Environmental Ethics Start With You

I define environmental ethics as doing what's right for the environment. And doing what's right, is painstakingly taking care of the only known inhabitable planet in the solar system. It means realizing that lifestyle and habits, have a direct effect on the planet's future.

What do I define as doing "what's right"? Obviously, there are a plethora of options from the basics of Reduce Reuse Recycle, to the complex processes of alternative energy, etc. "The sky's the limit", as they say. It just depends how high you desire to soar!

Recycling

There is more than enough information in every community and state, as well as online recycling resources. Besides setting aside an area at your home to store recyclables, the process of recycling is relatively painless. If, curbside recycling isn't available in your area, there are definitely other options in your community. A slight detour on your errand running day, can usually take care of getting the recyclables to the proper disposal facility.

Non-Toxic Cleaning

Not only is the use of non-toxic cleaning products beneficial to the planet, it's also proven to NOT be detrimental to your family's health. Actually, credible studies are being released fairly regularly regarding this issue. The word is finally out that about the fact that there are over 80,000 chemicals in household products that have never been tested for safety for humans or animals. It's really a simple transition to change over to safe cleaning products, and there are several that are less expensive than the toxic ones.

Energy Efficient Lighting

These might be a little more costly up front, but in the end, they buy earth more time and you also. The CFL and LED light options are getting better all the time. No longer is it necessary to sacrifice good lighting, in order to use a more environmentally efficient product. The facts speak for themselves, it's just a matter of educating yourself.

Take a look at your daily habits and activities. What changes can you make to improve your environmental ethics? Remember, the sky's the limit!!

Come soar with me....

LED Light bulb vs CFL Light bulb

Previously, I've posted about the environmental importance of phasing out the use of regular incandescent light bulbs and moving to more energy efficient CFL light bulbs. But, as progress marches on, so does the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the LED light bulb.

Initially, an LED (light emitting diode) light, was most commonly a little red light that emitted from different products. It was often the illumination of time, but as time also marches on, so does the LED light bulb.

Now that technology has figured out how to 'cluster' the LED's to improve the quality of the focused light beam, they are becoming more advanced and not so cost-prohibitive. To compare the cost of the incandescent bulb, CFL light bulb and the LED light bulb, the folks over at Eartheasy.com have posted a great comparison chart.

Anyone can start the transition from regular incandescent light or CFL lighting, over to the LED light bulb, in small steps. One way to start and get paid for doing it, is to recycle your old Christmas light strings at Home Depot and receive a coupon towards Christmas LED light bulbs. Phillips is also offering a rebate through December 31, 2009, for the purchase of LED light bulbs, as well as CFL light bulbs.

Check out the comparison chart at Eartheasy.com for excellent information on the value of CFL light bulbs vs LED light bulbs. Even at a slightly higher cost up front, LED light bulbs overall, appear to be the long-term winner.

Lights On - Lights Off

Watch this Mythbusters video that tests whether or not we should turn the lights off, everytime we leave the room, or leave them on.

P.S. The results are good for us and for our planet. !!

Options for Recycling CFL's

While usage of the CFL (Compact Flourescent Light) controversy still rages on; (IMHO), they are definitely a sustainable option for everyone. Yes, the mercury content and disposal issues are yet to be resolved, but there are some options in place to safely dispose of your used/damaged CFL's.

So, I'm at my "Like-a-brother" hairdresser's home last week, getting my gray washed out. I'm chatting with his roommate, who's an awesome guy and on the management team of a Lowe's store in Boise, Idaho.

I ask this Lowe's manager, if he is aware that Home Depot has gone to accepting used and damaged CFL's for recycling and ask him, "When is Lowe's going to step up to the plate and start doing good things like Home Depot?". He then proceeds to diplomatically inform me that Lowe's has been recycling CFL's for sometime, and in fact, Lowe's also recycles batteries (AA,D,C,etc.).

Well, naturally I apologized for my assumption of Lowe's lack of environmental responsibility, and just thought I'd share my ignorance, with the rest of you. This just goes to show you, that "one" never knows what another person or another company is doing to make a more positive impact on the planet.

This was my reminder on continuing my education of the plethora of resources and options that are available and never A S S - U - M E !!

Sorry guys, another lesson learned!

In Their Infinite Wisdom

Eliminate CFL's or eliminate something/someone else?