Ways on helping our environment

i've been teaching my kids to separate the trashes, the ones that could still be used or recycled and the ones that would get rotten. in fact, since my kids always have projects at school, we were able to use recycled materials in making their projects. and also, we sell the plastic bottles and used papers in the junk shop. in those simple ways, i think we're able to help in saving the environment.

Yeah, I heard that replacing incandescent bulbs with flourescent bulbs lessens carbon emissions. There are lots of small ways we can help our planet and with concentrated efforts , small things can become big.

There are actually many little ways that if all people in the world do them, would make a lot of difference 1) shutting the faucet off when you're actually not using it...for example, when you're soaping and rubbing the hands together...it also helps that the water flow be kept to a minimum 2) collecting and using rainwater instead for some household activities like watering plants and washing cars 3) segregation of biodegradable, plastics and bottles 4) not letting inflatable balloons float into the sky - because they can fall anywhere when they deflate, and they are not biodegradable 5) using a hybrid car would lessen smoke emissions since there would be less use of fossil fuel 6) watering the plants during the late afternoon or at night so water don't easily evaporate 7) planting more trees/plants in the yard 8) using recycled paper for school and office 9) using "scratch paper" - the back side of already used paper for notes, etc. these are some ways I could think of...

I've read some great responses so, there is not much I can add: I like the cycling idea a lot! I wish I could cycle to work, or to more places. It's dangerous to cycle on our narrow roads with reckless drivers and I feel like I need more practice before I am confident enough to brave those roads...it's a vicious circle/cycle! I agree we could all be responsible about recycling stuff we are no longer using whether we call it trash or not, and getting it into a bin and out of the natural environment is definitely manageable for anyone if they would just think about it! Unfortunately a lot of people just flick trash away without a second thought. Then there are those that put the wrong trash in the recycling bins or don't secure their trash so it is easily scattered by animals foraging for food. Thoughtless! I try to recycle, but there are not enough facilities in my area. Right now I have some bottles collected that I must get someone to drop off at a centre which is probably about 100 miles or more from where I live. Our home is near a public path, so our yard becomes a trash dump for passers-by, which is very annoying, aggravating and frustrating! I certainly will continue to do my best though including picking up others' trash, and recycling. This year I participated in the international coastal cleanup - which incidentally they call a data collection exercise, because they know the odds of the beaches being in the same condition come next year are very high! I had not known about unplugging electrical appliances. I will definitely do that mroe often now.

I have one word for you! Cycling! I love cycling and I feel that I contribute to protecting the environment this way. I don't even know how to drive! I have plans for that later in the year but, I would purchase one of those hybrid cars I think! I do like the idea of protecting the environment and want to feel that I'm definitely playing my part. I do all that stuff as well within my flat! I turn off my computer and tv as well as other electrical goods. I don't use my lights as much even though I have those energy efficient bulbs! I do my reading during the day so that I use the natural daylight. I watch the television in the dark during the evenings and so, I guess I'm saving electricity by doing this. I think that it's going to take a lot more than an individual to change things though! I think that more education is needed in relation to protecting the environment. Still, I'm sure that things will work out if everyone starts pulling together. Andrew

Use CFL or LED bulbs, switch off teh light point not in use, switch off yo rcomouter instead of putting it on stand by, unplug all electrical appliances not in use instead of jsut switchg off with a remote. plant a tree at least once a day and water it for a year so that it survives. Do not burn waste paper but shred it and for recycling.

I have read and practice what has so far been mentioned,I did not know about the timer on the hot water tank,so now that is one more for me to go to. But the one major polutant is disposable diapers and pull-ups,how many answering the discussion still use them? They are the worst enemy of the planet,those that do make it to the landfill will never degrade,and those that are just thrown under cars or out the window,spread human waist into the water table. As a shop owner,I reward any one that proves to me that they do not use disposables(on children)but are needing the help,are wearing plastic pants. this I have been doing for 30 years,and have had many change over to cloth.so I feel I have been a bit of help.Many Blessings.

Drastic changes in our environment are really alarming. That is why in my own little ways I do help in conserving our resources. 1. If I have papers or candy wrappers and I need to dump them but can't see any trash can, then what I do is I first put it in my pockets or bags then throw it when I see a trash bin. Rather than throwing it on the streets. 2. I remove plugs or shut off appliances and lights that I will not be using. 3. I make sure that faucets are closed after using it. 4. I don't use plastic bags for small items.

I know it is not much but try to not use our ac and heat if we dont really really have to. We have out energy bill down to 60 bucks a month. We got a on/off switch on our hot water heater. Did you know the avgerage hot water heater turns on for at least 4 to 6 hours a day. We got this switch we leave it on for 1 hour each day and it is enough to wash dishes and take baths. We also try to hang some of our clothes instead of dry them if weather permits and we are not lazy. Also another thing that is not much, but I dont buy tuppeware I use bowls like cool whip, butter or just other items that I buy and instead of packing our lunches with sandwich bags to just throw away we use these items. Hopefully this is helping. I would like to think so but just a family of 4 can not help as much as if everyon would jump on the bandwagon.

I recycle cans a lot. Even when i give the dog a walk and see a can i still pick it up and throw it in my can bin and once a get 5 bags full i bring em in to the recycle joint. I also do that by unplugging appliances that i don't use. I even learned from a friend to put your TV and all your entertainment center stuff on a Surge Protector and then when you go to sleep or whatever just unplug the whole thing or turn it off while you sleep. I think it kind of helps.

mm... i recycle whatever is recyclable and i do it everyday.. that's all i'm doing to help the environment haha.. i don't think unplugging every electrical socket is too convenient althought it would probably save alot of electricity.