What are some of the things you do to lead a more sustainable lifestyle?

Question

What are some of the things you do to lead a more sustainable lifestyle?

Answer 1

I ride my bicycle to work instead of driving.

Answer 2

We recycle everything we can, do not use chemicals or pesticides on our lawn or garden, Plant many native plants in the garden. Do not use the plastic bags at the grocery store. Have changed the lightbulbs to low e. Drive small vehicles. We also make an effort to clean up and recycle the litter that we see on the streets and fields. We also try not to use cleaning products that are harmful, especially any that contain phosphates. If we had enough land we would install a wind turbine. I think this should be done everywhere. We also try to buy as many local products as possible and have educated our child to respect and love the environment.

Answer 3

Among other things I have just started recycling at my work. I have been doing it at home all of my life but was content to rely on the place where I work to provide the means for recycling. Seeing all the cans, bottles, cardboard and paper go to waste started to bother me more and more. I convinced my manager to buy a blue recycling can and placed it by my desk. It is catching on slowly and I often have to pick through others trash cans but feel good at the end of the day knowing that I am helping to make a difference. I also purchased energy efficient bulbs and replaced all the bulbs around my work. The company wouldn't buy them due to their cost. I hope that people seeing me do this on a day to day basis will start to sink in with them more and hopefully everyone will soon have their own personal recycling at their desks. It is just a drop in the bucket but it is a step in the right direction.

Answer 4

I would LOVE to have wind power.. but dang it we cannot afford it...



Permaculture is something my husband is very serious about.. Planting edible plants where we can...we recently moved to a 10 acre place where we had free range chickens this summer (chickens are fun).

Shop less.. consume less...



one warning about "products not tested on animals"... some of those products trick you - the product in its full isnt tested but they do test the ingredients that make up the product..



I work in a retail shop - its disgusting the amount of waste the small shop produces in a day... people really should stop and think - every thing in a shop had to come from somewhere.. (made in China etc..)



people should support FARMERS MARKETS and local crafters...

Answer 5

most people that abuse your so called sustainable life, are rich and greedy money swindlers that don't give a hoots about the future..

I walk my kids to school or carpool, I use hand me down clothes cause its feasible, i recycle everything that my city picks up on garbage day. I don't waist food , and dint spoil my children when bikes are available to use. basically I cant afford the gas so the economy has caused me to cut corners...you rich with your electric cars that's dandy unfortunately they are not cheap for a middle class laborer...

Answer 6

If anyone is reading this late in the thread, I am certain what I'm going to say will earn me some thumbs down, but here's my take.



If you don't really need something DON'T buy it. That includes: cars, electronics gadgets, anything that runs on batteries, useless health care products that are poor substitutes for just eating right and exercising, tv sets, overpriced cheaply made sneakers, space wasting supposed time saving kitchen gadgets.



Don't buy them. Dedicate yourself to deflating this worthless economy of felt needs.



If you do need one of these items, and I'll cede the possibility, buy the one that uses the least fuel for the most yield of work.



And again, stop buying battery operated things. They are right next to nuclear energy as a technology we entered without any plan at all for addressing the waste products. And the batteries piling up by the billions in our environment ultimately will cause death counted in the billions.



Will people be put out of work by this. Probably... but no more so than they are put out of work by industrial automation and the granting of jobs only to the wealthy and privileged enough to get into America's increasingly worthless colleges.



Be prepared to live a much poorer appearing life-style, and stop caring what anyone else thinks.



That's the only true road to sustainability, and it will come with the price of huge sacrifice.



Incidentally, Tom's of Maine's products are quite good, for what they are, but many of them can be replaced by simple remedies.

Answer 7

Recycle what I can, turn off things I am not using, drive less, shop at second hand stores ALWAYS, and teach my kids the value of simple things (cheap vacations, homemade ice-cream, movie night at the house).

Answer 8

I bought a small home on five acres and tossed out the gas central heater. I put in an EPA rated air tight wood burning stove. It is clean burning and wood fuel is carbon neutral. It cycles carbon from the air to the tree and when burned, back into the air for another cycle. Fossil fuels take sequestered carbon from the ground and put it into the air for keeps. The wood I burn is bark beetle dead wood. If put in a landfill it will decay and slow combust and put carbon into the air anyway. So I am not adding any CO2 by burning it.

Answer 9

I try to ride my bicycle or walk if the distance is less than 5 miles. If I drive my car - to save gasoline I remember not to speed. I try to turn off the electricty when I am not using it. If a bulb goes out in the bathroom - I take a used bulb from another reading room and put it in their and then put the new bulb into the reading room. I have created a loose paper bucket. So, if I need to write on something I have immediate scratch paper. etc....a whole bunch of more ideas....

Answer 10

once a month we try to host

a neighborhood night out every month when

many of our neighbors get together making sure

we turn off all the lights and we meet at the park

or each others houses.Last month was my turn

I did all the cooking and they all came over and

we ate and talked and planned our next

neighborhood cleanup.It really helps we

also teach our kids how to help out.we

give the kids a bag and they gather trash

every night after playing out.

Answer 11

I recycle, grow many of my own vegetables (without pesticides and herbicides), maintain my home so that it is as energy efficient as possible, purchased a new high efficiency washer and dryer pair (uses less gas to dry because washer spins clothes better), keep my tires on my car properly inflated (increases gas mileage), flush my hot water heater regularly (improves efficiency and increases lifespan of heater), use a thermos instead of bottled water (wastes the plastic), buy recycled materials when possible, reuse bags from grocery store, buy soy ink printed materials whenever possible, buy soy ink checks, buy recycled checks, cook from scratch often (less packaging), get regular oil changes/air filter changes (improves mileage), pickup after my dog, don't smoke tobacco, installed new energy saving windows in our home, and last, but not least...



I write my State Legislators, Member of Congress, Senators, Mayor, Governor, and even the President to ask that they support legislation that will encourage the expansion of alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. I also advocate for the use of gray-water systems and other "green" alternatives. Check out these websites:http://www.1000fom.org/



http://www.mngreenremodeling.com/

Answer 12

I really don't know where to begin! I feel i cannot do much more, i am doing everything g i can and now find my self 'preaching' to others! Reusable nappies, sanatary towells, wipes. Many people say it should be a religion! I get very upset when i see that people are not doing all they can, out of 'laziness'. This is a recent change though, i was once the laziest person ever when it comes to caring for the environment. I have an allotment, i recycle EVERYTHING, if it can't be recycled, i will keep it until i can reuse it, and believe me- where there is a will...... the only thing now.... i wish i had a larger (old) farm house with animals, in the sticks where i would work on using solar panels and wind turbines, to eventually live off the lot of the land! I love it! I also, do everything i possibly can myself. If the clothes get torn or worn, i reuse them in some way, patchwork, a smaller item of clothing, anything i can inspire. i even empty my hoover into the composter! i bring items home from work, am a member of the local freecycle community(google it.) I also reuse items in my art....sorry... i a appear to be preaching again!!!

Answer 13

Toms of Maine are awesome products - the only paste my kids used growing up.



We have an electrical contracting corp and we've decided to promote solar energy. Recycling materials.



Personally we are looking into chickens and we do not buy anything with partially hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup.



We would love to do something to create affordable housing. Buying the house is the first step but being able to sustain living with a mortgage is quite a different thing. I'm also a Realtor. Taking baby steps toward our goals but with a little faith I'm sure we will get there!

Answer 14

I recycle everything including plastic bags. I use cloth bags for shopping, after picking the habit up while living in Holland. I park as far as possible from where I am going, for my body to continue to function correctly. I use the steps instead of elevators when possible, and return trolleys to the store when people leave them out in the parking lot. I read labels, and do not buy when a company is simply selling poor food rather than working on making it more healthy. I have replaced every light bulb with the newer kinds, and use only one bulb in 4 bulb appliances. I have purchased a new air conditioner that runs on a 2 cycle method, saving energy. We turn off lights in rooms that are empty. We now have new windows for energy conservation. Our electric/gas bill went from $450 to $47.00 in two months by just being more conscious of appliance purchases (that needed to be done anyway) and doing the above actions.

Answer 15

Thanks, Tom! I've been a big fan of your products for a while. I've written a novel where one of the themes of the fiction concerns the impact we consumers have on the environment and indigenous peoples. It's called "Where Did This Come From?" by Larry Nocella, available through the publisher or Amazon.



Anyway, it's companies like yours that inspired me to offset the printing of the book in the same way you purchase wind credits. It's not a perfect solution, but a stepping stone. What we can do is keep pressing for solutions that do not involve this sort of redemptive action. I'd like to be able to purchase books on recycled paper in the first place, not print on fresh paper, then pay to offset the environmental impact.



I'm very proud of the offsetting, though. I could be just another pro-environmental author printing on paper. I tried to do something about it. We need to keep pushing for the solutions up front and not be afraid of losing a few cents here and there: the environment is worth more than money.

Answer 16

The most important thing a person can do is to reduce their consumption. The simpler your life is the more sustainable it is.



A lot of people think that just recycling is enough. It's not even close. Only metals recycling really makes sense at the moment. The fact that most utilities and private companies use seperate truck routes to handle recycling basically negates most of the value of it in the first place. It would be far better to just use garbage trucks and then sort out recyclables at the landfill. Paper would be better off being composted on site.



American life in general is oversized, over gadgeted, over packaged, and too disposable to be sustainable.

If you really want to live a more sustainable way of life consider the following radical changes.



1. Live in a much smaller house! The average american family constructs, maintains, heats, cools, and ultimately consumes more than 500sq ft of living space per person. That is basically ridiculous when you consider that most of that space holds not the people, nor essential equipment but rather all the unnecessary consumer goods that the marketing driven media machine has convinced americans that they need. To add insult to injury most people enslave themselves to a lifetime of debt in order to purchase these ridiculous dwellings and possessions in the first place. A smaller dwelling teaches efficiency to those who live there. A dwelling that is too large just encourages over consumption.



2. Don't buy new cars, and if you must buy one then make sure it gets at least 35 mpg. The car makers keep producing innefficient behemoths because Americans keep buying them. Be realistic about what you need to transport you (hint bicycles work great). Leave your ego on the sidewalk....



3. Reduce your water consumption. More than anything else access to fresh water will be the primary environmental concern of the next 50 years. Consider rainwater catchment schemes, graywater recycling for landscape irrigation, and water saving fixtures for your home.



4. Where possible choose wisely when it comes to groceries and household goods. Try to buy things that are produced locally whenever possible. Use laundry powder which is packaged in degradable cardboard boxes instead of heavier plastic packaged liquid. Eat lower on the food chain. Meat is ridiculously innefficient to produce compared to vegetables.



I could go on and on but the bottom line is to simplify, reduction is by far the most important of the three Rs.

Answer 17

The biggest one is my green cleaning business. I use all eco-friendly products and essential oils. Our paper is printed on 33% post consumer recycled paper, and most stuff I need to buy for the business is local. The car I drive is not a huge gas guzzling machine. and most of the places I go are near by.



At home I use natural detergent, shampoo and soap, and sweep the floor. The rags and towels I use for cleaning and drying dishes are dried on a wooden rack. When I wash clothes once a week, I use cold water as much as possible. These are all healthy, energy saving techniques.



Also....

•I recycle my plastic grocery bags - luckily the supermarket has a special grocery bag recycling area

•I take a shower every other day and a bath once or twice a month

•I stopped washing my gas saving car - only the windows

•I recycle as much as I can

•I re-use aluminum coffee cans for storage or planting pots

•I re-use water bottles as much as possible

•I don't have my heater cranked way up, I use blankets

•I don't travel much outside of the area making less pollution

•I don't buy new, materialistic items unless it will be inherited or of highly functional value

•95% of my furniture and decorations are antique or natural or artistically handmade

•I own 2 laptop computers which are energy saving

•I use natural locally grown items when decorating for holidays and I own a fake christmas tree which we re-use every year

•99% of my lightbulbs are energy saving

•I don't eat processed foods or fast foods that have wasted much energy to make people unhealthy

•I don't have any children - that's a huge garbage generator. If I do, I will use cloth diapers and natural toys

•I live in a small apartment

•I create a lot of my own entertainment at home with my boyfriend, dog and cat - we have fun!



Work for the earth, laugh and love.

Answer 18

Personally, I wish I could do more than I am right now. I'm going to college and raising two kids in the process... not an easy task. My dream lifestyle is not where I can be, yet. However, my college career will end in December and, armed with an environmental science and public administration degree, I hope to make some real changes.

Answer 19

2. Don't buy new cars, and if you must buy one then make sure it gets at least 35 mpg. The car makers keep producing innefficient behemoths because Americans keep buying them. Be realistic about what you need to transport you (hint bicycles work great). Leave your ego on the sidewalk....



3. Reduce your water consumption. More than anything else access to fresh water will be the primary environmental concern of the next 50 years. Consider rainwater catchment schemes, graywater recycling for landscape irrigation, and water saving fixtures for your home.



4. Where possible choose wisely when it comes to groceries and household goods. Try to buy things that are produced locally whenever possible. Use laundry powder which is packaged in degradable cardboard boxes instead of heavier plastic packaged liquid. Eat lower on the food chain. Meat is ridiculously innefficient to produce compared to vegetables.

Answer 20

1. Recycle everything possible and not just by putting things in recycling bins, reuse things. Plastic bags are a great example. If you get a plastic bag from the store take it back to use the next time, until it's no longer useable and then put it in the recycling bin.



2. Public Transportation



3. Walking/Biking, cities too small to have public transport are probably small enough that you can walk/bike almost everywhere



4. If you are a family with two cars cut back to one. Do you really need both? Probably not.



5. Smaller homes. Bigger seems to be better in the US, do you have four children and need a five bedroom house? Probably not. Can your kids probably share a room? I'm thinking yes.



6. Entertainment, TVs and Computers use energy everytime you use them. Books are reusable, they only require energy to make them. Read. Get your kids to read, it's better for them anyway. And quieter for you. Limit that TV/Computer time.



Some of the people who've posted were commenting/complaining that pro-environment products are more expensive, but I think all of my recomendations will actually save you money. How much are you spending on cable? The library is free. Walking/Public Transport is cheaper than having a car or two cars for that matter. A smaller house will cost less and have lower utilites. Will your kids fight if they have to share a room? maybe, but shouldn't you be teaching them to share anyway? Food for thought. Save money, help the environment and be a better parent.

