Great Ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

You and your family can recycle, reuse, and reduce more than you think! If you care about family and planetary wellness, take simple steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Each positive action helps protect our environment, and contributes to worldwide efforts to keep the planet inhabitable for our children’s children.

Great Eco-friendly Ways to Live Greener and Greener Each Minute

For More Ideas See the Five Points Below...

1. Bring reusable bags and containers when you shop, travel, or pack lunches. Choose products that are returnable (like library books, CD’s, and DVD’s), and refillable (bring your own doggie bag container to restaurants). Don’t rely on single-use items like plastic bags and containers to pack leftovers. Avoid individually wrapped items, snack packs, and all plastic water bottles. Use biodegradable containers and bottles made from glass, stainless steel, or pottery instead.

2. Retrain yourself and your children to conserve resources like water and electricity. Encourage all family members to turn off water while brushing their teeth, and switch off lights when they are not in a room. Unplug your appliances like your toaster, when it's not in use. Use cloth napkins and cloth diapers, instead of disposables. This will help in a BIG way to cut down on junk in the landfill. Reasons Why it's Smart to Use Cloth Diapers.

3. Cut down on gas usage by turning off your vehicle while waiting in line at the drive through coffee (bring your own cup) place or when picking up kids from school.

4. Buy in bulk whenever it's practical, because packaging materials are greatly reduced this way. It will save time shopping and save some green too. Bulk items are usually less expensive than individual portions of stuff.

5. Figure out how to minimize your waste. Use less water by watering your garden early or late in the day. Use eco-friendly forms of transportation like buses and bikes. Support companies whose products conserve natural resources, don't pollute the environment, and are manufactured with recycled materials that are minimally packaged. It doesn’t take much to go greener this year. All you have to do is think and act green.


And here's additional green reading ----- 

Smart-Ways-to-Green-Your-Lifestyle, 

Eat-Less-Meat-and-Save-the-Planet, 

How-Will-You-Celebrate-Earth-Day-2015?

Divest-from-Fossil-Fuels-Reinvest-in-Eco-friendly Investments,

Select-a-Car-Color-that-Pleases-You.

The quote for today follows: "Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find." ~Quoted in Time Magazine

How many of these things do you do now and which new eco-friendly steps are you willing to adopt in the future? Please comment directly on this post in the space provided below. Sharing is caring and I thank you in advance for your support.

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Eat Less Meat and Save the Planet

Eat Less Meat and Save Our Planet

Do you realize how much your food choices matter? Not only do they impact your health and sense of well-being, reducing your consumption of meat by half and eventually switching over to a 100% whole food low fat plant based diet, will make a major contribution to your wellness and the planet’s survival as an inhabitable place to live.

I’ll show you why my research, common sense, ethical and spiritual considerations, and environmental power of this lifestyle change are key reasons to eat less or no meat.

In her Paper, “Food Matters How What We Eat Affects Our Health and the Planet” by Roni Neff PhD., Research and Policy Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) states, “Many of the leading public health threats of our day—including climate change, environmental contamination and resource depletion, hunger and malnutrition, and the obesity epidemic—have strong roots in the current food and agriculture system.” "Food Matters"

To expand on this, here’s an excerpt from a report published in 2009 by Worldwatch Institute. Animal agriculture contributes more to greenhouse gases than the global transportation sector—that’s every single car, bus, plane, train, etc. on this earth. It reads, “Livestock currently amounts to 18 percent of the global warming effect—an even larger contribution than the transportation sector worldwide.” The document, by Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang is available here:

“Livestock and Climate Change”

A report from Florida International University researcher Brian Machovina confirms, "Reducing animal-based product consumption is realistic if we can offer delicious, convenient, plant-based foods that people want to eat." He continues, “Growing crops, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and soy protein would increase the number of food calories available for people by as much as 70 percent on the agricultural lands currently in use. Soybeans contain twice the protein of beef, pork or chicken, and 10 times more protein than whole milk.” Cultivating produce requires less land than what is used to raise livestock. In an article by Evelyn Perez, see what this research mentioned above shows. "Eat less meat, save the planet"

The World Health Organization (WHO) is getting into the act too. In November, 2015, WHO announced that they were classifying processed meat as a carcinogenic and red meat as "possibly carcinogenic," and the amount and frequency of meat consumption today is alarming. 

