This is where you and your friends can give a big shout out to each other! This week's shout goes to:
"Livi! Hope to see you soon! Love, Kelly."
This is where you and your friends can give a big shout out to each other! This week's shout goes to:
IN A GENERATION where the term "going green" is a popular coined phrase, you would think it might just be a trend. Far from a passing fad, however, the idea of doing your part for our environment--the Earth--is practically mandatory. And, well, it makes sense that we should be trying to conserve, recycle, and lessen our carbon footprint. Afterall, we got ourselves into this mess; the best thing we can do at this point is stop and turn around. Stop the waste, stop the filth, stop the unappreciative attitude from spreading to the next generation.
How can we do this? We are already knee-deep--if not higher--in an attitude that permiates society: greed. We need the newest, latest, and greatest, without stopping to think about anyone else. How can you turn away from this without becoming a secluded mountain man?
It all starts with little things, little turn-arounds. To be honest, we all love modern electronics--self included--and modern luxuries. The thing is, all those modern crafts waste so much energy, as well as time. While they may save time in some ways, isn't it true that it's much easier to get glued to a computer screen for hours more than, let's say, a typewriter? And, won't most kids nowadays say that they'll play a video game for hours with their friends? I don't think they'd play an old-fashioned game for as long. Who can say that an iPod isn't way more fun than a Walkman? So, it's true, the modern stuff, which usually are time or energy consumers, are more addictive and fun. I can't really expect to pry a GameBoy out of any kid's hands without getting seriously injured. Yet, I do realize that a lot of kids that love all the new items of today--gamers, especially--also want to "go green," and in effect, lessen their carbon footprint. But, come on, they aren't going to drop the game controller in a second and go clean up our streets full of litter. Therefore, I've thought of some things that you can try doing, without overtaxing yourself. Remember... little steps.
Recycling is, of course, obvious. By recycling, you decrease the need to make brand-new products from resources we are running out of. Also, buying things that were at one time recycles helps, and it's, honestly, not a hard step to take. Another thing is reducing how much you use. You don't have to never use paper! Buying recycled paper products and then using it fully is something to try. Let's say you have a 10-page document to print out, right? Well, print it out on both sides and, voila! You'll only use 5 sheets of paper.
Now, let's say you don't use your computer that often and it spends a lot of time idling, right? Shut it off and unplug it when you aren't using it. This goes for most electric appliances that draw a lot of energy. Also, computers usually have a setting called Stand-by, or an energy-efficient mode, where it draws less energy. The advantage of using this mode is that you can quickly resume what you were doing. And, best part is, it takes less energy, which also means a smaller electric bill.
What's another thing? For younger kids, make your own toys and games out of old stuff that no on is using. Why is this a good idea? Well, because the less items you have to buy new at a store, the less resources will be used. Plus, it's a money-saver. You'd probably find it more creative and fun to make up your own games, too. Don't think of this as a stretch because it actually can be just as much fun as buying a new game. And, it'll have more sentimental value because you and your friends created yourselves!
Avid video and computer gamers can consider this idea: buy used games. So many people buy games and decide they want to sell them back to the store. Most are practically new and cost a lot less, and remember that you can always give or sell the game to someone else once you are done with it, too. This also goes for gaming systems, game guides, and gaming equiptment that you aren't using anymore. The bottom line is to avoid buying new, which makes companies have to make more and ship more. No, we aren't trying to put anyone out of business, but we are trying to save and conserve--major components in the "going green" factor.
Doing little things, like saving energy and resources, can add up over time. Once we get in the habit of thinking "green," it'll become easier; we'll be able to do more, and think up new ideas. And, since there is so much hype about what's eco-friendly, it's not hard to find tips and articles that can also prove helpful. Being "green" isn't just a popular thing to be now, it's a must if you want to show you care. Fortunately, you don't have to be a hippie to show you care and to do your part. No one is left out. Everyone can help out our planet and our fellow humans now. Remember, just a few little things can really add up, so do your part.
Check the web (and even your local newspaper) for other helpful green tips today!