Answer 21

We recycle...paper products, aluminum cans, plastics that can be recycled...we try to avoid buying anything that can't be recycled in some way. Instead of throwing things away, we tend to donate to Goodwill when we can and we conserve heat, electricity, and water. We try to buy organic and fair trade products.



Somewhere down the road, when I am able to purchase my first house, I will be attempting to make it eco-friendly by installing solar panels and by using geothermal energy to heat and cool my home. And I have researched using an in home garden to grow my own vegetables. And would like to eventually purchase a motorcycle and at some point a hybrid vehicle.

Answer 22

I would be interested in a website that Promotes Access to Service and Products of Sustainable Businesses; I learn a lot from global sites and world news.



The Greatest Market is Found in Demand. Demand cannot be Created when The General Public is not Educated to support those who engage in Sustainable Businesses.



I stay on top of research and education. I know who I do business with, and I am not satisfied usually with the Front Page Judgment. Face is "Non Sustainable Living" is "A Bad Habit that Depends on Communication and Business to overcome." I think NGO membership in the United Nations for this Purpose is Beneficial; as it has put Governments on Alert that Corporations Realize that The Scientific Community Are Offering them Solutions that are Marketable. I am CEO of a small, growing, International NGO, and I am not active now, because of circumstances; but I do keep the information coming. I plan on More International Involvement, and Keeping Up More on Educational Items. Technologies are Bursting through with ways to cut Global Destructions. Thanks for being a Sustainable Advocate. Help us educated Rural Americans. Government TAX BREAKS and DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM WORLD BANK PROGRAMS ARE EMERGING AND I AM STUDYING THOSE, ENCOURAGE THOSE AND LOOKING AT OUR STATES TO SEE WHAT WE ARE DOING.



I also do not buy newspapers. I am listed with the no spam, no junk mail registry, I participate in memberships of Natural Resource Advocacy Organizations and I talk about it.



I communicate with other, in formats like this.

Answer 23

Didn't Tom's sell out to Colgate-Palmolive (a very un-sustainable company)?? Even though the founders kept some standards for production they are impliciting supporting these mega-companies that use sweat shop labor and nasty chemicals in all their other products.



Shopping green is getting harder and harder. The other day I was shopping for notebooks and saw a 100% recycled notebook but it was made in china and distributed from new york (I am currently on the west coast)! How is that green?

Answer 24

A lot of people think that just recycling is enough. It's not even close. Only metals recycling really makes sense at the moment. The fact that most utilities and private companies use seperate truck routes to handle recycling basically negates most of the value of it in the first place. It would be far better to just use garbage trucks and then sort out recyclables at the landfill. Paper would be better off being composted on site.

Answer 25

I have seen a lot of product packaging that is using soy and rice products. I have seen plant pots made out of rice, napkins out of rice, and many other biodegradle Earth friendly products. That are both non-paper and non-plastic.



I do however believe that in the quest for the all natural living we are missing a few key points. The US should perhaps stop buying from business that manufacture in places like CHINA, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and countries that do not make laws and have practices that protect the environment and natural resources. It would also improve the lives of the workers in those countries that are grossly underpaid and live like our unemployed homeless in the US.

Answer 26

If I wanted to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, I could work twice as much and save the difference in income.

Answer 27

OK so why is it that the better for the environment cars not just gas savers cost 25 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!? the wheels are small, they have no horsepower, and still have parts that are no good for the envionment. We cut out soda, more specifically refined sugar otherwise known as corn syrup. They put it in all the candy, juices etc.. and guess what kids now have diabetes melluitis, mood swings, cravings similar to illegal drugs, and overall depression! not to mention the candy tastes different, even less satisfying! We also changed all of our light bulbs some years ago, bc it lowered our California electric bill almost 40 $$, and in the "winter" months even lower. re-usable bags ie:the good.nice cloth kind cost 3.99 to 8.99 each. Most grocery shopping hauls require at least 8-10 of those, bc they don't hold as much. Then there is the California clean air act. Where smog check and smog certification are government mandated every other year. on our 2001 KIA it cost me a total 120.00, on our 1999 land rover 200.00, and our 2000 mountaineer another 200.00!! Just for the "privilege of driving" not to mention if you need something fixed or an oil change!

Has all that extra money going to private gas stations cleaned up our air?! I don't think so, i wheeze and sneeze more out here that i did in New Jersey!! The lawyers have found yet another angle to tap their market and play on the guilt and pocketbooks of Americans. Sure i want to prevent global warming, but why is a lawyer/politican winning a noble peace prize, and not Greenpeace?! who has talked of the environmental problems for 25 years or more! These sustainable issues are not what we should be focused on! How about people/parents solving their problems face to face instead of harassing and then suing their confronter?

What about the old days when a child said something when adults are speaking and was punished? What about when children as small as 5 cursing, and little boys calling girls bitches and referring to their genitalia? why are our prisions severally overcrowed?!!! This is a most hazardous yet not inconceivable diversion by yes our government. Bc that noble peace prize winner draws his salary from the American people and his primary duties are to write and carry out the laws the American people dictated.

If he was your D.A. or judge do you really think he would look favorably upon you for cleaning up a mess that you made??!! The baby boomers have ravaged this country, with their greed, wishie washie rules they bend when they need them to, and most of all the nice little fortune they have taken from our land, wildlife, and culture.

They have created the "me" generations that have followed. I am 36 now i am paying for some pompus baby boomer to keep his fortune and yet get free medical care, insurance, and collect a paycheck!! Yet when i retire there will be nothing, probably less than nothing. Where is all my hard work, back pain, lost sleep, certifications, liscening, gone for the last 18 years?! Now im supposed to feel bad for environment and donate money to the lawyers that are getting recongnized for being a moron politican and quazi tree hugger?! Please people donate to greenpeace, donate to large independent companies who really have our best instrests at heart, and for gosh sakes take some ownership of our own life, the mess you create. care about your neighboorhood, care about the way your property looks, care about going to your religious organization, have a mind of your own!! that is the true american spirit

Answer 28

I'll be honest, i'm not a super environmentalist, but I try and do my part, while still enjoying life.



Most of what I do revolves around using as little energy as I can, and using what I must as efficiently as I can.



Though I own a car, I tend not to drive it unless I need to. It's a Ford Focus ST, so I can have some fun driving hard, but it's relatively environmentally friendly. It's basicly only driven on long trips where I need the weather cover, or the storage. I also use it for carpooling to school.



For trips in good weather, that are solo, I tend to use my motorcycle, especially if it's just around town.



For neighborhood trips, say to the store or something, I use my bike, or I walk.



For my business, I have a pickup truck, but it's run on biodeisel, from local restaurants.



Both of these are driven relatively hard, but they are fairly nice to the environment.



I recycle as much as I can, and I run a program in my city that takes used electronics & computers and recyles them properly.



I also purchase CO2 credits, as well as use solar power and heating to supplement my grid power.



For my business, as well as the recycling effort, I reuse as much packaging as I can from local businesses.



I think for an 18 yr old car nut, thats a pretty good impact on the environment, lol.

Answer 29

I don't like carbon credits--it makes people think they can continue to pollute without any harm. Instead, I take action to reduce my carbon footprint--like commuting to work by public transit rather than car, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (which, by the way, do have mercury in them--so they need to be disposed of at special facilities, not in the trash!). I also keep the heat relatively low during the winter and do what Jimmy Carter said--put on a sweater!



I also recycle everything I can, AND I buy things made of recycled materials (such as paper products, including toilet paper) to create more demand to meet the supply. We have a small compost bin in the back yard, too, and we let our friends in the apartment downstairs use it as well. I buy more used things than new, such as clothing and housewares.



Finally, I buy local and/or organic/free-range as much as possible.

Answer 30

Recycling, solar and cutting our use of disposeable plactics to a minimum, every trash container has a grocery bag being reused as its liner, we use our baggys and small plastic veggie bags for our doggy dodo pick up bag, since in an RV park we must follow Sassy around and clean up after her. We have special water saver shower head and commode, and any place we hike or bike we carry out more trash than we took in with us.We keep or vehicles tuned up so they run at maximum fuel efficiency and minimum emmisions.

Since retirement saving has become just a part of every day life.....

Edit: we found the paper bags came with there own supply of bugs so we do use plastic but I will say by the time it gets to me it has already been recycled and I just finish it off..

also we trade books, clothes, dishes, any number of things at our RV Clubs so every thing we buy either gets totally worn out or passed on to the next person who needs it... :)

Answer 31

I completed my undergrad with a BS in Environmental Science. I joined Americorps and took a position in rural West Virginia.



Over 2/3 of the homes in our 250 square mile watershed straight pipe all their sewage into the river.



I'm actively implementing three monitoring programs and our organization has contracted an engineer to design and construct our first wastewater treatment plant for a town of roughly 77 people. I also encouraged many locals to begin recycling, work with the high schooler student environmental group, and am working with another organization on a mine scarred lands brownfields grant through the EPA.



Everybody can do something to help the enviornment, no matter how big or small. I took a lot of flack for my major, but have since been praised for truly making a difference. I first met with representatives from Tom's of Maine at River Rally 2007 in Washington where they offered resources to interested groups. (And toothpaste!) They graciously donated $1,500 to our organization thanks to the hard work of our outreach coordinator, and have led the environmental movement by example.

Answer 32

I have been recycling since the early 80's, we have switched to the CF lightbulbs, and look for things that are using post recycled materials. When we get our house, we plan to redo the roof for solar panels and if we have enough land put in a wind turbine or 2. We recycle batteries, and ink cartridges as well.

If we didn't need a people mover, I'd bike to work. Our next car will be hopefully a hybrid.

Answer 33

We would love to do something to create affordable housing. Buying the house is the first step but being able to sustain living with a mortgage is quite a different thing. I'm also a Realtor. Taking baby steps toward our goals but with a little faith I'm sure we will get there!

Answer 34

Even before all this greeny awareness I would never take a job that required me to travel more than 15 miles. On average I worked less than 10 miles from home. I never wanted to add to the commute and could never understand why in cities, people are travelling in both directions everyday to work. Would it not make sense to work near where you live. or live where you work.

I now work from home and my only commute problem is the cat on the stairs...



I have also used Toms Toothpaste for as long as I can remember along with other environmentally friendly products, just because it made good sense... and I prefer the taste....

Answer 35

Recycle as much as possible, but with intelligence.

Example: had the mature trees and savage underbrush in california been cut and harvested, we would have been better off in the end, more trees, no loss of life and billions of dollars saved.

The problem started when environmentalists without expertise convinced the politicians to prohibit any cutting and harvesting. Now we have a situation where everyone in the USA will have increased insurance rates to pay for the stupidity of a few.

Remember this lesson, a mature forest must be trimmed and harvested.

Answer 36

The most important thing you can do is to have no more than 2 kids. There are far too many people in the world. It can't support anything like its present population sustainably, not even if everybody had a standard of living as low as the undeveloped world.

Answer 37

All of of my current sandals/ shoes are from companies like Reef and Simple which are from post-consumer/ natural products. I try to buy organic cotton clothing whenever I can.



Switched all light bulbs to low wattage, high output, compact lighting years ago.



Shaved my head so I don't have to buy shampoo anymore.



Bring my own bag for groceries as I don't have to go grocery shopping in large amounts, and don't have to use plastic bags.



Off-set my carbon footprint by trying to walk/ run/ bike/ skate to wherever I go. I try to plant a tree or two... or three depending on my travels per year. Part of the Surf Rider Foundation since '05, and will be a lifetime member without a doubt.



My future purchases of surfboards and wetsuits will all be made from sustainable materials.



When I need a new car, I will be switching to a hybrid car.

Answer 38

Hmmm, well I feel my lifestyle is pretty sustainable! Firstly, I have water butts and a compost bin in my garden. Secondly, I use the shower, and collect leftover water and use again (usually washing paintbrushes and recycleables - as you'll see in a minute). I was brought up to be very conscious about water conservation, and this has been passed on to my daughter.



What else? I switched to Ecover and use a lot of natural products in my cleaning - bicarbonate of soda, salt, vinegar - they all have multiple uses in my house! When my daughter was a baby I used cloth nappies which I made myself from old cotton sheets (an inheritance from my late granny's airing cupboard) and old shower curtains, and used tea tree oil to soak them (another household godsend, that and lavender!) We also use a lot of natural beauty products too, they are nicer on the planet AND the skin! :-)



Also, our clothes: we buy mostly from charity shops, and we never throw anything away unless we have to. Old clothes go to the car boot sale or the charity shop, or to friends; if they are too raggy then they are cut up and made into patchwork or similar arty endeavours. Old socks become dusters, and old tights work well for storing things!



I would say that most - in fact all - of our furniture is second hand, from either friends or charity shops. It's quirky but I love it, especially as I own some great stuff now! In fact, you can extend that to most of our belongings too!!! We are second-hand Roses!



I am also an artist and the majority of my work features recycled materials. I have made quilts from old jeans and old bike inner tubes; cushions from old furry slippers; a papier mache mermaid; oh, the list goes on but you get my point. It is so much fun to see people's faces when you turn something of trash into something interesting. Recently I made a Coat of Many Colours for my daughter's class out of nothing but scraps of fabric! The kids absolutely loved it and it cost nothing :-) Also, we reuse everything - paper, card, old packaging - and what we don't use we give to the school for junk modelling.



Also, we ride bikes and don't own a car, so we use public transport a lot. And we can't afford to fly anywhere, hahaha. And my daughter understands the importance of walking to school :-)



I wish I could be better - I would like some solar panelling on the roof but I doubt my landlord would foot the bill, hahaha. But I am also changing my energy source to renewable energy....so that's a good start. One can always get better!

Answer 39

I also buy stock in Exxon, Haliburton, and Marathon Oil, because our need for energy will never diminish. If you think oil prices are too high and that the oil companies are making too much money, get yourself a piece of it.



Oh, I also vote Republican. Even "if" the earth's temperature goes up another half a degree in the next 100 years, it's still better than letting the temperature go up 10,000 degrees in 1/100th of a second when some terrorist sets off a nuke on US soil.



