the year to come.

Peace & love to each of you.

P.S. With the beta almost finished, expect a few changes and more frequent posts in the new year. In fact simply stephen may have a 5 day posting regiment with a very simple and effective formula designed to help you make green changes with ease. Stay tuned…

1. pay it forward and make a donation on someone’s behalf
2. bake some cookies, breads, treats or cakes
3. better yet do cookies in a jar
4. offer your time at something you do well, for instance set up a website for someone
5. make a scrap book of special moments or take some photos and make a collage
6. go to your recycled center and find the perfect used gift
7. write a poem or song
8. make some homemade irish cream or coffee liqueur
9. give away something you don’t need anymore
10. buy someone a special plant
11. give away your favorite book and sign the inside cover explaining why
12. make a sock puppet
13. fill a basket with homemade goodies – some listed on this list
14. go somewhere special and share the time together
15. give a food voucher for your favorite green shop or restaurant
16. buy a membership for a local CSA or weekly organic food delivery
17. put together a scrapbook that shares the best moments of the year
18. for those long distance people consider a phone card

If you have any other last minute ideas, please join in and make a comment with your suggestion.

Ingredients:

• condensed milk – 1 can
• vanilla – bean, powder or liquid
• carob, cocoa or chocolate (I used my coffee syrup from my coffee liqueur recipe which had carob & coffee)
• 2 cup cream (I used 5% or light cream)
• 2 cup liquor (I used Rye Whiskey, but you can use Irish Whiskey)

Tools:

• mixing bowl
• whisk or blender (I used a hand blender)
• clean bottle
• funnel
• measuring cup

Directions:

1. Put all the ingredients in the mixing bowl and blend.
2. pour into sterilized bottles
3. store in fridge (should last for 4-6 weeks)
4. Drink

Another easy recipe. Great in your coffee or on ice. Done in about 5 minutes and it saves about $25 a bottle. Tastes the same.

Christmas is a time of sharing, celebrating and giving form many.  The commercial aspects of Christmas have turned in to a frenzy of purchasing that defeats the purpose. Think of all the things you have and consider pay it forward Christmas gifts this year.

For the person that has everything, perhaps it time to look at gifts that help others. Consider purchasing a donation or an item that gives to a charity for your family members or friends. This is a green a gift as you can give. During no time of the year should anyone be homeless, hungry or alone – especially children. Therefore the gift of food and warmth is extra special and sharing your joy with a family or individual in need of those things is precious.

gifts from a charity

Charity village has an excellent list of non profit organizations that offer a gift and raise money for various causes. They have broken it down into multiple categories.

gifts that sponsor or donate a charity

Another list of credible charities that are related or designed for Christmas giving and poverty can be found at All Things Christmas and of course Santa has various programs that he sponsors and has made a list for you.

donation to charity

In every city there are countless local charities that help your neighbours – the people that live in your town. You know the local groups. The foodbanks, the homeless shelters,  give a gift to a child programs, the clothes for poor and so many more. Why not pick one? Food, money, clothes and various items you no longer need could make someone very happy at Christmas. Forget about spring cleaning or the garage sale next summer. Now is the time to go and do it.

Okay, this post ended up being a little more preachy than I wanted it to but the sentiments are meant to inspire you to rethink even just a portion of your Christmas frenzy and share the wealth just a little bit. What better way to be happy than to spread a little joy to someone else.

simple siment – save the dregs from your coffee in a jar and add vanilla and you will create a rich coffee base.

Ingredients:

• the water from coffee dregs 1 cup
• brown sugar (I used organic dark brown) 1 cup
• vanilla – bean, powder or liquid (add it to the dregs to infuse flavour)
• carob, cocoa or chocolate (I used unsweetened carob chips to get a glycerin type effect in the syrup)
• 1 cup liquor (I used Rye Whiskey, but you can use rum or vodka)

Tools:

• Jar for steeping the dregs
• saucepan
• sifter or cheese cloth
• wooden spoon
• clean bottle (perhaps a kahlua bottle)
• funnel
• measuring cup

Directions:

1. save the dregs from your coffee for as long as you want in a large glass container in your fridge. Add the vanilla to infuse the flavour.
2. pour the liquid coffee into a saucepan but first filter it with your choice of devices (I actually used my old “metal coffee filter”
3. add your chocolate flavour and some extra vanilla and the sugar and bring to a gentle boil until the sugar and carob is melted.
4. remove from heat and let cool (to stay green, keep it out of the fridge as you should not add hot items to your fridge – they change the temperature and use energy)
5. add your liquor
6. store in fridge for 10-20 days

There you go. Simple. And just in time for Christmas. Tastes great added to your coffee, over a little ice or my favourite is with a little ice and milk. Enjoy.

Next week, I’ll give you a quick recipe for Irish Cream that is even more simple than this one…and tastier.

So, why am I writing about the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009? Clearly, I must think it’s a waste of time right? Wrong. I think Copenhagen is a big eye opener for the world. BUT… smog alerts, lost habitat, dirty water, oil spills, dried up resources, barren fishing grounds, increased sickness due to pollutants, drought, famine, floods, melting ice caps, strange weather (this list goes on and on)…these should all be eye openers too – think about Katrina. I would have thought that these things would be enough to create change.

Awareness and Change

So, Copenhagen is a wonderful “event” that clearly does two things – it creates acknowledgment by the whole world that there is an issue. Most people follow leaders – until someone else does something the average individual will simply try to look after himself and his family. But the acknowledgment of climate change by key leaders promotes awareness and starts to educate us. It is one catalyst for change. Swift and drastic changes.

There is a second thing and there is a big IF on this one. The climate change conference coupled with recent global collapse potentially creates a global economy centered on the environment. There will be commitments by countries with funding created to resolve these problems. The world will be able to make a shift IF the focus is put on carbon reduction and other environmental issues.

Want to know a secret?

A car is a car. A fossil fuel is a fossil fuel. Consumption is consumption. If you replace a car with an environmentally friendly car or you change your house to be energy efficient it is still not solving the problems. Consumption is the problem. The car still needs to be made with raw materials and is still something that you will eventually throw out.

A key way to change the situation dramatically is to change how you consume products – this change means a change in values. Our values need to be based on important activities with a lower impact on the world – not on things. Using less, not replacing them with something else is paramount.

No amount of awareness or government interaction is going to make these changes. It is not up to your neighbor or the country next door. It’s up to you. If all the YOU’s make simple changes in habits it adds up. We’ve had 50 years of gorging ourselves. Now it’s time to pay the piper.

Want to know another secret?

Green, simple living is pretty cool and very fulfilling. I saw the need 20 years ago and have love nature and the environment for my whole life. The changes to simplicity where easy for me I did them over time, each one prompting me to want more. I knew the changes were coming and there will be more of them, some even harsher than the global disasters and economic fall out that we have witnessed. I felt none of it on a personal level – but was sad to see how the planet and everyone else was affected.

simple siment - so now, I would encourage each of you to make simple changes every day. Small changes that you won’t feel. Add a new change each and every day. Reduce your consumption. Refuse to use. Refuse to buy products that harm. Educate yourself. Become aware. Share your knowledge. Protect your children and the life forms on this planet.

I think we are all worth it. That’s why I do it.