We need to cut consumption of meat at least to half, as a start. Even if there were no health concerns like the fact that 17% of all commercial cow meat has been injected with growth hormones and even more is laden with pesticide residue, ethical reasons are plentiful. Untold numbers of people are hungry and starving in the world. Terrible conditions for raising animals prevail in commercial farms, with infringement of animal rights, and pollution from industrial factory farms etc. Raising animals for food is distasteful, for moral as well as environmental reasons. Destruction of natural resources like land, water, and soil, and rising greenhouse gas levels result from this type of operation.  Food Democracy Now Blog.

When you eat less meat, your health improves, and you cut down on medical expenses. Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet that is whole food (not processed or fast food) can save you big bucks too.

To conclude, I plant this seed.

 "A reduction in beef and other meat consumption is the most potent single act you can take to halt the destruction of our environment and preserve our natural resources. Our choices do matter. What's healthiest for each of us personally is also healthiest for the life support system of our precious, but wounded planet."

     -- John Robbins, author of "Diet for a New America", and President, EarthSave Foundation, Santa Cruz, California
Link to EarthSave

Before you go, please take a moment to comment on my post. Please share what you do to improve your eating habits and efforts you've made or intend to make to reduce your carbon footprint. 

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Divest from Fossil Fuels/Reinvest in Eco-Friendly Investments

Divest from Fossil Fuels and Invest in Companies That are Kind to Our Planet and People

It makes good environmental, moral, and ethical sense to divest fossil fuel investments and reinvest in renewable energy and eco-friendly companies. It's easy to notice that global warming, climate change, and its effect on human life are closely connected, when you think of Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it caused along the east coast of the United States. You probably also recall that thousands died or were injured in the Philippines during Typhoon Haiyan, and have read many Haitians are still homeless and living in tents, in the aftermath of damage caused by hurricane flooding there.

The Weather Channel’s Position Statement on global warming states, “The climate of the earth is indeed warming, with an increase of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit in the past century, more than half of that occurring since the 1970's. Impacts can already be seen, especially in the Arctic, with melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and rapid retreat and thinning of sea ice, all of which are affecting human populations as well as animals and vegetation. There and elsewhere, rising sea level is increasing coastal vulnerability. There is evidence in recent years of a direct linkage between the larger-scale warming and shorter-term phenomena such as heat waves and precipitation extremes. The jury is out on exactly what effects global warming is having or will have upon tropical cyclones or tornadoes.” For more see: The Weather Channel Position Statement

Let’s look at global warming from another angle, information from a National Geographic Report about the causes of greenhouse gas.

1.“One of the first things scientists learned is that there are several greenhouse gases responsible for warming, and humans emit them in a variety of ways. Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories, and electricity production. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon dioxide, also called CO2. Other contributors include methane released from landfills and agriculture (especially from the digestive systems of grazing animals), nitrous oxide from fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes, and the loss of forests that would otherwise store CO2. Different greenhouse gases have different heat-trapping abilities. Some of them can trap more heat than CO2. A molecule of methane produces more than 20 times the warming of a molecule of CO2. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than CO2. Other gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (which have been banned in much of the world because they also degrade the ozone layer), have heat-trapping potential thousands of times greater than CO2.” However, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is so great that this is the element that makes weather more extreme. Read the full National Geographic Report here: National Geographic Report

2. Since the main source of fuel used in the U.S. today is derived from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, it follows that a reduction in fossil fuel use will result in less carbon dioxide polluting our atmosphere.

Now, here are ways you can be part of the solution.

There’s a special event that’s taking place Feb 13-14, 2015 and you’re invited. Join with people from spots all over the world who are fed up with escalating fossil fuel production and pollution from CO2 Emissions and don’t want to take it anymore!

Take part in Fossil Fuel Divestment Day. Make a tangible economic statement in a world-wide effort to stop global warming by divesting from those investments in your pension plan, IRA’s, or brokerage accounts that are made up of fossil fuel companies. Then, reinvest your money in sustainable companies that don’t pollute or leave giant carbon footprints.

Here's Help for Sustainable Investment Choices.