Thankfully, George Bush, Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, and company have held the hard line on the war on terror - and have kept us safe from attack for over 6 years now. Our brave troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and (hopefully soon) Iran will continue to prevent the kind of nuclear "warming" that we have prevented thus far.



Semper Fi !!! Thank God for our armed forces!!!

Answer 40

I have a passive solar oriented house, which allows me to cut heating costs in winter due to natural sun warmth. I also harvest wood from my property to burn in my wood stove for heat and have no air conditioning here in VT. We keep a small garden, but still go to the grocery for most things.



One big thing that helps the environment is that I work from home and hardly take my car anywhere. We also participate in a recycling program that picks up once per week in our town.



On a daily basis, we rarely use chemicals around the house unless really necessary and try to coexist as best we can with our environment.

Answer 41

We are fortunate enough to live in an area where we can walk to fill most of our needs--grocery store, bakery, deli, butcher, movie theater, etc--so sometimes a week or two will go by without our car ever leaving the driveway.



I take the train to work.



We take our own bags to the grocery store, try to buy organic or local products whenever we can, and are conscientious of turning things off when we're not using them. We also only turn the heat or air conditioner on when we're home, and generally keep the thermostat toward the cool or warm side, depending on the season.



Sometimes, though, it all seems so pointless--a drop in the ocean compared to the majority of consumerist America.



Something else no one ever mentions: just because an ingredient is "natural" doesn't make it good to use. Poison ivy face cream probably wouldn't be the best choice, for example.

Answer 42

There is not a single cleaning product or body care product in our house that our 9 month old could eat and cause damage or death. It may not taste good, (and of course, we don't really LET him do this...) but it's all SAFE. Not only are we protecting our health, but we're supporting these healthy brands and only contributing 'healthy' water (grey water) back into the water system. Someday, I hope all cities will offer a credit on sewer bills for using greywater and rain barrels.

Answer 43

I just bought a gas guzzling minivan (making it 4 minivans in a row). This time I really tried to buy something different -- a hybrid or something smaller -- but there was nothing on the market (I wanted to buy an American vehicle) and I got overruled on getting a smaller vehicle. So I decided to make up for being a carbon bigfoot by becoming a vegetarian. It's been 6 weeks -- I've nibbled a few pieces of meat since then but have basically eaten veggie.



We eat lots of organic veggies anyway and my wife is a vegetarian so the transition hasn't been too painful.

Answer 44

We don't have much money, so we do what we can when we can. We recently switched from teflon pans to glass and cast iron. We try to use only products made in the USA. I make my own cleaning products, and buy body care products from a small company of village herbalists; their products are all organic. www.earthdragonherbals.com I also threw away or recycled most, if not all, of my plastic containers and bought glass. I recycle everything imaginable. My biggest area of contribution is at work. I am the food and supply manager for a wilderness boarding school, and we are beginning to make our own cleaning products for the whole campus. I buy all organic food for the kids when I am able, and all the staff work with the kids to teach them how to reduce waste. I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of.

Answer 45

Bless you two. Your products create an open conversation about many issues about choices, living, lifestyle--questions that aren't often raised in many families or by many consumers. I think THAT is the single most important thing. Yes, our own individual choices are crucial. Yes, our commitments to buying more local food, to reducing our own consumer wastes, to buying products that are more organic or free-trade or sustainable--all good. But most important of all is the effort to make those decisions part of a community effort. Sharing your response on a neighborhood basis. Raising questions in a community dialogue. Encouraging others by example to reexamine common practices and oblivious assumptions. Be a model...an ongoing, learning model for betterment and thoughtfulness and community responsibility. THAT, more than any single thing that you can do yourself, or accomplish at your home, seems like the crucial thing...that I aspire to do. Again, thanks for your inspiration, which is what we all attempt.

Answer 46

Your sustainable effort consists of a long-term and integrated systems approach to developing and achieving a healthy community by balanced environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues.



The definition of Sustainable Development doesn't support the quantity of economic growth but the quality of an environmental, economic, social, and cultural development.

Answer 47

I recycle, although that is the law here in NYC. I also use compact fluorescent light bulbs. While each of us volunteering to do our small part helps, to really improve things we need legislation. We need legislation to minimize pollution, and legislation to tax pollution. The alternatives will become a lot more popular when they cost less.



I don't know enough about these wind energy credits you are using, but to me it sounds bogus. You still have factories that pollute. Why not do something to operate your factories more cleanly by using solar panels and windmills on your property?

Answer 48

I buy local or organic foods as much as possible. I walk places when I can and I drive a small car. I use non toxic cleaners or make my own. i recycle whatever can be recycled(including batteries) and i try not to buy things incased in a lot of plastic. I use a cloth bag to pack my lunch and a reusable bottle for a drink. I also use cloth bags at the grocery stores. I look for things at thrift stores before I buy it new, and I donate any items that I have that are in good condition back to the thrift store. I air dry my clothes instead of using the dryer, and I use unsented soaps and baking soda for a fabric softner.

Answer 49

God, so many people are drinking the Global Warming Kool-Aid...



Have any of you ever heard of the Midevil Warming Period? During this period there was agriculture assumably similar to what is found in the American Grain belt in what is modern day Greenland, and there were no SUV's, Factories, etc. The Global Climate Change THEORY was concocted by scientists whose government funded research was about to lose its funding. It has been adopted by people like Al Gore as a means to an end, and the end is stripping American's of more of their income, personal liberties, assets, etc and they want us to bow down and worship at the alter of the United Nations, which is at best a pre-cursor to the One World Government that is prophecised in the book of Revelations.



Does any body else notice how the proposed solutions for Global Climate Change are eerily similar to Karl Marx's plan for the Union of Soviet SOCIALIST Republics.



No I don't work for big oil, drive an SUV, and no I didn't vote for George W. Bush, I actually voted Libertarian.

Answer 50

I turn lights out when not in the room. Turn the water off when in between brushing my teeth, Dont use much ligting unless it gets later in the evening when its darker. Recycle at home. I dont have a trash compactor and dump the peels, etc. in the yard as a compost pile. Only throw paper, regular products in trash. Peel off paper from jars and cans I recycle. We use rain water collected to water plants.



Wish we could actually recycle to set it out for a company to come at home but we personally have to take our own to a local recycle scrap yard which there isnt any other around. We also make an appt with our township to drop off limbs and brush in which they chip and shred for residents to come and use as mulch for landscaping



Where I work, we actually created a sustainability group and have replaced all trash cans with a waste only can and a mixed paper, junk mail bin and a white paper only bin. Then we have a glass and plastic bin and a aluminum can bin. the company then provides it's employees with a report of how much was saved on paper, recycling, etc.

Answer 51

If he was your D.A. or judge do you really think he would look favorably upon you for cleaning up a mess that you made??!! The baby boomers have ravaged this country, with their greed, wishie washie rules they bend when they need them to, and most of all the nice little fortune they have taken from our land, wildlife, and culture.

They have created the "me" generations that have followed. I am 36 now i am paying for some pompus baby boomer to keep his fortune and yet get free medical care, insurance, and collect a paycheck!! Yet when i retire there will be nothing, probably less than nothing. Where is all my hard work, back pain, lost sleep, certifications, liscening, gone for the last 18 years?! Now im supposed to feel bad for environment and donate money to the lawyers that are getting recongnized for being a moron politican and quazi tree hugger?! Please people donate to greenpeace, donate to large independent companies who really have our best instrests at heart, and for gosh sakes take some ownership of our own life, the mess you create. care about your neighboorhood, care about the way your property looks, care about going to your religious organization, have a mind of your own!! that is the true american spirit

Answer 52

There are many little things I do but some of the bigger things are:

I try to pay attention to where things were produced before purchasing them. eg Since Michigan is closer to me I try to buy Michigan apples instead of ones from Washington. While it it pretty much impossible to not buy things made overseas I do try to pick up products manufactured closer to home if there is a choice.



I don't bother driving for that extra 5 minutes to find a good parking space. I take the first one and park. I usually get into the store faster in the long run and it helps me keep in shape.

Answer 53

because washer spins clothes better), keep my tires on my car properly inflated (increases gas mileage), flush my hot water heater regularly (improves efficiency and increases lifespan of heater), use a thermos instead of bottled water (wastes the plastic), buy recycled materials when possible, reuse bags from grocery store, buy soy ink printed materials whenever possible, buy soy ink checks, buy recycled checks, cook from scratch often (less packaging), get regular oil changes/air filter changes (improves mileage), pickup after my dog, don't smoke tobacco, installed new energy saving windows in our home, and last, but not least...



I write my State Legislators, Member of Congress, Senators, Mayor, Governor, and even the President to ask that they support legislation that will encourage the expansion of alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. I also advocate for the use of gray

Answer 54

Best Answer: I recycle, grow many of my own vegetables (without pesticides and herbicides), maintain my home so that it is as energy efficient as possible, purchased a new high efficiency washer and dryer pair (uses less gas to dry because washer spins clothes better), keep my tires on my car properly inflated (increases gas mileage), flush my hot water heater regularly (improves efficiency and increases lifespan of heater), use a thermos instead of bottled water (wastes the plastic), buy recycled materials when possible, reuse bags from grocery store, buy soy ink printed materials whenever possible, buy soy ink checks, buy recycled checks, cook from scratch often (less packaging), get regular oil changes/air filter changes (improves mileage), pickup after my dog, don't smoke tobacco, installed new energy saving windows in our home, and last, but not least...

Answer 55

At work they've started a huge recycling program. I carpool to work and school. I bring my own bags to put my groceries in. I bought a water filter and stopped drinking sodas. I wash all clothes in cold water, and when I can I hang them out to try, other times I use my dryer. I have everything plugged into a surge protector, and when I leave I flip the switch. My computer runs on standby at night, and not a screensaver. Any plastic bags we might bring home we take them to my work to recycle them. Cloth diapers. That's about it.

Answer 56

Recycle what I can. All rottable waste is composted, so I can grow my vege's and have them fresh when I want. The local rubbish collectors are recyclers. Heating is done with a pellet fire which use waste timber in a pelleted form, it ejects just a few pellets at a time and has high heat output with no smoke.

We have ES lights and I generally walk anywhere up to two miles

Answer 57

I believe there is a healthy way to "live within your means". This way is a journey. You people have a good set of principles that account for your business. I assume that many of you practice healthy ways in your lifestyles. I am presently on a life path of a similar nature. I've tried a couple of your products. They are very good. At present, they do not work in my budget. I believe I can use a similar product at a lower price without too much harm. I believe your business is a good one and hope others will use it and reap the healthy benefits.

Answer 58

I'm very proud of the offsetting, though. I could be just another pro-environmental author printing on paper. I tried to do something about it. We need to keep pushing for the solutions up front and not be afraid of losing a few cents here and there: the environment is worth more than money.

Answer 59

Since you already have 187 answers; no one will read this one. Recently I found out that Aspartame is poisoning people and making them sick with all kinds of aches and pains. Even false diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis are being made and probably millions don't even know that they don't have MS but Aspartame poisoning from drinking diet sodas (colas). A few have found out from other sources and stopped the intake of Aspartame of any sources. It's also in a lot of diet foods/treats. If they haven't been on Aspartame too long they may feel a lot better pretty soon after stopping. Others, may need a medication in the form of a pill to get the Aspartame out of their system.

My daughter has Aspartame poisioning and we are trying to find out the name of the pill so we can get her doctor to give her a prescription for it. But, thus far, we have no idea where to look to get this information.

For some reason the makers of Aspartame don't want people to know about it because they don't want people to be aware of the dangers of Aspartame and cause a jolt in their profits.

So, we are telling everyone who will listen about Aspartame Poisoning so they will know about it and pass the word around for others to know what is going on. We need to help for as many people as we can get the word to. Word of mouth is the best way for now; until someone with some clout will make it known for everyone to hear and get help for those who need it.

Answer 60

I'm a glassblower and use recycled glass for my work ..takes a bit more effort and time to get it right but it"s some thing dear to my heart and makes a statement about making some thing out of what others throw away... when i sell glass at craft bazaars wrap it in recycled newspapers and bag it up in recycled plastic bags from grocery store ....save a few bucks and do my small part to save our small planet ..always enjoyed your product almost as much as your attitude.. thanx for spreading the word education is the catalyst for change ..keep the faith built my glass shop out of the dumbsters because i didbt have lotz of money and also because it felt good to use that which was on the way to the dump.. my shop is funky build all my own gear with an eye for efficency limits the work some but is more economical and easier to pay for which means i can sell work for less dollars and regular people can afford some art too.. some time the product isnt the most important thing some time the process makes just as important statement .. would like to take some of the extra heat from shop and heat house with but dont have the extra dollars to do so maybe some day is on the list.. my attitude is do as much as possible with as little as possible.. 35 yrs on glass now made lotz of work for many people.. art is not eternal but hope some of my work will out live me and make the world a more asthetic place to live in.. thanx some old hippie glass blower in alaska peace out,,,

Answer 61

I try to convince people not to procreate unecessarily. There is noting wrong with 1 or 2 children,but there is no longer any reason to have large families. It is only a ego trip for the parents. I also push for legislation that would severly penalize anyone who has large families through severe taxation. And finally I talk to people incessantly about the need to create a system that will regulate peoples ability to procreate without the educational,emotional,and financial support systems in place in their own lives. Simply put, if you cant raise children, you dont have the right to have them.

Answer 62

I'm in charge of the Green Chemistry initiative at work. We are trying to find sources for recycled chemicals, and recycling our own chemicals. I work for a major global consumer product company, and this task is not as easy as it sounds.

Answer 63

Purchase clean, renewable power, and if that isn't an option, install solar in your homes and businesses and/or reduce your energy consumption.



Precycle. Recycle.



Replace your standard lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs, and learn how to dispose of those bulbs responsibly.



Adjust your thermostat to conserve energy, adding clothing if you're chilly, or cuddle up to your spouse.



Replace old appliances with energy-saving/water-saving models.



When remodeling, incorporate "green" techniques and technologies.



Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. And oh yeah, the water-saving toilets are great, too.



Only run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.



