Over the past few decades...and after many warnings...it's become apparent that we haven't been very
careful with our living space. It's getting a bit better in certain areas, I think, but it's still a
huge, daunting task to clean it up and make sure it stays operational in future. Unless you're aware of
another place to move to, it's simply a chore that has to be done if humans are to be included in the
array of life on this planet; an array that should remain as diverse as possible at the expense of as
few as we can manage. Whether you're of the opinion that humankind has been given dominion over our
world or that we simply have it by default to an ability to manipulate it, the imperative remains.
So, how do we tackle this stunningly enormous job? One way is to take it in smaller bites, so to speak.
Some of the damage occurred one act at a time...some can be undone one act at a time. This page is
meant to offer suggestions as to how to accomplish this, and the suggestions are, I think, easy enough
for most people to follow.
Pick Something Up
I know you didn't throw it there, but so what? Take a walk and carry one of those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags
you've collected over the past months. Fill it with as much roadside trash as it'll hold. It still goes to
your local landfill, but it's a start. Those bags can be made to last for at least three shopping trips, by the way...
Turn Something Off
Is the bathroom light on? Is there anyone in there? How about your T.V. and radio? Are you watching/listening?
Do you really need to leave the coffee warmer on for that last half cup of mud nobody's going to drink? What
about your 'puter? The Energy Saver feature is nice, but if you can't think of a really good reason to
leave it on, don't.
Mix Stuff Up
You know those leftovers from Sunday dinner? Instead of reheating them in separate pans on separate burners,
think "soup". Or maybe "casserole". Most leftovers are in small quantities suitable for this purpose, but
even when they aren't, you can divide and freeze them into portions that are. The freezer's running anyway.
Innovate
Got plastic milk jugs? If you do, they're actually very useful items. Cleaned out and filled with boiled
water and a drop or two of chlorine bleach, they can be stored for up to six months and used for emergencies.
After six months, you can just dump them in your garden or lawn. And if you live in a cold area, you can
fill them with water and set them out in the garden as little solar heat generators that'll give your
tomatoes an extra boost during the growing season. They also make good, safe storage for used insulin syringes
(if you're unlucky enough to need storage for used insulin syringes).
Paper grocery bags are excellent craft material. Kids can draw or paint on them, you can cut them into
strips for weaving, stamped or painted, they're great for Halloween treat bags or costumes, and they can
be converted into interesting memo sheets. If you wanna be strictly utilitarian, you can usually get three
grocery store trips out of one bag. I like the canvas bags with the handles, myself, but whatever...
Your grandma was right...old newspapers are great for cleaning windows.
In short, before you throw something away, think of how you might be able to use it for something else.
Share Something
Get acquainted with your neighbors and share rides to the supermarket once a week. Do shopping for a shut-in
in your neighborhood. Before you hit the store, call a neighbor and find out if you can pick up a loaf
of bread or a can of coffee for him/her. Organize a monthly recyling round-robin. Have a community garage
sale once or twice a year. What's junk to you may be gold to somebody else.
Don't Poison Things
Did you know that, no matter how many chemicals you use in your yard, the bugs will still be there? And
did you know also that those are the bugs that are most likely genetically able to survive your toxic
cocktails, thus making stronger and more toxic ones necessary? And finally, are you aware that the junk
you're spraying isn't real picky about who or what it kills? It's doing a number on spiders, birds, predator
and pollinator insects, pets, and your grandkids. It's an equal opportunity destroyer. Find out about
organic gardening techniques. They aren't that hard, and they work.
Plant Something
Plant a tree. Or a marigold. Or a bush. Plant wherever you can get permission and where it's feasible.
One person, one plant. Not much, unless you multiply it by millions...
Put Something On
If you're feeling chilly, don't turn up the heat...put more clothes on. That really ugly sweater your Aunt
Hazel sent you for Christmas may not be your idea of sartorial splendor, but it'll keep you warm and nobody
but the dog will see you wearing it. Incidentally, buying clothes at your local thrift store isn't a social
gaffe, but even if it was, who's going to know? If any of your friends see you, you might want to
ask yourself what they're doing there and respond appropriately if the subject comes up.
Suggestions?
If you have one, e-mail me. I'll post it and link back to you. Keep it simple enough for most people to
follow without a major, all-out effort. One baby step at a time...couldn't hurt!
macaroo388@aol.com