It’s Not Easy Being Green… Or is it?
The needless use of bottled water is my biggest pet peeve. Photo Credit: Ooodit via Flickr
However, here is my list of 5 green things I do without thinking:
1. Walk, don’t drive– Part of this is because I live in the dorms and walking is just the easiest thing to do.
2. Recycle– I can’t help it, I was raised to recycle things. Its like this impulsive thing. I just can’t throw away paper, my arm would jerk back and slap me if I tried. It also is one of the Famous R’s (as they should be called)– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
3. Buying Used– Hello? College Student? Not only does buying used mean you hit another famous R, reduce, but its also cheaper. All hail goodwill and garage sales.
4. Laptops and Rechargeable Batteries- Sorry, but since they use less power than desktop computers, Laptops are more eco-friendly. And cooler. And rechargeable batteries? I switched after I discovered the startling cost of regular batteries.
5. No Bottled Water!- There is no reason for a person living in the Willamette Valley to buy bottled water. The tap water here is the best ever. Ever. Bottled water is expensive, the same thing and comes with more packaging. As a cyclist, I have about 5 water bottles in my room which I fill up with leisure. What could be better?
This post is to inspire hope. I intend to improve my greenliness by using less printer paper, keeping the heater in my room off, using less baby wipes (they clean everything….) and by eating less meat.
So celebrate what you do right, but look for improvements!
Kallen is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Journalism at the University of Oregon and, of course, writing a blog.
Taylor said,
February 21, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
Some bottled water, like Earth2O come right out of the municipal water supply. In Earth20’s case, it’s from Culver, Oregon. Granted, the water that Earth20 bottles comes from Opal Springs — a deep underground source — courtesy of the Deschutes Valley Water District.
Still, I agree that the NW has some of the finest potable water anywhere. Portland’s comes from a protected lake in the Cascades. Eugene gets its water from the McKenzie river before it hits the Willamette. Seattle gets its water from nearby mountain watersheds.
I think the key for good water is local, protected sources. I tried to find out which city has the “worst” water, but I suppose measures for that vary — I was unsuccessful.
Taylor said,
February 21, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
I’d like to add that some computer manufacturers are becoming more eco-conscious. Apple for instance, appears to be trending toward recyclable computers… Still, I can’t wait for when our computers are completely organic. (yes, it’s futuretech, but still possible)
lk said,
February 21, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
The first R is reduce…and the easiest. We are the wastiest (my word) society…and the first way to begin greening is to use less to begin with. Question need.
Check out the Annie Leonard and The Story of Stuff for more- http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html
I like your advice to be positive and celebrate what you do right. Thanks!