Turn your lights off when you're not in the room, and unplug appliances when not in use. And when you turn off your computer, turn off your monitor, too.



Switch to a tankless water heater.



Use a bucket to collect water while you're waiting for the hot water to reach your faucet. Instead of letting it go down the drain.



Take shorter showers. I had to use a pay shower recently and found I could get the job done in 4 minutes with some planning!



Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, rinsing dishes, washing the car.



Compost your kitchen scraps, and learn about grasscycling.



Add storm windows, weather stripping, and caulk to your windows.



Properly insulate your home.



Reduce your dependence on chemical cleaners.



Recycle hazardous waste appropriately.



There's more, I'm sure, but that covers an awful lot right there.

Answer 64

I am a caring consumer. I love Tom's of Maine products and have used them for a long time. I enjoy using them because of the fact that they are not tested on animals and do not contain animal ingredients. I am a vegetarian. I recycle...I really don't like to throw anything away so I always question if the item can be recycled or re-used, if it can be used again I will donate it. I don't wear animals, i.e. leather/suede, silk, fur, down or wool. All the shoes I buy are made from man-made materials. I created my website to help expose animal suffering. http://maketheconnection.co.nr I also create leaflets to help spread the word about certain concerns of the month with a reference to my website to help spread the word. My leaflets contain monthly information that can be found on my "seasonal concerns" page at my website. I read the labels when I shop because if I have a choice, I do not buy products tested on animals or those which contain animal ingredients. I conserve electricity by turning off lights if a room is not in use. I also don't believe in wasting food, although on some occasions it does happen and I feel bad. I don't have any kids, just my 2 cats. They are my kids. I think the human population is way beyond 'out of control' and that is my reason for not having kids. There are just too too many people. I think we should follow China and enact a set limit of how many kids per family, although I don't believe in telling people how to live but it's just that bad out there.

Answer 65

I simply work hard and try to produce as much as I can to make the economy go.



I would purchase energy from wind if it were available AND if it were the same price or cheaper than other forms. I believe that we need our economy to prosper, keep freedom rampant, keep regulation low and let the ingenuity of individuals and business develop new energy sources, expand our current energy sources, refine our energy sources and produce more & cheaper energy for everyone.



I love being outdoors, love nature and the environment but also understand that the only thing that will truly protect it is the expansion of our economy & technology and the ability for individuals to enjoy nature without intrusive government regulation. People tend to appreciate & protect things that they enjoy.

Answer 66

We are vegetarians. We try and purchase as many items from road side markets as possible to limit the resources used to transport. We recycle as much as possible. It takes a little extra time but we feel it is worth it. I take my own coffee cup to the drive thrus and ask for my coffee in it instead of their throw aways. If I use an item while out that is OK for the recycle bin then I will take it home with me and dispose of it properly. We use the more effecient light bulbs and have installed a motion sensor light in our kitchen. We always turn out lights when we aren't using them. In the winter we lower our thermostat to 64 degrees. It a lot more cozy to put on a pair of socks and snuggle up in a blanket!

If we just take and take from the planet without giving back pretty soon it will take from us in a big way!

Answer 67

I try to buy things that are made out of at least some recycled material. When I buy notebooks for taking notes while baby sitting, I look for ones made from some recycled paper. Other times, instead of buying packs of soda bottles, I get a large bottle so it'll last longer, not to mention not wasting bottles. I also try not to blow dry my hair on hot air. I try to make sure that we can have a greener world.

Answer 68

I work togeather with a local non-profit to build and maintain structures which support Low Impact Development, such as Living (green) Roofs, Rain Gardens, Native Grass Hillsides and Stream bank Restoration.

Answer 69

I don't run the water to get it cold before filling my glass -- instead keep a pitcher in the fridge. Don't run water when brushing teeth, just turn it on when done. Keep a mug at my desk for coffee. Recycle. Use water bottles instead of bottled water whenever feasable. Keep heat low in winter and open windows in summer. Drive fuel efficient cars. Attend the local farmer's market and get deliveries from local farm for as much produce as possible. And lastly. we elected to pay for wind power from Con Edison for our home's electricity!

Answer 70

For my New Years Resolution I got rid of my car in favor of using my bicycle for most routine errands. I only rent now when I absolutely NEED to use a vehicle and rent the vehicle appropriate for the job at hand.



I assess energy usage and develop products to increase the efficiency of energy use. I incorporate all findings into my lifestyle where possible.



I study every new development related to the environment and assess how I can encorporate it into my designs. Those designs usually rely heavily on the concept of biomimicry.



You choose natural sources and concentrate them in a tube which people may digest. Without testing on living cells, how can you know for sure that your product is both environmentally and GENETICALLY benign? (browse Epigenetics, the study of the effects of environmental factors on the human genome)



How can you be SURE your Stewardship Model protects the genetic integrity of future generations?

Answer 71

more things that my family and I do, but I think the important thing is that so many people have answered this question positively. Things have really changed, and I am so pleased that, regardless of our opinions on what is best or what is right, we are all moving in the same direction. I hope my children have a healthy place to raise their children, and that these backwards ideas become right.

Answer 72

I love your no fluoride toothpaste. I have about bought it out from my local market. But I digress.



We are in the process of putting wind power at our land. Our greenhouse fan/watering system is run by solar power.



I want to be off grid for different reasons then most, but the end result is still good stewardship of the resources God has granted us.

Answer 73

Easy! Recycle everything that's recyclable --- plastics, metal, aluminum, paper, etc. -- all it takes is a few boxes inside the garage door and an occasional stop at one of the area recycling centers when going by.

Vegetable, grass, etc. is composted for the garden.

And I drive a VW Jetta diesel wagon, 48 mpg average, buy the most energy efficient appliances we can afford, etc.

Answer 74

I am an avid recycler. I purchase products which are packaged and made in a more earth friendly manner. I use a "solar clothes dryer" and have for the past 15 years. When we build a small house on our property, we made sure it utilized passive solar (we live in the southwest).



All of us in my family try very hard to leave a smaller footprint on the earth.

Answer 75

When I began to the potentially positive and negative impacts of my decisions, I wanted to share this knowledge with others so I helped found Conscious Consuming.



We realized that buying local, organic and/or sustainably-produced products. We hold events with experts from universities, companies and other non profits so that they can share their information with others.



We also organize an alternative gift fair, Gift It Up!, which allows people to make donations to non profits in the name of others in lieu of buying material goods as presents.



One person at a time, one organization at a time, one company at a time...we can all come together to make meaningful change happen!

Answer 76

What you have stated in your question as to your current practices is positive, but I think overall, most people have no idea how precarious the fate of the world is. Easily and cheaply attainable fossil fuels are running out. The demand for energy is increasing as developing nations progress and the world population increases. The cost of energy will continue to increase dramatically until the point that there is just not enough to go around. Add to this fact the unknown ramification of climate change and you have a collision of economic and environmental calamity of biblical proportions.



Please take a look at the linked study on bio-fuels. The picture is bleak.



If you want to move your manufacturing in the right direction why not consider constructing a photovoltaic power system to generate your power? You could also encourage your employees to move close to your business and/or provide a bus to pick them up. Being close enough to walk or cycle would even be better.



It's not enough to simply recycle. We all need to cut our dependency on fossil generated energy and fuel by a huge margin.



Personally, I try to leave a small footpring on the earth. I live in an older section of town close to the commercial district. I live in a small rowhome. My home is well insulated and very inexpensive to heat and cool. I ride my bike to the store. Unfortunately I have to do a lot of traveling for my job but my car gets good gas mileage. I am thinking of getting a small scooter to use less gas. Every little bit helps!



Thanks for your efforts.

Answer 77

Did you consider purchasing land and setting it aside a a preserve? Unfortunately alot of land in these united states is being used up and not being replenished. As a corporation I am sure there are some tax benefits to setting aside land and having it permenantly designated as to never be developed or built upon and to remain in its natural state(works for farmland). This is beyond sustaining and into giving back for future generations. Just a thought.

Answer 78

•I take a shower every other day and a bath once or twice a month

•I stopped washing my gas saving car - only the windows

•I recycle as much as I can

•I re-use aluminum coffee cans for storage or planting pots

•I re-use water bottles as much as possible

•I don't have my heater cranked way up, I use blankets

•I don't travel much outside of the area making less pollution

•I don't buy new, materialistic items unless it will be inherited or of highly functional value

•95% of my furniture and decorations are antique or natural or artistically handmade

•I own 2 laptop computers which are energy saving

•I use natural locally grown items when decorating for holidays and I own a fake christmas tree which we re-use every year

•99% of my lightbulbs are en

Answer 79

Recycle at home. I use organic trash to produce natural fertilizer for my garden.



We use the water of the pond of the duck for watering the garden too.



At work we are separatin batteries.



We teach that sustainability is the only way to preserve the planet and the life.



By the way, I live in Mexico where we are just starting to take care of environment.

Answer 80

To lead a more sustainable lifestyle, I think what all of us should do is cut down on wasting resources. Just as we are careful about not wasting money at home, we should be careful about not wasting money at our place of work. This means recycling everything that can be recycled, using our ingenuity to develop ways and means to conserve scarce resources, and even those that may become scarce at a future date, like, water, oil, electricity etc. If we are careful about personal hygiene, we will be conscious about keeping our workplace healthy. The quality of our work will greatly improve if we remember that quality cannot be inspected in, but must be built in at every step. We must consider it a matter of pride to be perfectionists in whatever we do.

Answer 81

I sustain my life my giving back. I try to always give more than I receive. I love to help people. I get an extra thrill out of giving something to someone who does not know that it is me who was the one who gave to them. I love giving gifts to the children that are in the psychiatric hospitals and always try to find several ladies that are my age and see if there are anythings on their wish lists that I can provide. I love shopping for them. I go through my house twice a year and take things to the Salvation Army and I always take things to the local food bank. I also enjoy prayer and meditation and being with friends and family

Answer 82

We are a family of four so it can be quite expensive so we recycle what we can for money, and the rest donate to good causes like our town and the boy scouts. We buy most of our clothes from thrift stores or yard sales why waste good clothing? Things that can't be recycled locally we find a new use for. It all saves us money and in ways makes us money.

Answer 83

Energy conservation is part of our family's daily life in many ways, large and small.



My husband takes mass transit to work and home almost every day (I won't day there aren't any exceptions, but on an average week, he takes mass transit at least 4 days a week). We also group errands to reduce the number of miles we have to drive, and keep our car tuned up so it runs efficiently (and don't own an SUV).



We also combine errands on occasion with neighbors. For example, we like to visit the local organic farmer's market for produce (better produce, better prices, plus the money goes directly to the farmer in most cases). While there, we might pick up produce for a neighbor.



We use compact fluorescent lighting in almost every fixture and have replaced some of our older fixtures with newer ones that will accept the CFL bulbs.



We recycle everything we can, and try to "re-use" before recycling (this morning, I spent a few minutes cutting the fronts off of greeting cards we'd received. If no one's written on the other side, they can be used as post cards or donated to a classroom or children's program for use in craft projects).



We donate jewelry to local charities to use as raffle/auction items. The pieces we make incorporate old beads (cleaned, of course) and other components from old/broken jewelry destined for the trash, which keeps these bits of history from disappearing into the pile at the landfill.



We've set our mower at 2" and mow so that we mow over the grass clippings, recycling them into the turf, so the lawn uses less water and the clippings stay out of the landfill.



When we trim our bushes and trees, we use the trimmed sticks and branches as part of our Halloween decorations (you can make a really great "haunted house" front out of hemp twine and sticks - just trim and tie them carefully so no one can get poked or scratched), and as plant supports in the garden.



Wow - until I started listing things, I didn't realize how much we were doing! We hope to get a solar roof at some point, and replace our older mini-pickup with a newer, more fuel-efficient car, but in the meantime, we make conservation part of our lives by looking at anything headed for the landfill and saying, "what can I do with this?"

Answer 84

First, you have to start by acknowledging that we each have a responsibility to improve the environment and change the way we think and live. Here is what my husband and I do:



1) We recycle *everything* we can possibly think of at home (metal cans, cardboard, plastics, etc) and fortunately have curbside recycling in our area.

2) We replaced all of our "incandescent" bulbs in lamps in the house with the energy efficient bulbs (they look like coils). We have already saved over $100/month in electricity by switching to these bulbs.

3) In 2004 we replaced all of our appliances with "Energy Star" rated appliances, including the HDTV, the refrigerator, ovens, dishwasher, and front load washer and dryer. It was costly but well worth the investment. The washer only uses "enough" water to do a wash and we've seen savings in our electric and water bills.

4) We use *green* products such as Simple Green or homemade mixtures such as vinegar mixed with water and a little soap to clean windows.

5) We do not order the Newspaper but read the newspaper online.

6) We read labels at the grocery store to ensure that no animals were tested on products we buy. It's really not that hard to do once you get into the habit of reading the labels. And it takes like 5 seconds.

7) We buy organic meat, dairy, and eggs (cage free/free range). It costs a little more but the benefit outweighs the cost. Knowing that I'm not pumping my veins full of steroids and growth hormones is well worth the extra few dollars each visit to the grocery store. And if cost is still an issue to some people, how much money are they paying out each week for non-essential items with no benefit to their health? Cigarettes? Gourmet coffees at $4 a pop? Have you ever checked the fat content in one of those coffee drinks? No, paying extra for 'organic' is a no-brainer to us.

8) We go to local Farmer's Markets to buy fresh produce and fruits. We have saved a lot of money buying from these local markets and it saves the environment because it's not requiring transportation across state lines (using fuel). Also, the fruits and vegetables just *taste* better buying from a local farmer.

9) We use cloth towels versus paper towels whenever possible.

10) We have created our own "wildlife" refuge in our back yard. We have plants that butterflies love (many are becoming endangered) and pollenators (bees, etc.) are becoming at risk due to toxic chemicals used for lawn care, insecticides, etc. Farmers are slowly becoming aware of the pollenator problem in the U.S. (and the world at large) and the need to protect them from toxic chemicals. Our back yard is a great refuge for birds, small animals, and environmentally-helpful insects such as honey bees. Backyard habitats are a great way to teach children about the environment and to connect children with nature (a dying trend in this country with video games and TV).