For the Individual Investor

Roadmap of Ways to Divest/Invest

* See US SIF – The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, a US membership association for professionals, firms, institutions and organizations engaged in sustainable, responsible, and impact investment  USSIF.org

* Pray with others and rally to divest/reinvest. Group efforts create positive energy to support this cause. Gather together and feel a sense of community and sharing. Carry signs and banners, and get publicity by contacting the media. Show your community, politicians, big business, policy makers, and the public that you want fossil fuel to be replaced with solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources. The organizers of this movement have set the goal to eventually make fossil fuels part of our past history.

* Go a step further and work to pass laws prohibiting fracking, stop the Keystone XL Pipeline, and vote in favor of legislation that limits the amount of fossil reserves companies can store. The smoke and discharge from fossil fuel factories destroy fragile ecosystems, can possibly create dangerous, explosive situations, is bad for your health, and spoils natural resources. Big oil, gas, and coal do not need to stockpile resources, because those on hand already surpass realistic future energy needs. According to OXFAM, “If the world is to avoid exceeding dangerous global warming of 2°C, up to 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves need to stay in the ground.” See OXFAM

* Be vocal and communicate with friends, neighbors, and civic groups about global divestment/sustainable investments to keep the ball rolling. Efforts by various individuals, religious groups, environmental organizations, college students, pension plans, cities, counties, and countries are part of the Divestment Movement. It is only the beginning. Consider holding a Divest/Invest Party, rally, workshop, meeting and the like. For hints about how to do that, look at Divest/Invest Party

* Be smart and be kind. Reduce your own carbon footprint by walking more and driving less, using public transportation or car-pooling, and reducing your reliance on fossil fuels by installing a sustainable source of energy to heat and cool your home, help those less fortunate to become self-sustaining, and conserve, recycle, and reuse products so new ones won't have to be made by fossil-fueled factories.

Here’s a sample of those who have already committed to the goal of Divest/Invest:

1. Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls the destruction of the earth's environment the Human Rights Challenge of our Time. See a video about his view at Desmond Tutu Video

2. Ten U.S. Cities Divest from Fossil Fuel Investments. They are Seattle, WA, Madison, WI; Bayfield WI; Ithaca, NY; Boulder, CO; Rochester, MN; Eugene, OR; Richmond, CA; Berkeley, CA; and San Francisco, CA. 

3. Norwegian Sovereign Wealth (oil) Fund has divested from a total of 22 companies on February 6, 2015 as the result of pressure from Norway’s parliament, who stated those companies are a high risk to climate. Global Divestment Day on the 13 and 14 of February comes at the perfect time to increase the pressure on institutions such as the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth fund to commit to full divest from fossil fuels. See in-depth article @ http://goo.gl/Jhc6p4

4. The Church of Sweden has announced complete divestment from fossil fuels by ridding itself of its remaining holdings in gas companies. Its assets of $691,292,490 are now completely fossil-free. More @ http://goo.gl/kLWbLv

5. Several member churches of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Churches of Christ have divested, as well as the Minnesota United Church of Christ. See more at United Churches of Christ

6. The counties of San Francisco, CA and Dane County, WI have divested.

7. A growing number of Universities and Colleges have divested in fossil fuels after student activists demonstrated or led campaigns at Hampshire College, MA, Naropa University, CO, Prescott College, AZ, San Francisco State University Foundation, CA, Sterling College, KS, and Unity College ME. For the latest on this see Universities and College Pledge to Divest

8. The World Council of Churches (WCC), consisting of over 300 churches and representing half a billion Christians worldwide, has decided to pull its investments out of fossil fuels. See more at: WCC

9. The Entire Unitarian Church Voted to Divest from Fossil Fuels.

10. Newark Episcopal Church 2015 Convention Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel and Invest in Sustainable Energy concludes they will divest. “It is immoral to profit from an industry whose core business creates climate change and whose financial and political influence has prevented climate change legislation.” See more at 

Episcopal Diocese of Newark

11. Karen H., who is a member of an Episcopalian Congregation in Arizona, says “My spirit is calling me to speak out about this moral issue. People are suffering as a result of climate change, like those who are homeless as a result of the typhoon in the Philippines. How can I speak to peoples’ hearts so they will make the connection between their investments in fossil fuels and the consequences of their actions on families today and for generations to come?”

I believe the time is ripe for us to align our values with our investments. Economic decisions and choices can serve us financially as well as serve a greater good. Sustainable energy is a growing industry, one where advances in technology have made renewable sources of energy more affordable, more readily available, and an earth-friendly way to contribute to the greening of our planet.

