Set the cruise control on your car. Order draft beer instead of bottled. Switch to powdered laundry detergent. Each is an easy way to exert a positive impact on the world's ecology and each can be found in Jodi Helmer's new book, The Green Year: 365 small things you can do to make a big difference. Going "green" doesn't have to be at odds with present day society's on-the-go, gotta-get-it-now, Blackberry world. The key is finding what works for you. It's not about installing solar panels and spending thousands of dollars. It's not about going out and buying a hybrid car, but about little things everyone can do.
The Green Year at a Glance
January 13, Turn your computer off at the end of the day ... and help save a ton of carbon dioxide emissions.
February 16, Download your favorite music online to eliminate the manufacturing of a CD, it's plastic case, the paper liner notes and the plastic wrapping.
March 16, Buy your dog a leash made of canvas or hemp. Replalcing all nylon pet leashes in the US would prevent the release of greenhouse gases equal to the amount produced by 250,000 households per year.
April 19, Donate newspapers to local animal shelters to use as bedding, also plastic grocery bags.
May 5, Fill small bowls with beer and place at soil level to get rid of slugs in your yard.
June 23, Wash your car at a commercial carwash and save anywhere from 40-100 gallons of water.
July 14, Get the junk out of your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in your car can reduce fuel efficency by up to 2%.
August 30, Choose a cast-iron pan over one with a non-stick coating, which contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment and people.
September 10, Scrape (don't rinse) dirty dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.
October 9, Switch to powdered laundry detergent, liquid detergent is almost 80% water!
November 21, Use your PDA or cell phone to text short messages. Texting uses 30% less energy than e-mailing.
December 13, Buy a cut Christmas tree. Nearly all sold Christmas trees are grown on tree farms, meaning their stock is replenished yearly and forests aren't depleted ... and they are recyclable!
Happy Earth Day!