11) We've already planned that our next new car purchase is going to be a hybrid vehicle that gets about 60 miles to the gallon. It may not be a luxury car that turns heads, but who cares? As I've gotten older, I care more about the environment than what other people think.



Excellent question and dialogue.

Answer 85

I'm really unhappy with MY package...sure would like to talk to the designer about it.



Uh, well, sustainable, eh? Wait a tic while I check the dictionary. Ahh... well, I recycle my own pea and drink what I can. I'm trying, darn it!

Answer 86

I deliberately chose to live close to my workplace, a grocery store, and a church. I drive as little as possible and fill up my 12-gallon gas tank once a month. I use canvas bags for my groceries instead of plastic bags. I conserve electricity where I can by leaving lights off when I don't need them, unplugging unused appliances, and keeping my apartment a bit warmer than I'd like in the summer and a bit cooler than I'd like in the winter. I chose to live in a basement apartment to keep my consumption of fossil fuels to heat and cool it at a minimum.



The biggest thing I do towards living a more sustainable lifestyle, though, is work as a researcher for one of the leading renewable ingredients companies in the world. I'm working on developing packaging materials made from chemicals that can be extracted from agricultural products or made in a biological fermentation process. Many of those materials are designed to be biodegradable or even water-soluble to decrease the amount of refuse they leave behind. For me, leading a sustainable lifestyle means helping to create the opportunity for everyone to do the same, not just taking my own personal steps towards that goal.

Answer 87

I'm not trying to be a smart @$$, but USE LESS STUFF. Some examples are:

Don't stand there with the water running. Get wet, turn it off, soap up (or brush), THEN turn it back on. Keep a small basin handy if you need water frequently.

Do your dishes & laundry with bio-safe 'detergent' so you can water your garden or lawn with the used water.

Make extra when you cook a meal and package your own convenience foods instead of buying ready made.

Take your foot off the gas the moment you see a red light or stop sign up ahead.

Keep a rag basket in the kitchen to reduce paper towel use.

Use the "solar clothes dryer" for SOME drying, even if you like to finish with a five minute "fluff" in the electric dryer.

Any products in your home that were invented in the last 50 years, re-examine your need for that product. How did people keep their homes smelling sweet before electrically powered disposable air fresheners?

Answer 88

how about solar? And do you all own bicycles, and is your home located near your place of work? How about your homes, how are they run? The government has some products that are less energy consuming (they have a seal on them). You can purchase anti-bacterial soaps to keep away the flu and cut down on the downtime in winter (from the flu). Maybe self-insure and help out employees by having a retirement fund (employer pays part, employee pays part), Reclaimed water. You can cook on your roof in aluminum type cookers that you made. You can save things to cd instead of using a lot of paper, but you must have a backup elsewhere. have a good security system so the loss is kept to a minimum (from inside and outside theft). Make sure everything you buy has at least three uses, and, don't overbuy (don't warehouse). Have minimum staff/line personnel. I would hesitate at using anything soy or lavender. Do what you can to curtail travel. When you sell something include the shipping/handling in the cost (people are more apt to buy that way). Don't use the internet unless you really have to to reach people at a distance. The high cost of internet purchases may slow people from buying in the future (depends on how much more their credit cards can take, and the high interest charges). Sustainable lifestyle to me means no credit cards.

Answer 89

I agree with some of the answers that there are other issues out there, and there are more significant actions that could be made to help the environment, but what it all comes down to is every little bit helps. What's wrong with doing one thing? It's better than nothing! Why criticize people who are at least doing something?? I don't understand the "angry environmentalists."



Personally, I wish I could do more than I am right now. I'm going to college and raising two kids in the process... not an easy task. My dream lifestyle is not where I can be, yet. However, my college career will end in December and, armed with an environmental science and public administration degree, I hope to make some real changes.



We recycle almost everything. Our consumption has cut back so much that the trash bin issued to us by the city only goes to the curb once a month, whereas the *optional* recycle bin goes every week, overflowing. Doesn't it seem backwards? Shouldn't the city charge for the trash bin and offer recycling for free?

Our trusty recycled-canvas bags go with us everywhere - from the library to the grocery store. Now, wouldn't it make sense to start charging for plastic or paper bags? Aldis grocery store does, and don't you think that would really start encouraging people to use their own bags? I think every place should do it, not because it'll save them money, but because it's the right thing to do. People aren't going to willingly bring in their own bags unless they feel forced to, either for ethical reasons or to save on their bill.

When we can, our food is either natural or organic, or even better yet, local. I love the fact that brands a few years ago only available at places like Whole Foods and Wild Oats are now at my local grocery stores.

There is not a single cleaning product or body care product in our house that our 9 month old could eat and cause damage or death. It may not taste good, (and of course, we don't really LET him do this...) but it's all SAFE. Not only are we protecting our health, but we're supporting these healthy brands and only contributing 'healthy' water (grey water) back into the water system. Someday, I hope all cities will offer a credit on sewer bills for using greywater and rain barrels.



There are many more things that my family and I do, but I think the important thing is that so many people have answered this question positively. Things have really changed, and I am so pleased that, regardless of our opinions on what is best or what is right, we are all moving in the same direction. I hope my children have a healthy place to raise their children, and that these backwards ideas become right.

Answer 90

Our trusty recycled-canvas bags go with us everywhere - from the library to the grocery store. Now, wouldn't it make sense to start charging for plastic or paper bags? Aldis grocery store does, and don't you think that would really start encouraging people to use their own bags? I think every place should do it, not because it'll save them money, but because it's the right thing to do. People aren't going to willingly bring in their own bags unless they feel forced to, either for ethical reasons or to save on their bill.

Answer 91

I'm trying to get a bio diesel production plant financed that makes fuel from waste vegetable oil. can you help? I also plan to start an electric power company that uses a combo of wind, helio stats, and biodiesel to produce electricity.

Answer 92

My husband and I have opened two thrift stores. We keep things out of landfills, by making them available to others. We have implemented a program regarding large appliances. If you have a stove/fridge/washer/dryer that is working, and you don't need it, you can phone us and we will list it for you. when someone needs one of the above, we just give them the phone number of the person who has it. no money exchanges hands, but those prevoiusly owned appliances end up in a home that needs them.

Answer 93

i figured out what things i burned the most gas to get to - and then i moved within walking distance to those things - so now i walk more and in better shape and burn much less gas.



my idea community would have open air markets were i could buy fresh organic food and cafes with great chicory and organic food.



think of that which is most charming about other countries and you will find close communities that serve the needs of its inhabitants then add renewable non polluting energy to sustain that community - that is what we need to survive in a optimal community.



ps i applaud your efforts but you may want to rethink soybeans - rain forests are being deforested to produce soy products because soy is so hot now.

Answer 94

For a more sustainable lifestyle(1)Make yr daily routine of life desciplined. (2)Don't make false promises. (3) Always be ecofriendly. (4) Take some risk on newadventures of life,(5)Behave in a manner to others, what u expect from others.(6)Live for certain principles of life. Never compromise with them. It will help u from being greedy.

Answer 95

my awnsers more of a story but here goes. my grandfather long ago was a very good carpenter. he always stayed busy worked alot and barly enjoyed his life. he drank alot of coffee and smoked ciggerettes. he ate health however. well finally when he retired he found things to keep him busy. still drank coffee and smoked ciggerettes. when he turned 91 he started getting depressed because there wasen't much for him to do around the house and everyone was taking car of him. still drank coffee and smoked ciggerettes alot less butthan before but he got bored easily all the time. and it wasn't easy for him to pick up on a hobby because he wasn't used to that. finally at 95 years old he passed away. i honestly thing it was the fact that his depression got to him. not feeling the need to be important and not having something to do can make many people feel sick and depressed. i think you dye faster when you have nothing to do. of course your lifestyle and what you eat will help you live better but i really belive you need to feel important, and busy. why dye young and depressed when you can live forever and be important. maybe i could be wrong but i think you gotta have hobbies and keep busy to live longer. you heath may have things to do with it but its not always. look at him 90 years old drinking coffee and smoking he lived to 95 and dyed when there was nothing for him to do.

Answer 96

I do allot of walking and while I walk I always carry a number of plastic bags then I pick up waste and litter as I walk. I am also a member of a freecycle group where we advertise things for free. It is done on the assumption that one mans trash is another mans treasure. This help to keep things out of the landfill areas. I hope this helps u ~~~ grams ~~~

Answer 97

We having been switching to organic foods and eco-friendly products. We are even learning how to make our own organic household cleaners and no longer use laundry detergent, we make our own. I consider the packaging something is in before I buy it and I subscribe to newsletters from "living green" websites to become more educated and get new ideas.

Answer 98

1. drive a fuel efficient car (no diesel)

2. husband and son often walk or bike to work

2. have a job near my home

3. recycle everything that has a recycle symbol

4. reuse grocery bags

5. look for food in whole form with minimal packaging

6. live in a home that does not have excessive space

7. I don't use heating or cooling in my house

8. teach my children to do these things

Answer 99

Hi- I now do just do the simplest stuff. For example, I do on-line school with the account of anxiety an depression so I need to print a lot of stuff. If I don't need what I print any longer, I use the back side of the paper. Just little things like that can do a lot for our environment...

Answer 100

I installed a solar hot water heater when the house was being built. I compost. All of the bulbs in and outside of the house are compact flourescent except the chandelier bulbs in the dining room (which we rarely use). I turn lights and appliances off when not in use. I shop and recycle clothing and items at the Salvation Army. I have a home garden. I eat organically as much as possible which is not that easy on an island that relies on imports.



My daughter and I have been volunteering and cleaning beaches and working on environmental awareness campaigns for many years. We work with a local NGO (non governmental organization) that speciallizes in Environmental Education in our schools.

Answer 101

I have stopped using the huge supermarkets and now only use farm shops always purchase local products where possible usually from our little market town using the local butchers ,bakers, the organic farm shop for fresh veg which is always seasonal if I need domestic products my local post office shop gets what we need in and its usually bio friendly where poss we burn wood not coal from trees chopped down locally usually we walk/bike everywhere we can using the car only when necessary every little helps

Answer 102

I try to be economic with water and electricity usage.



Let me tell you, though, that Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the best anyone can do to lead a more sustainable lifestyle!



All praise be to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Answer 103

I don't run the dishwasher until it's full. I use cold water for laundry. I take warm showers instead of hot. I drive an economy car. I rake my leaves into the woods instead of packaging them in plastic for pick-up. I use my grass clippings for mulch in my garden. I recycle.

Answer 104

REUSE, REUSE, REUSE! I reuse everything possible, as much as possible. (paper & plastic bags, plastic containers)I also police my family members on water usage. I don't give people things in bags unless I know they'll reuse them or give them back to me.



When I no longer need things, I try to give them away rather than throw them away. Likewise, I like to get and buy used things rather than new.



I conserve energy at home as much as possible. I don't use lights until I pretty much can't see, use windows instead of AC.



Both of my kids were cloth diapered and breast fed. The value of cloth diapering is debatable (water used to wash), but breastfeeding requires no industrial packaging of food, no industrial energy to manufacture, and no energy to wash bottles.



I try, try, try as much as possible, to the point where my husband thinks I'm a tree-hugging nut, but I am very interested in what other folks do so that I can improve upon my lifestyle as well.

Answer 105

•I don't have my heater cranked way up, I use blankets

•I don't travel much outside of the area making less pollution

•I don't buy new, materialistic items unless it will be inherited or of highly functional value

•95% of my furniture and decorations are antique or natural or artistically handmade

•I own 2 laptop computers which are energy saving

•I use natural locally grown items when decorating for holidays and I own a fake christmas tree which we re-use every year

•99% of my lightbulbs are energ

Answer 106

I have developed and patented a fuel-less, pollution free, closed circuit, hydro-electric power plant able to make more than 1000 times the output of our largest Nuclear Reactor. I'm working to take my utility company public. I plan make millions upon millions of the highest wage jobs any hourly worker could ever have.



This electric power being 100% clean can run all our cars, trucks, buses, trains, homes, factories, and clean all our polluted water. I plan to make our future one where pollution is a thing of the past and electric power is cheap and overabundant.



Go to www.uspto.gov and enter # 5,430,333 and see the future of electric power for yourself. Call or email your elected officals and tell them you want the clean power you saw at the patent office web site. Tell them to get off your assets and get this going ASAP!

Answer 107

I stopped eating meat except on rare occasions because if all the grain currently fed to livestock in the United States were consumed directly by people, the number of people who could be fed would be nearly 800 million...



Because animal protein production requires more than eight times as much fossil-fuel energy than production of plant protein while yielding animal protein that is only 1.4 times more nutritious for humans than the comparable amount of plant protein, according to the Cornell ecologist's analysis....



Grain-fed beef production takes 100,000 liters of water for every kilogram of food. Raising broiler chickens takes 3,500 liters of water to make a kilogram of meat. In comparison, soybean production uses 2,000 liters for kilogram of food produced; rice, 1,912; wheat, 900; and potatoes, 500 liters...



Because factory farms are extremely polluting to the air, soil and water

http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/nspills.asp



Nutrient pollution from farms and livestock hurts amphibians

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5376



Cattle responsible for global warming

http://www.monkeytypesthebible.com/2007/02/untold-story-methane-from-livestock.html



Soy growing in Brazil for cattle feed threatens Amazon rainforest

http://www.tierramerica.net/english/2004/1009/iarticulo.shtml



http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11756





http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?list=type&type=166

Answer 108

I would say trying to be sustainable is by not supporting large corporations. Since Tom's of Maine sold itself to Colgate-Palmolive, also known as using animal testing, I can no longer buy their products, as much as I like them.

I am happy that Tom's itself tries to be sustainable, but it still belongs to one of the big guys now.

Answer 109

HelloTom and Kate,

Thank you for helping to protect Nature. What we are doing is getting our city to use 'green' cleaning products. We donated samples over a two month period and everyone but the superintendent of public works loves them. Only because they are high concentrate and added to water. I can't tell you what they are, but they are part of the Get Clean line of the world's leader in these products based in California.

In addition, I have met with state and local officials to use biodegradable products and have been successful. Not necessarily using ours, but other safe cleaners. And that is a plus.

