Living Green: 101 Things You Can Do to Promote Green Values

by Mary-Clayton & Christopher Enderlein

Green values are not just guidelines you use once every few years in deciding how to vote; they are things you can live by every day. This list is for those who have the "Green spirit" and want to incorporate it further into our lives.

1. Recycle newspaper, aluminum, glass, and tin

2. Recycle motor oil.

3. Use cloth diapers.

4. Reuse egg cartons and plastic bags.

5. Avoid using styrofoam - it can't be recycled.

6. Avoid disposable plates, cups, and utensils.

7. Use rags instead of paper towels.

8. Use paper bags, not paper towels, to drain grease.

9. Recycle unneeded items.

10. Use the back of discard able paper for scratch paper.

11. Be responsible and creative with leftover food.

12. Use the water from cooking vegetables to make soup.

13. Mend and repair, rather than discard and replace.

14. Invest in well-made, functional clothing.

15. Buy bulk & unpackaged rather than packaged goods.

16. Purchase goods in reusable or recyclable containers.

17. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.

18. Buy foods without additives and preservatives.

19. Use non-toxic pest control.

20. Compost your food scraps.

21. Grow your own food (even small kitchen gardens!).

22. Volunteer to start or help with a community garden.

23. Eat foods from low on the food chain, not meat.

24. Avoid highly processed foods.

25. Support food co-ops.

26. Discover where the food and goods you buy come from.

27. Buy locally grown produce and other foods.

28. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.

29. Encourage friends and family members to do the same, it can be a way for you to spend some quality time with them.

30. Plant trees in your community.

31. Learn about the plants and animals in your region.

32. Learn about the cultural diversity of your bioregion.

33. Explore and learn about your bioregion.

34. Discover your watershed and work to protect it.

35. Oppose the use of roadside defoliants in your area.

36. Use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps & detergents.

37. Put in a water-conserving showerhead.

38. Learn where your waste and sewage goes.

39. Keep hazardous chemicals in spill proof containers.

40. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, a glass of water will do just fine.

41. Put a water conservation device in your toilet tank.

42. Shop by phone first, then pick up your purchase.

43. Learn where the energy for your home comes from.

44. Support your local utility's conservation program.

45. Hang your clothes out to dry.

46. Be sure your home is well insulated.

47. Weather-seal your home thoroughly.

48. Heat your home responsibly, with renewable energy.

49. Don't burn green wood.

50. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.

51. Turn lights off when not in use.

52. Turn down your hot water heater.

53. Lower your thermostat and wear warmer clothes.

54. Take shorter showers.

55. Buy energy efficient appliances.

56. Drive a fuel efficient car.

57. Conserve gas by walking, bicycling, and carpooling

58. Use rechargeable batteries.

59. Research socially responsible investments.

60. Support local credit unions.

61. Support local shops and restaurants, not chains.

62. "Adopt a grandparent" from the local senior center.

63. Volunteer to cook for senior citizens.

64. Hold a community potluck to meet your neighbors.

65. Volunteer to help with neighborhood children.

66. Pick up litter along highways and near your house.

67. Sponsor a clothes swap.

68. Become involved with community projects & events.

69. Organize or participate in community sports.

70. Speak out about your values in community groups.

71. Participate in sister city and cultural exchanges.

72. Educate yourself on global and "third world" issues.

73. Spend time visualizing global peace and find out how to make it a reality.

74. Be an active voter of your community - attend "Town Meetings".

75. Vote for candidates who support Green values.

76. Write letters to your representatives.

77. Become involved with your child's school.

78. Encourage your child's natural talents and interests.

79. Organize or join a neighborhood toy co-op.

80. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.

81. Teach your children ecological wisdom.

82. Listen to their needs and support their dreams.

83. Communicate openly with your friends and co-workers.

84. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service.

85. Work to understand people with different views.

86. Be conscious of the struggles of oppressed people.

87. Work to unlearn cultural sexism and racism.

88. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service.

89. Donate blood if your health permits.

90. Explore ways to reduce the stress in your life.

91. Practice preventative health care.

92. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods.

93. Bring music into your life.

94. Learn about the medications you put into your body.

95. Practice responsible family planning.

96. Learn first aid and emergency procedures.

97. Take time to play, relax, and go into nature.

98. Decrease TV-watching & increase creative learning.

99. Have fun and be joyful.

100. Put a sincere smile on your face.

101. Last but not least, remember that we're all in this together.

(via EnviroNet, February 1, 1989)