Are you willing to contact your Senators, Congress people, and the U.S. President to ask for a moratorium on increased fossil fuel development? My view is that further development is unacceptable and unconscionable. Are you in favor of state and national bills and laws that support sustainable, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and thermal power in public buildings, offices, and the like? Will you raise you voice in support and invest in those companies that don’t contribute to climate change? Will you join with others around the world to divest fossil fuel holdings and invest in sustainable energy instead? As a human being and world citizen, listen to your conscience and make the right choice for you.

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Before you go, take a moment to comment. Will you join this cause? What greener choices are you making in your life? Please share about that. If you have questions about this topic, please let me know. Speak with your financial planner and educate yourself before you make any investment.
If you feel I’ve provided useful information, please share a link to this blog and credit with my name, Nancy Andres. Here’s my Pinterest Page and Facebook Page.

I offer this blog to you to encourage you to look at both your values and your thought process. Remember you have options about investments and other lifestyle actions. Please consider eco-friendly alternatives. Help take this step and contribute to a world wide effort to save our precious planet.

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Why not order a copy of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, and Bliss? It makes a great gift idea for a loved one or yourself, because this journal is colorful, unique, and its activities help women feel more joy in daily living. Wishing everyone a marvelous Valentine's Day. Love from me to you!

Quotation for today: "Be loving to yourself. Your happiness depends on it." Nancy Andres

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Photo Challenge That Illustrates Why I Live Green

I've decided to Take the Change the World Wednesday Challenge and snap photos this week of those things I love, enjoy, cherish, or want to preserve. 

I've included photos which show some of the reasons why I think it's important to live green. I invite you to get your camera out and start snapping too. Post the photos on your blog or share them with #CTWW (link below). If you'd rather not, just take photos to remind yourself of why you live in an Eco-friendly way. 

Every time I've made a small change in my daily life and live greener, I'm contributing to a global effort of common people to make significant strides in helping to save our planet from devastating effects of global warming. Climate change with severe weather extremes has already destroyed homes, killed men, women, and children, and left people starving and with no clean water to drink.

Here's one mess I'd like to change or prevent, that has been captured in the clip art below.

This photo wasn't taken by me, but it does show exactly what is happening to some parts of our planet.

Now here's the good part. Following are some things that I'm doing to conserve, reuse, recycle, and live green 

1. reusing glass jars from foodstuff as storage containers
2. recycling rubber bands that come from store-bought vegetables as an office supply
3. using large food cans, tires, and jars as garden planters
4. using china, glass, silverware instead of paper goods at large gatherings and at small parties too. If I don't have enough of my own dishes or glasses, I ask guests to bring their own.
5. taking my stainless steel thermos bottle along with me for water instead of drinking from plastic throw away water bottles. Just to illustrate plastics' impact on our environment, here's a statistic that may floor you. In 2012, the United States generated almost 14 million tons of plastics as containers and packaging, about 11 million tons as durable goods such as appliances, and almost 7 million tons as non-durable goods, such as plates and cups. See more on this from the Environmental Protection Agency.
6. recycling hangers as mobiles, and for other arts and crafts projects
7. exercise by walking in my neighborhood or doing yoga at home instead of driving to the gym, park, etc.
8. donating my time, money, and energy to the cause of reducing my carbon footprint. I have spoken out to elected officials, government agencies, written blog posts and articles, and contacted companies that manufacture products that are environmentally friendly or harmful and will continue to do this.

I spotted these beautiful flowers in a neighbor's yard, while out for my morning constitutional. Aren't they gorgeous? If climate change made it any warmer here in Arizona, I doubt I would be able to walk outside or see beautiful things like this. I bet this type plant wouldn't even be able to grow so well.

Here's a picture I snapped at a botanical garden. Aren't the plants beautiful and what about these delightful creatures? The earth's water supply is finite. If climate change continues at its rapid pace, I'm worried there won't be enough water for people and animals to survive. In some third world countries, this is already the case.

Don't forget to read what Reduce Footprints and guests @ #Take the Change the World Wednesday Challenge say about this topic. Please comment by email at obloggernewbie@gmail.com or reshare the blog on social media.

Be well. Live well. Lead a colorful, yet green life!

Here's the quotation for today:

"Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man." Stewart Udall

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