A new huge Target store opened in our city a few months ago and they are an environmental friendly company. This will hopefully convince others to be the same.

Lois and I live in Connecticut in the New Haven County area. If there is more that we can learn from you please email us.



John

Answer 110

Tankless water heater, synthetic turf, dual pane windows, energy efficient lighting all things many of us as residents do within the state of California - a burgeoning state with a huge committment to EPA standards, "green" living. Taking it a step further into our personal lives? -



Cooking more for ourselves, wrapping our errands around a geographic location determined by certain days of the week to avoid sitting in traffic, polluting air, maximizing car efficiencies.



Just a few things we do on the west coast as citizens to improve the quality of our life - our state - our neighbors.



Sincerely,



Grace

Answer 111

Tom, I'm a Colgate shareholder.



Even before you sold Tom's for hundred's of millions, you always charged prices that would provide you high margins like Tom and Jerry's in Vermont. They've given much of their money to charity while Kate and Tom have been miserly. Can you explain how someone can worship money and the environment at the same time?

Answer 112

I am a johnny come lately, as far as taking a focus look at natural sustainable practices. I am very happy to find that I was in a living situation that was so poor that we had to draw water from a well with a rope made from natural fiber to bath, drink and cook with... the food that we grew and raised home grown veggies that was natured by the the dropping of our grain feed pigs, turkeys, chickens, drank milk from cows that were free range.. Free Range is a good thing today? we even raised our own sugar cane and did a trade for other items and did not use money except to purchase shoes from from the show clobber in our small town of Camilla Georgia.. we even made our own soap out of the hooves and fat of animal... here in the city i have to purchase my water.. how I long for that Artisan well water. I find that I like source of renewable energy it's natural and harmless to the earth and people...great that you are into it... now on your recyclable product be careful, be the process use at the recycling factory can be harmful to ecosystem in the factory s surrounding area... the chemicals use to make the smell and the air pollution safer are a pollutant in themselves here is my e mail address [e-mail] i would like to hear more on the responsible citizenship that you and your husband are taking to be what GOD put us here for to be care takers of his earth

Answer 113

hes better), keep my tires on my car properly inflated (increases gas mileage), flush my hot water heater regularly (improves efficiency and increases lifespan of heater), use a thermos instead of bottled water (wastes the plastic), buy recycled materials when possible, reuse bags from grocery store, buy soy ink printed materials whenever possible, buy soy ink checks, buy recycled checks, cook from scratch often (less packaging), get regular oil changes/air filter changes (improves mileage), pickup after my dog, don't smoke tobacco, installed new energy saving windows in our home, and last, but

Answer 114

Not owning a home or land with all the expenses attended to it, not renting any more than I have to, using Solar/battery power on my camper, using public library free internet access and always leave a place where I might park or stay as good or better than I found it, love to travel.

Answer 115

There needs to be an affordable freestanding solar panel that a single Mom can buy at Sears or someplace comparable for $500 or less that would effectively warm water or heat a room. People WANT to buy solar products but they always cost a lot and involve expensive installation.

Answer 116

I put all of my trash in the bin so It all goes to the landfill including bottles cans and paper. Plus my SUV does 12 miles per gallon.

Answer 117

It makes sense to not waste anything, but we Americans built this wonderful country up from a farm based economy to an industrial giant. We enjoy the fruits of our labors with modern conveniences. It doesn't make sense to go back to living in a cave era when we worked hard to earn this easier living. I save because I am thrifty. But I enjoy my modern living too.

Answer 118

I've been using the same cloth bags for all of my grocery shopping for the past nine years.

Recycle everything possible.

Support 'conscious' companies - like Tom's

Walk to the post office, grocery store, - all errands.

I have a small garden, make as much of my own food as possible and even brew my own beer - to reduce containers in my home.

Vegetarian for 19 years! It has been the best choice for my life and the environment.

Answer 119

Let's see... we recycle, compost, grow a garden and can from that garden... I also shop at local farmers markets to take advantage of the fresh, healthier stuff they sell... I'll then buy what I like in bulk and can that as well.



For myself, I've used cloth sanitary napkins and my daughter had cloth diapers. We purchase our milk from a local farmer and with it, make butter and sour cream. We try not to buy many processed foods and I cook in bulk whenever I can........ it's a start!

Answer 120

Efforts towards greater sustainability, especially in the area of natural resources, are to be applauded.



However, I do not agree with you on the point of "never testing on animals". Animal models have shown to be extremely valuable research tools, especially in the pharmaceutical field. They bridge the gap between microorganisms and humans; if tests were not done on animals, researchers would be progressing directly from bacteria and yeast to humans... just not feasible and outright dangerous!!

Answer 121

I purchased energy efficient bulbs ,turn off lights once I leave a room (see mom I was listening), walk to places in my neighborhood instead of taking my car, believing that everyone can make a difference, believing that small steps can lead to greater things.

Answer 122

Plant More Trees !!! Trees, take Carbon Dioxide and other pollutants out of the air. They also provide fresh organic fruit for your family, and give you shade in the summertime so air conditioning costs are lower.



I live on a hillside in Los Angeles, trees are important to prevent soil erosion, to give us shade from the hot sun, and clean the smoggy air we breathe. Trees are very important.

Answer 123

I drive a fuel efficient car.



I recycle everything that I can



I have energy efficient appliances



I donate items I no longer use to charity



I don't waste money on frivolous things

Answer 124

I run a green business-a small sustainable not certified organic farm where my husband and I sell everything we grow direct to the public. I eat 85% of my food from local sources, I compost. I save water from my roofs. I save seed



I line dry my laundry year 'round (have not used a dryer in 14 years). Rep[laced the old clothes washer with a energy star front loader.



Replaced 90% of the incandescent lights with flourescents (would love to replace flourescents with LED's).



I recycle everything that can be recycled. I put out 2 bags of trash a month.



I buy used when ever possible. Shoes and underwear are the exception to my buy used rule as far as clothing is concerned. Buying used is cheaper, often better quality and it keeps a lot of items out of the landfill.



I do not use paper towels, paper napkins or trash bags. Rags and small towels are a wonderful replacement for paper towels and napkins and dog food bags replace the trash bags for big cans, plastic grocery bags for little cans.



I do not drive every day and rarely drive alone. I never go into town for one thing, all trips are planned out so as many errands can be run as possible.

Answer 125

We try to recycle as much as possible. We have a compost for the garden and we attempt to compost as much as we can. I still hang out my laundry on the line, we turn off the lights when we aren't in the rooms. Make sure we weatherproof our house as much as possible, to conserve heat in the winter and keep it cool in the summer. I even go along our stretch of road and clean up the garbage people throw out of their cars. I would love to be able to afford solar panels and use the sun to generate our electricity, we have full sun from 8 - 6 in the summer. I know there are other things out there that we can do, but sometimes it seems I am the only one doing this. You go past people every day, throwing out cigarette butts, tissues, bottles, personal hygiene items on the ground. I mean, yuck. People are becoming animals more and more.

I think you are doing a wonderful job, with conservation and recycling and I can only hope more companies can aspire to compete with your high standards.

Answer 126

For myself, I don't work too much. I paid up front and in full to build my business and now I work about 5 hours a day. I spend plenty of time relaxing, do water aerobics, hit the gym occassionally and hike on the weekends. While I probably eat too much, almost everything I eat is healthy. I don't eat any land animals, so that saves the environment. I don't waste - no excessive shopping or overspending. I don't own 20 pairs of shoes or 2 closets full of clothes (even though I can afford it). I don't buy much in the way of luxury items. Most of my purchases are necessities. I don't own 4 tvs or have 200 channels on my cable. I have basic cable just for reception. I don't have every new gadget that comes out. My cell phone actually makes phone calls - and that's it. I find adding more "things" to my life just increases stress.

Answer 127

The few things my family did or does to help our environment are the use of cloth diapers, hang out the laundry when weather permits, compost, and on the occasion that I had a diaper service..went with the one that used recycled vegetable oil as the source of fuel for the delivery truck. 2 Things i would like to add to my future home (And I have started saving towards) is a solar panel for my electricity and a compost toilet, these will be just that much more I can do for my children and their future.

Answer 128

I try to live very simple life get rid of all possible fatty foods and foods that are basically prepared and done with preservatives. And most of course, I live a life full of happiness and joy!

Answer 129

I plant a huge vegetable garden in the summer and then freeze/can what I'm able to for winter months. I dont use pesticides, I started composting this year, opted for all bills and financial statements to be sent online instead of paper copies.

Answer 130

I don't use my cloths dryer in the summer except for personal stuff. Saves on gas to heat dryer, electric to tumble and doubles the life expectancy of the appliance.

In the winter I still hang shirts and pants on plastic hangers and put them on a door frame, the furnace drys everything by morning and the house air isn't so dry, otherwise I have to run the humidifier.

I live in a town of 50 thousand and within half a mile of downtown. Buy local when I can, and use fair trade items when they aren't too expensive.

I also try to encourage the City and neighbors to plant canopy trees to limit sun exposure and make walking and biking more pleasant. Also reduces cooling costs for home owners.

Answer 131

I try to always send glass and aluminum containers to be recycled....I'm going to start sending plastics as well. I also send newspaper to be recycled. I also eat organic foods whenever possible, and I try to stay active.

Answer 132

I talked the people that I work for in my company to let me scan documents to them and at the end of the year I should save about 4 boxes of paper.

Answer 133

As a landscaper I strongly encourage people to replace their expansive, expensive (and rarely used) showpiece lawns with native plants. If a lawn isn't used, then it's just a burden for watering and maintenance. When replaced with native landscaping the watering requirements go down, maintenance goes down (true, weeding is required, but that can be done manually and doesn't require the chemicals many people opt to use on a lawn), and the results can't be matched for visual enjoyment. And, if you've got the time to mow and edge and trim, you have the time to weed - which can be a contemplative as well as healthy experience. (Which gives you more exercise, sitting on a riding lawnmower, or weeding?) If you pay someone to maintain the lawn, you may find it costs no more to pay someone to maintain a native-landscaped area.

Answer 134

I just bought a huge SUV that gets 3 miles to the gallon of premium only gasoline. I also just took all of the insulation out of my house and opened all of the windows to let the warm air out so that my furnace has to work 10 times harder. Lastly, I clearcut all of the trees in my neighborhood, effectively taking away all of the natural habitat for the resident wildlife. I think I'm doing my part...I'm sustaining my crazy lifestyle baby...yessir.

Answer 135

Let's see . . . Oh, I've got it. I could sell out. The millions I make selling my beautiful product to a mulitinational conglomerate like Colgate should sustain me for the rest of my life.

Answer 136

To me sustainable living is an ideal worthy of pursuing. Can it ever be achieved 100%? Probably not, but my family and I have made our headway in our suburban home.



1. We purposely bought an older house and renovated. We felt this was a form of "recycling" and much less of an impact.



2. We bought this house and changed our employment to make sure our commutes were close. My wife commutes 1.5 miles to teach at a local private school and I commute 2.2. miles to my small business. Our daughter attends my wife's school. All of the amenities such as grocery stores are within 5 miles. It is very seldom we stray further. We still drive our vehicles, both get 25+ mpg, but we drive the significantly less than most folks we know mostly due to this very short commute. From time to time, we walk and bike to work. Its hasn't been quite as easy to use alternative transportation having a toddler.



3. We purposefully purchased a suburban home with a large lot. Over the last 5 years, we have removed a basketball court and other hard surface walks and installed many garden spaces. We now have over 1000 sq feet of garden space which stays productive year around with various crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, squashes, spinach, radishes, peppers, herbs, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, figs, and much more.



4. The farmer's market is next door to my office. We purchased a CSA share this year and had a personal goal to make 50% of our diet locally produced. We have learned more about eating with the seasons. We have also dabbled in canning, freezing, dry and cold storage to try and extend our local harvest season. It has been a pleasure getting to know and support our local food network of farmers.



5. I volunteered and as a core stakeholder helped the Centralina region receive its Department of Energy Clean Cities certification. The Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition has been instrumental in building awareness of alternative fuels available in the markeplace and has many success stories in the testing and use of alternative transportation fuels.



6. 80% of the bulbs in our home and 100% of the bulbs in my office are flourescent or compact flourescent. We have installed time and zone capable thermostats for the heat pump. We purchased a front loading washer and high efficiency dryer and look for opportunities to "hang out the wash" when possible. We reinsulated the entire house top and bottom. Finally - we invested in a solar hot water heater system. Overall, we have experienced an average of a 40% reduction in our energy costs since we finalize installations last September. We are in the midst of our window replacement project.



7. My business works in the web development world. We work with a hosting company that has purchased credits to be carbon neutral. We are looking to do the same with our internal operations.



8. I consider myself a conservationist, not a tree hugger. When I worked on the CCFC, I found my fiscal and national security reasons for desiring alternative fuels were unique to most of my colleagues. Although sustainable living is not a partisan issue in my mind, it is not normally attributed to a conservative which I am. I think that "thinking" about the issues and looking beyond today in their impact, one can quite reasonable support and defend sustainable living.



9. There is more I want to do! I'm regularly researching new opportunities to reduce our impact.



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Answer 137

We eat lots of organic veggies anyway and my wife is a vegetarian so the transition hasn't been too painful.

Answer 138

Some things I try to do are:

*unplug all appliances not in use

*buy bath products w/out parabens and have all natural organic ingredients

*buy organic food

*buy products without unecessary packaging

*changed all lightbulbs in the house to energy saving ones

*eat less meat (and no beef!)

*carpool

*wear sweatshirts instead of turning up the thermostat

*use eco-friendly cleaning products

Answer 139

I do something a lot of people aren't willing to do: I've decided to refrain from ever having kids. That way, I'm not spawning another human to further stretch depleted resources in this already tragically overpopulated world...

Answer 140

I garden, shop thrift stores for "retail recycling," bike to work in the spring, summer, and fall, and shovel my own snow in the winter rather than use electrical or gas-powered snow removal methods. I use the public library to cut down on my consumption of paper (no new paper goes into most of the books I read), and I have asked for cloth grocery bags for Christmas (now I'm carrying everything around in one backpack, and sometimes it's just not big enough). And I'm so lucky! My dad is a commercial fisherman, so I get excellent, environmentally-friendly, and healthy protein in the form of wild Alaska salmon! I honestly like my present lifestyle so much better than my former consuming ways.

