EcoGeek!
Technology can be a force for evil, or for awesome. Those who shun the tech are just as guilty as those who ignore the environment. There's a safe balance, where the awesome can help nature as much as it helps us have a good time and live easier lives.
This post, "EcoGeek!", devotes to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology.
Steps to earn yourself the tag of a responsible EcoGeek:
Tip #1: Unplug
Taking a few minutes to turn off electrical devices won't just help you save the planet, it can also help you save a few bucks off your electric bill each month. At home/room, go ahead and turn off the lights when leaving (chances are the walls and floor won't mind the dark)!
Take an extra few seconds to shut down your computer and printer instead of letting them idle, and-annoying as it sounds-make morning a routine of unplugging TVs, fans and stereos before leaving for work/college. Like any routine, you'll get used to doing it in no time flat.
Tip #2: Use Less Water
Did you know, it has been predicted that with the current trends of water consumption in India, there will be water supply shortages of upto 40% by 2015 in most of the urban cities!
So now it's high-time we all saved that precious drop of water flowing from our leaking taps.
In the bathroom, opt for the quick shower. Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and turn the water off when you're shaving or brushing.In the kitchen, remember that you don't need to scald every plate and pot to get them clean, and don't forget to turn the water off when you're scrubbing!
Thinking about the long haul? Try setting up a solar powered water heating system.
Tip #4: Choose Products With Less Packaging
Think of the layers of armor that separate you from a new consumer good. The precious cargo is placed inside a pouch inside a plastic exoskeleton inside a paper sleeve, then bagged for easy transport. Sounds cute for Russian dolls. But for a stick of gum or a fresh razor blade, it's infuriating, time-consuming, and a waste of resources.
With so many similar products crowding store aisles, try choosing one that sports less packaging. (You'll find that companies that give careful thought to packaging waste are probably considerate of, say, pesticide-free agriculture or humane working conditions, too.) Don't have time to comparison-shop? Simply buying product refills can assuage your conscience, and save a few rupees. Bring your canvas tote to the grocery store to get everything home. Think similarly for restaurants: that pile of plates, napkins, plastic utensils and condiments could easily be spared by making your takeout eat-in.
Tip #4: Plant a Tree
No gardening project offers quite such instant gratification as planting your own tree. You get exercise, immediate visual stimulation, and some serious self-satisfaction. Your tree will convert nasty pollutants to pure oxygen and offer a welcome to wildlife -- and tree roots can help stay erosion. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce global warming.
Depending on what kind of tree you choose, and where you plant it, the shade can gradually help to cool your home as well as offer a perfect spot for contemplation, meditation or recreation.
Tip #5: Recycle
Savvy shopping and a little creativity can keep your trash pile from mounting. Judge products by their recycled packaging, such as bottles, cans, paper wrappings, and cereal boxes. Choose stationery and other supplies made from recyclable materials that are better the second time around. Return plastic bags to the grocery store. Give old cell phones and cars to your favorite charity. Compost your leftovers and keep your lawn well fed by letting grass-mown clippings lie.
Think outside that empty cardboard box: It's a fairytale fort for a five-year-old. Finally, hang an old flat tire to a tree and make a swing for green-minded folks of all ages.
Tip #6: Spread the Word!
Want to shake some sense into people? Use the web as your own personal bullhorn to make the world a greener place. Inform your inner circle about good causes or upcoming legislation via e-mail.
If you have a blog or website, start posting information about the issues that matter to you. Awareness is the key to a sustainable planet, and the web gives you a powerful way to be part of the solution. Or simply direct the readers of your blog or website to this post's permalink.
Just by following these six simple steps you can go on to make a marked difference to the environment. And if you follow some of these tips, so will your near and dear ones.
This post, "EcoGeek!", devotes to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology.
Steps to earn yourself the tag of a responsible EcoGeek:
Tip #1: Unplug
Taking a few minutes to turn off electrical devices won't just help you save the planet, it can also help you save a few bucks off your electric bill each month. At home/room, go ahead and turn off the lights when leaving (chances are the walls and floor won't mind the dark)!
Take an extra few seconds to shut down your computer and printer instead of letting them idle, and-annoying as it sounds-make morning a routine of unplugging TVs, fans and stereos before leaving for work/college. Like any routine, you'll get used to doing it in no time flat.
Tip #2: Use Less Water
Did you know, it has been predicted that with the current trends of water consumption in India, there will be water supply shortages of upto 40% by 2015 in most of the urban cities!
So now it's high-time we all saved that precious drop of water flowing from our leaking taps.
In the bathroom, opt for the quick shower. Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and turn the water off when you're shaving or brushing.In the kitchen, remember that you don't need to scald every plate and pot to get them clean, and don't forget to turn the water off when you're scrubbing!
Thinking about the long haul? Try setting up a solar powered water heating system.
Tip #4: Choose Products With Less Packaging
Think of the layers of armor that separate you from a new consumer good. The precious cargo is placed inside a pouch inside a plastic exoskeleton inside a paper sleeve, then bagged for easy transport. Sounds cute for Russian dolls. But for a stick of gum or a fresh razor blade, it's infuriating, time-consuming, and a waste of resources.
With so many similar products crowding store aisles, try choosing one that sports less packaging. (You'll find that companies that give careful thought to packaging waste are probably considerate of, say, pesticide-free agriculture or humane working conditions, too.) Don't have time to comparison-shop? Simply buying product refills can assuage your conscience, and save a few rupees. Bring your canvas tote to the grocery store to get everything home. Think similarly for restaurants: that pile of plates, napkins, plastic utensils and condiments could easily be spared by making your takeout eat-in.
Tip #4: Plant a Tree
No gardening project offers quite such instant gratification as planting your own tree. You get exercise, immediate visual stimulation, and some serious self-satisfaction. Your tree will convert nasty pollutants to pure oxygen and offer a welcome to wildlife -- and tree roots can help stay erosion. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce global warming.
Depending on what kind of tree you choose, and where you plant it, the shade can gradually help to cool your home as well as offer a perfect spot for contemplation, meditation or recreation.
Tip #5: Recycle
Savvy shopping and a little creativity can keep your trash pile from mounting. Judge products by their recycled packaging, such as bottles, cans, paper wrappings, and cereal boxes. Choose stationery and other supplies made from recyclable materials that are better the second time around. Return plastic bags to the grocery store. Give old cell phones and cars to your favorite charity. Compost your leftovers and keep your lawn well fed by letting grass-mown clippings lie.
Think outside that empty cardboard box: It's a fairytale fort for a five-year-old. Finally, hang an old flat tire to a tree and make a swing for green-minded folks of all ages.
Tip #6: Spread the Word!
Want to shake some sense into people? Use the web as your own personal bullhorn to make the world a greener place. Inform your inner circle about good causes or upcoming legislation via e-mail.
If you have a blog or website, start posting information about the issues that matter to you. Awareness is the key to a sustainable planet, and the web gives you a powerful way to be part of the solution. Or simply direct the readers of your blog or website to this post's permalink.
Just by following these six simple steps you can go on to make a marked difference to the environment. And if you follow some of these tips, so will your near and dear ones.
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