Answer 141

I rarely use A/C. I walk to work. I shut off lights when I am not in the room. My building recycles - they are very strict about that. I re-use all bags. Also, I do buy your products and love them!

Answer 142

Now seems to be the time to care. I used to care more about the environment than I do now. It's good that people are trying to do some things. I just wish in the past people cared more. At this point, I've given up on people. People are the problem. I feel the way to sustain the natrual environment is for governments and world leaders to come out and promote smaller families and more migration to deal with economic issues.



People are the problem and less people are the solution.



Think less.



Less people is more nature.

Answer 143

One thing,I always encourage my family and friends to recycle!Keep it clean,as i say!Also,i don't like to drive that much!I bring my car to the supermarket,if buying alot of things.But,if not buying alot,i bring my bike and put the bags on the handles.And,don't do electric cars.You have to CHARGE THE THING FOR ALOT OF DAYS BEFORE YOU CAN USE IT!Well,enjoy!

Answer 144

I use the squiggly light bulbs and as few lights as I can. Paper towels can be used, dried and used again if no mess is on them. I use cloths for messes and I know I save alot of paper towels. I wish they were never used. Cloth napkins are nicer to use than paper napkins. I never use paper plates or cups or aerosols that are not 100% environment friendly.

Answer 145

Recycle, buy organic and non processed foods and pet products and take the bus.

Answer 146

At my home in Maine, I learned to use gray water on all of my outside plants. I always use biodegradable soaps and cleaners.

I am HOT for water conservation.

I have set up my own methane heater for my home. I use all my horse manure (is very hot) and chicken poop, to heat my home in the winter.

I am HOT for energy conservation.

I fertilizer only with my compost. It works better for me than chemicals.

If you can send me the build your own wind generator book.\, I would be grateful. Thank You Skye Ruby

Answer 147

I like to use non-mercury light bulbs. Also more soy and corn fuel. mmmm My cars say yummy! Hey I just thought of something....We can take the wood from the rain forest that we are clearing to make bio fuel and use it to heat whole cities!!!! Don't worry about the smoke from the fires.





Also lets take money from hard working people and redistribute it to those who can work but choose not to.



Well done comrades!!!

Answer 148

walk to work instead of drive - and drive a small fuel-efficient car when i have to drive somewhere - recycyle, try not to buy a lot of unnecessary plastic, use natural products, reduce water use, compost, turn off power strips when not in use, educate my family and friends about the environment and i'm a vegetarian.

Answer 149

It seems that people who worry too much about recycling and all have never had the intention to leave their backyard. I mean, it is a lot of time-consuming activities those which you have to follow in order to keep everything as clean, healthy and good-to-worry-about things for you to feel happy with whatever you are doing but mother nature knows best.

I mean, I think life was made for us to enjoy nature. I think we have to go around to see nature.

If you stick around the same place forever, you are missing nature and its beauties.

Those who spend a lifetime searching the best way to keep things "right" are missing the travelling around and are spending too long in trying to KEEP things adequate to have a nice life...but...why worrying that much about recycling and all like a mouse working on a huge house forever instead of going around forever to see the world ?

If you worry too much about leading a sustainable lifestyle in ony one place forever, you will be missing all other countries, you will be missing different cultures and food and traditions and all kinds of landscapes.

Spending too long keeping the garage free of oil or the garden free of chemicals or the porch free of bugs forever is not life.

We all should try to find a suitable way of living by travelling all over the globe, otherwise, one day...it could be too late for us to enjoy the planet...and...our house will remain clean while....we are gone.



Lots of affection,



George Modilevsky ( Google )

Answer 150

I lower my family's carbon footprint at home with carbon free light bulbs, solar panels on the roof for energy saving during the winter seasons for heat/electricity. During the winter we bundle up more, using less electricity for heating our home. During the summer months, we use less a/c. Also, we eat mostly organic foods. We always recycle anything that can be. I personally invest in wind power stocks, as well as biomass.



Also just purchased a hybrid vehicle this past month, greatly increasing my efforts to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, for myself and my family's future... not to mention everyone else's.

Answer 151

Go to work everyday so I can pay the man and hopefully have enough left over to go hunting a little. Deer and pig meat sustain me.

Answer 152

My sister-in-law got me started using cloth grocery bags instead of the plastic ones. I now sew my own so that I can make a fashion statement with my groceries. My local market even gives me a bag refund for using my own (and the baggers cheerfully use mine even though it is less easy than using the plastic ones).

Answer 153

since the 70's I have lived the natural way . As much as possible . I grow gardens that supply as much natural foods as possible . I buy from the farmers mart . Our house is totally electric . One bill . Saves paper . I bought shopping bags from the nearest store to save from using the plastic . We recycle everything . paper , glass , tin , aluminum . I hang clothes out to dry , when weather is permitting , and lately that's almost everyday here in the winter . I figured every little bit helps and i know I have done my share to give Mother Earth a little cleaner enviorment .

Answer 154

I don't eat meat that is farmed inhumanely. I eat free range chicken occasionally, and have to trust that it truly is free-range. Also, only ever buy free-range eggs.



I re-cycle.



I would like to see the government force ALL companies to label whether their product has been tested on animals or not so that the consumer can make an informed choice.



I think celebrities, with their vocational choice of career, should be setting an example by not flying here, there and everywhere, rather than Joe Public being asked to give up his/her annual vacation in the sun.



I now burn soy candles...much friendlier to the environment than their petroleum based counterparts.



I make compost as well, from my fruit and veg and garden waste.

Answer 155

1. I recently started making furniture from scrap woods of all types, cut into strips and bonded using a water soluble adhesive. I get that wood from contractors, furniture shops and local trades that don;t want to take it to a landfill or dump.What I have leftover ,my real scraps, I use for creating heat in a high efficiency woodstove during the winter months here in the NE.

2. When renovating our home, we used Milk Paints and Eco Paints; considering we both have respiratory issues, this was one way we could cut down on solvents in our home

3. We buy our coffee and sugar locally from a coffee house that sells organic coffees and teas and is trade friendly

4. We buy produce and eggs from local farms and believe in giving that money back into our community rather than a corporation; it also comes without many pesticides added to it, so a tomato tastes like a tomato not like its tomato flavored!

5. We have been looking into secondary heating sources and next spring we will install a solar water heater and solar panels (in small steps) for harnessing our own power; righ tnow we use the small solar cells for powering our cellphones and laptops instead of plugging them into the outlets - saves a buck or two - image if you had one of those in every office!\

6. At work, we are required to turn off all non-essential computer equipment, printers and lights so that they do not consume additional and unnecessary power; we have moved to "green" low energy computer systems from HP; and the thought is that it will lower our HVAC costs

Answer 156

My friend uses baking soda from bulk packaging to save on packaging and it's less toxic to environment. His name is Vic Chambers and I check his associated content blog once in awhile which includes these tips.



On yahoo green! I checked my carbon points and made pledges to follow up on how to be better...

Answer 157

Taking public transportation.

Answer 158

I use reusable grocery bags. Probably 40% to help the earth and 60% because they're just so much better than throw-away plastic bags.

Answer 159

We buy local as much as possible

I walk to the train, and take the train to work (not easy in the Puget Sound area...it's like they want to make it difficult to use public transportation)

We recycle

We try to stick with minimal packaging products



Seems like there is a lot we can all do...but most of the time, it's not convenient, which I think is the biggest roadblock of all. Making sustainable living more convenient would be a big plus.

Answer 160

As you may be aware, the planet is suffering from various degenerative effects of many years of wanton abuse.



Currently, earth has a population of well over six billion people.



Trends point to adoption of the capitalist system by many.



Although we can argue that the capitalist system is the best system, many abuses spawn from capitalism.



What I feel is needed most is awareness by everyone of the importance of doing their part in correcting the run-away neglect we all can plainly see.



Coastal areas dying due to pesticide use.



Oceans being depleted of marine life due to careless dredging of aquatic life for human consumption.



Cancer springing from poisoning by corporations who haven't been fined enough by government.



I can go on and on, but the message is clear...more needs to be done...and soon.



I don't use trash bins because they are dirty and clutter our environment.



Rather, biodegradeable bags are better.



I don't hire pesticide companies for a greener lawn.



Rather, I use soysia grass...thereby saving the wasted expense of putting poisons into the environment and save on watering of the lawns.



I use electic appliances that are energy efficient and I use the new spiral light bulbs.



I recycle as much as possible, including water.



I don't use my automobile as much as I used to.



I use my lawnmower as little as possible.



I plan to use a burlap bag for shopping and hope they abandon all bags, paper included.



If every person did their part, and if corporations were fined SEVERELY ( I mean into the billions of dollars, not just millions), we may see planet earth come back again.



If all engines were shut down for a year, earth would recover.



Then again, capitalism would suffer.



The main question is whether capitalism has an answer for correcting all the missuses of our planet.



I sincerely hope so.

Answer 161

We live by the *waste not want not motto* If we don't need it, we don't get it. If we can reuse something, we do. We do not buy *fast food*, it is amazing to some people that real food cooked at home from wholesome stuff can be made so quick. I make our hats, scarves and blankets out of cotton yarn, we keep the heat down. These things were done at first to save money, then we figured out what other things can be useful in keeping pollution and waste down.

Answer 162

I prefer buyng products that have several uses and are not "disposable" after one use. This means choosing products that are not always conveniently packged. I think there is so much waste involved in making products that are 'convenient.'



Also, while cooking, I wash my hands and dry then on cloth towels instead of wasting a paper towel every time. My husband and I are concious not to waste electricity- to turn off lights and appliances that we are not using, and to keep lights of when we are not at home. We also wash dishes in a way so as not to waste water.

Answer 163

Yeah, yeah! Does that toothpaste label actually say "flouride toothpaste"!

I sustain myself by not eating the poison of MSG found in treated (processed) soy products. Soy affects me very badly, even transdermally (from soy-based inks).

Answer 164

So, you are running a company and hope to get rich by beating your competitors. But you are 'sustainable' .

Unless you question is a sarcastic joke, it is the most self-serving load of pompous nonsense I have ever seen in my life!

Answer 165

To both of you. Hat's off. I really admire your efforts that you choose to make. Daily. If all would commit to this maybe us and our planet would be around for our children and all the ones to follow. I do use all natural ingredients in most everything. Is my own little way of giving back too.

Answer 166

We recycle, use low energy light bulbs, and carry reusable bags with us everywhere so we don't use paper or plastic. We try very hard to only buy products not tested on animals, that are not harmful to the enviornment and can be recycled.

And of course we buy our favorite toothpaste - Tom's of Maine Natural Antiplaque plus Whitening Gel Toothpaste!!

Answer 167

I haven't done all I would like to but I did change every light bulb in my house that I could to CFL bulbs , and I bought a more energy efficient pool pump.

Answer 168

Something that is done in the south is not get stressed out by staying home and worshipping recyclables.

Answer 169

Not having children is a start. Too many children can be a drain on the environment, so I chose to have none. Take note, Catholics.



I walk to shop and work. I understand that isn't possible for everyone. I haven't flown for 10 years so that's another green credit for me!



And I use BNP leaflets instead of toilet paper.

Answer 170

I am fortunate to have a great recycling center sponsored by our local government nearby and use it to the max. Cut my trash going to the curb by some 75%. Have also made the switch to CFL's. As I write the employee newsletter for my workplace I have written several articles encouraging conservation and environmental actions from the point of view of enlightened self interest.



~

Answer 171

Not an answer, but would it be possible for you to formulate your toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate?

Answer 172

Sustainability is just a code word for "socialism."



No, I will buy what I like with the money that I have earned, and that is all.



Silly leftists and their socialist claptrap.



More nukes, less kooks!

Answer 173

For years our father kept up a very lush and green lawn around our house in San Diego.



When he passed away, we took out all of the grass and--based on info from the local historical society and garden club--we re-introduced indigenous plant life which is native to the very arid climate, and requires very little water, upkeep or chemical fertilizers.



The children in the neighborhood are always stopping to ask the names of the cacti and flowers.

Answer 174

Pray, Serve My Father in Heaven, Jesus, My Savior, Love

Answer 175

I have carefully read your question.

And, I do sincerely appreciate your sensible thinking as a responsible inhabitant of this planet.

I also opine that the use of renewable energies to be increased meaningfully in coming years. Simultaneously, we need to reduce our dependencies on petrol and gasoline too. Time has come to make people aware to leave their own personal vehicles and / or transportation means and to motivate people to use public transportation system; to the extent it is possible. For this purpose, the public transportation system shall be developed / upgraded for all and it shall be sufficiently convenient to our daily needs. This is a very important and foremost step to save our environment from pollution and its related problems.

And we all know that its effect will be just amazing! But, unfortunately, nobody addresses this issue. We have to drastically reduce the number of private cars on our roads and see the change. It has many other good effects too. This is my idea. Policy makers should explore further.

Answer 176

I recycle almost everything, including clothing, shoes, furniture, and clean plastic bags.

When people move out of the apartments and duplexes on my block, they leave lots of things behind. Managers simply throw it all out in the trash. Many times I have to beat the garbage trucks rescuing bags of clothes, dishes, furniture pieces, bottles and cans, toys and useful objects before they get sent to the landfill. I am always cleaning clothes and donating them to the thrift stores or give them away directly to the people in need.

I bring bags with me when I walk the dogs in my neighborhood and pick up recycling as we go. I do the same at my college campus and at the lake where we go boating. I've pulled off the beaches several pounds of recycling and trash.

Everything I own gets used or donated. We use things up and wear them out. Whatever we can't use we sell at yard sales or give them away.

Right now I am helping my husband's aunt clean out her storage unit. She was going to throw half the stuff away in the trash. I have been repainting and reupholstering old tables and chairs to give to my friend who has no furniture, I have been selling the repainted chairs at yard sales, I have been repairing broken objects to be used again.

My next goal is to get our own property so we can set up our herb farm and help grow local food to sell at the farmer's market. I want to learn how to can and preserve foods so I can use up all of the food that gets left behind in the fields and preserve it for people who are hungry here in my state. I want to collect books and school materials to donate to schools in developing countries. I wish I knew someone who was good at fixing bicycles, I would fix up all of the broken bikes and send them to countries where they are hard to get to help people start getting to places better without needing expensive gasoline. I want to get a diesel truck and convert it to run on vegetable oil. I want to learn to play jazz so I can have people find their entertainment locally and not have to drive 2 hours to get to the city to hear good music.

I want to have my own orchard so I can grow trees for other people to plant on Arbor Day.

Answer 177

I recommend getting rid of the wife and kids! Doing that has really sustained my lifestyle of debauchery! It saved a heckuva lot more moolah than recycling aluminum cans, switching to bio-degradable plastics, or trading in my gas guzzler for a Prius! Now I can party to my heart's content, and achieve true greatness as a playboy and libertine!

Answer 178

I use Tom's of Maine toothpaste and Tom's of Maine mouthwash. I intend to start using Tom's soap, deodorant, shaving cream very soon. I drive toyota corolla which gives good fuel economy -- 30 mpg in city and 38 mpg in highway. I could have driven a V6 full sized sedan too. Keep up the good products you make!

Answer 179

I try to keep it local. I am a member of a local CSA, go to the farmer's market up the street, support local independant businesses, eat at local restaurants that use and support local farms, etc. It reduces my impact and builds and sustains community.

Answer 180

Buy locally as often as possible. Grow as many vegetables as possible in my garden. Drive as little as possible.

Answer 181

I'm vegan, I am 100% cruelty-free, I don't wear leather, I eat as organic as possible, etc. etc.

Answer 182

Shop for clothes on ebay. I recycle and reuse other people's expensive clothing.

Answer 183

I change the oil in my car and pour the oil in the creek that runs by my house. This saves me money which allows me to have a more sustainable lifestyle. Are there anymore money saving tips that you can pass on to me?

Answer 184

I recycle

Answer 185

I think you'll really find this question on Yahoo! Answers interesting.

Answer 186

I drive my car at a speed that should take me the longest distance per gallon.

Use CFL lamps at home.

Use Solar Cooker and Solar Water Heater

Use the organic waste to prepare vermicompost.

Grow my herbs in my terrace garden in organic manner

Answer 187

I want to talk about world peace through eradication of poverty, hunger, malnutrition and against war whatever good cause there may be behind waging a war, be it so-called war against terrorism.

Answer 188

I take everything natural and used Tom's of Maine until recently. It wasn't possible to continue as Im allergic to perfume. A suffering many have these days, that is also on the rise. And I no longer take fluoride, as there aren't any evidence to support that it prevents cavities.

Answer 189

I like to drive my **** kickin' SUV all over the place. And when I am not driving it, I let it run just to try and increase CO2 levels and watch the libs run around screaming and crying.



I also like to send money to this site to have them crush a poor defenseless tree. AWESOME. I highly recommend it.



http://www.carboncreditkillers.com/

Answer 190

I car pool when I can. I organize my errands to make fewer trips to town. I walk everywhere I possibly can. We burn wood for heat when possible. I turn the lights off behind everyone.

Answer 191

i have only begun but i will make sure that i do everything i can to create a sustainable future

Answer 192

I try to truly try to love and forgive those who i perceive to be hurting our beautiful planet and those precious life forms that are so fragile.

Answer 193

I am often called a lot of names because of my Republican voting record. But I bought an old house and refurbished it. Old houses can be a lot of fun, have character, and save the earth by not being torn down and built upon with new materials.

Answer 194

These people advertise their products as 'all natural' but have carcinogens in them.

Answer 195

WELL, I'M TRYING TO SAVE ALL THE EMPTY BOTTLES OF BOTTLED WATER I DRINK HERE AT WORK FOR MY MOM SINCE SHE RECYCLES THEM.. AND I TRY TO RECYCLE PAPER AT WORK AND AT HOME.

Answer 196

We have a compost area outside for all our left over food and then use the compost for the garden. Also we recycle paper, cans and glass.

Answer 197

I turn the heating off ,even when it is cold.

Answer 198

i wish you offered a clay toothpaste

i don't use plastic bags, i take a tote to the market

Answer 199

well what shall i write.

real the Vikings have done all this before you. sorry.



see how people live in Africa, they live by the natur.



so my advice to the world BE GOOD TO IT AND CARE FOR IT ONE DAY WE ALL WILL BE BURNED BECAUSE OF THE PROL.

Answer 200

If you urinate in the ocean it could melt an iceburg in the Arctic. A polar bear could lose his home and perhaps his life.

Answer 201

Here's a poem for you !





" I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.



I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.



Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.



Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.



Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.



Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.



Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.



Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.



Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.



Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.



Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because God has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.



Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.



What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!



Have a great day...unless you have other plans."

Answer 202

i buy fresh coconuts and bananas that grow in forests with substanial enough of sunlight room and fresh water.



.. many & many oranges

Answer 203

Stay away from any negativity, love alot, laugh alot. Smile, smile, smile.

Answer 204

I turn off the water while brushing my teeth and turn lights off as I exit rooms in the house.

Answer 205

how you feel about the environment starts on how you feel about yourself. your attitude towards others reflect you. so to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, i shud be able to love myself first before i can be able to give to to others.

giving back ot nature can be done thru recycling as it impedes what seems to be uncontrollable destruction of our natural resources. so kudos to both of you! keep it up!

Answer 206

Join a Nudest Colony .Being Naked is enjoyable

Answer 207

Drive an SUV!!

Answer 208

I recycle like crazy, use mostly natural cleaning/personal products, use very little processed foods, use cloth diapers (and if we use the plastic, they are without chlorine), buy organic fruits/veggies...I wish I could do more!

Answer 209

I removed the emissions equipment from my car

Answer 210

i love the idea of buying energy credits. i've also started to chose to represent greenies in my work http://airconditioningvegas.com/ and spending my money at businesses that support sustainability and eco-conscious living as much as possible.

Answer 211

I turn off lights, recycle, and always keep my tires pumped up. That's all I'm doing, and that's all I will ever do. I'm tired of being badgered by you people.



Love Jack

Answer 212

exercise more, healthy organic food, and less stress in life.

Answer 213

going to TOM's

it's the best and healthiest place ever

Answer 214

never heard of this good idea

Answer 215

I am conservative & use things in moderation, smaller portions, etc. To deal w/ it, I am insecure & have become an alcoholic.

Answer 216

keep my checkbook balanced on a day to day basis -- know where every penny is --- that way I have reduced the anxiety of not having $$$$ if something comes up that needs to be replaced -- fixed -- or what ever else there is that needs to be taken care of

Answer 217

Dont run water while brushing your teeth.

Answer 218

the things that i will do to live a suitable lifestyle is for me to live a life that i will not hurt other people.

Answer 219

you can recycle, put bins everywhere so people can recycle cans, bags, plastic and glass. also recycle newspaper and cardboard. You can buy organic food to save the enviornment from pesticides. don't use any styrofome as it does not desinagrate. Get motion lighting so if nobody is around the lights go off. put engery saving bulbs everywhere you can. try to come up packages that are 100% compostable. Don't use anything that isn't 100%compostable if it is gong in the trash. You set up programs for you r emplyees to exercise more. Start a walking team. Try to eat healthier and only buy from companies that are making an initiative to do things better for the enviornment. set up a day to adopt a road to pckup trash or cleanup a river. Install led lights instead of flourecent. There are many ways to be more efficient.

Answer 220

i buy one-sided print papers



two sided papers are wasteful as we only use one side to print

Answer 221

I use your Tom's toothpaste and Tom's mouthwash. Your company's toothpaste is great! I really like it. Your company's mouthwash is completely different in taste and flavor from other mouthwashes -- no color, no ultra strong taste. I'm very satisfied with your products.

Answer 222

I bike to work.

Answer 223

medititation and prayer

Answer 224

im planning to build a temple replica of solomons temple here on my pacific island as a unifying source of peace and unity and sustainability with a focus on healing.

Answer 225

Sports and extra-curricular activities.

Hey, I love your brand by the way, I'm from Maine too (Cumberland)!

Answer 226

Didn't Matt Dillon already bother us with question in his pathetic attempt at advertising himself? And isn't it against the rules to post questions that have already been asked to death?



By the way, do you think putting deadly fluoride, and fluoride which permanently damages teeth, including those of children, in toothpaste, is "good stewardship"?

Answer 227

don't have any kids. the main problem is not what we do. it is simply that 6 billion people and growing is more than the earth can sustain.

Answer 228

..change is within, then the rest is change!

Answer 229

God will bless you and give you more oppurtunities

Answer 230

This is what I am doing to help our enviorment so far,

I recycle my cardboard paper, regular paper, I also recycle bottles that are made out of glass, aluminum, &plastic,

I try not to use so much water, ~cutting down the time I spend in the shower,

during the day time, I the naturtal light from the outside, also,

I don't use the plastic bags at the grocery store and use the paper bags instead.

also, we have had our lightbulbs changed to the new spiral ones.

and I bike to work instead of driving.

At my work, we have motion lighting so if nobody is around the lights go off, wich is really helpful.

Answer 231

I have never thought about it.

Answer 232

I stare at the wall, sometimes it talks to me

Answer 233

to breath.

Answer 234

not living beyond my means

Answer 235

I shopping every day so I don't need a fridge.

Answer 236

Get a good education.

Answer 237

I do nothing and that's the truth.



I would like to do a lot but then I look around and see no one else doing it and I give up on the idea.

Answer 238

I do my best to not throw away food.



Especially fresh and unprocessed food.

Answer 239

yes!

Answer 240

I make sure that I am not a heterosexual..The best thing about China is not to allow more polluters in this world.For a start heterosexual men should stop poking at females.

Answer 241

Treasure everything around.

Answer 242

RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE!

Answer 243

i drink every weekend

Answer 244

Let's all go **** in the woods

Answer 245

Stop buying Tom's......they use neem twigs in India and look how clean their teeth is.

Answer 246

Promote the resurrection of nuclear energy.

Answer 247

when remodeling our home it had aluminum siding so instead of leaving it sit we took all siding to recycling center we spent about 300.00 for wood siding or better but recycling got us about 65.00 back . We also recycles alot of our cans bottles and plastics . Even the copper we have laying around

Answer 248

i do not know

Answer 249

i trash pick.

Answer 250

I have decided to assist under privilege children in schools in my community. Also, I try to provide food items for the elderly. This a worthwhile project for me, and I feel good after

assisting them. I find that persons and businesses, they know what I am doing, but very few will assist.



But, I still carry on from my limited resources, which means that I do it on my own.

Answer 251

you got me thinking to do something.tks

Answer 252

I hugged a tree, does that count?

Answer 253

I recycle paper and plastics. I use reusable containers to store food, so plastic bags aren't wasted.



I use reusable grocery sacks.

Answer 254

I buy Colgate - sorry.

Answer 255

I never forget to take my Effexor and Lamictal...........They not only keep me sane, but sustain me as well!

Answer 256

Poop in the garden

Answer 257

toms of maine, are wonderful products, have used many of them, especially when my children were young, keep up the good work, love the toothpaste!!!!!, still use the products

Answer 258

Cooking real food instead of processed foods, replace sugar for sugar substitute, stay away from pop, there is not any nutritional value. Donuts not good for the body at all. Taste great, heavy on the thighs. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Exercise with my dog. discipline the body, feed the mind soothes the soul.

Answer 259

I put all waste in dustbin. I think this is the smallest one but it makes a lot of difference. I use paper packs rather than polethene bags. I avoid going by bike in most cases.

Answer 260

I re-use your toilet paper. GO ME!

Answer 261

Ah eats babies

Answer 262

Recycle, save energy by not using too much light or not even use it when not needed. But RECYCLE

Answer 263

This isn't about lifestyle, but doesn't Toms of Maine toothpaste have laurel/laureth sulfates in it? I stopped using it for some reason. Should look into that. Not a very good ingredient.

Answer 264

I say leave this damn planet ALONE!!



We have raped it, stabbed it and let all its life energies drain out..We have killed everything we touch..including our own..



It is greed that has taken us to the point we are at on this planet..



It seems to me that you are ..just another greedy little person..looking to make another buck..



Wanna know what to do..just take what you need..and not a bit more..



Humans make me sick..Its greed that rules lives..and ruins our lives..



This poor planet has had enough and there is no turning back....Just leave it alone..it's dying..and because of it..we will too..

Answer 265

I've sustained my life for 65 years without any models other than what my great-grandparents passed down to me. All the stuff you're doing (wind energy credits, etc. are a bunch of contrived nonsense!) 50 years from now people will look back at your wasted efforts and laugh.

Answer 266

Everyone talks about how important the environment is, yet America thrives on industrialization while reprimanding Brazil for cutting down rainforests.



Raising awareness of the environment is nothing more than a political stunt. The country is fueled by big oil. Let's be realistic, alternative energy is simply not viable because too much is riding politically on big oil. The small efforts of everyday people cannot compensate for the big lack of effort by the politicians whose decisions actually matter.



This is not about the environment. It's about appeasing the collective conscience, and making people feel like they're doing something important.

Answer 267

Testing new medicines on animals is very effective and has saved many human lives. Even you believe there is a moral reason to not test on animals, it has nothing to do with sustainability.

Answer 268

I use your products, buy organic when I can, drive a compact car, use cloth diapers and menstrual pads, no-poo my hair instead of shampoo and recycle what I can when I can. It turns out that old 5 gallon water jugs are great drums!

Answer 269

I do exercise, eat right food, water therapy and avoid too much stressful environment, go on vacation if needed

Answer 270

I've been sustaining my life style for 58 years with no problems at all. What else is there.

Answer 271

i dunno but i need points =)

Answer 272

I don't eat meat

I eat organic and local grown foods as much as possible

Limit my use of plastic bags (use canvas sacks)

Slather my pits with Tom's deodorant!

Answer 273

im tired of officials getting all the answers.



https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20071025191108AAF9aPU



answer my ? to help prove it is possible to get 200+ answers!

Answer 274

I simply dont leave appliances on that i dont use

Answer 275

One morning I gave out delicious organic breakfast bars to my co-workers. Hopefully I converted a handful of people to organic food.