April 20, 2013 is Earth Day.....How Can We Help?

April 20, 2013 is Earth Day.....How Can We Help?

We all know about Earth Day and how we need to do things to preserve and Save our Earth....

But how do we do that?   

I ran across an editorial today in the Idaho Press Tribune

The Editorial Board gave us 5 Easy to Accomplish Tasks

1.  Drive Less

This one is probably the hardest for me to think about.   As a Realtor we drive a lot of miles.   However, we can minimize our driving.....combine your errands, walk or ride a bike when possible, carpool with friends and family whenever possible.  

We don't have to completely eliminate driving...but if all of us become aware of how much we are driving...and we even eliminate one trip a week we will be helping out. 

2.  Recycle

In Nampa it is pretty easy to recycle.    We have garbage cans or blue bins that we can collect all of our recycle-able items.   I know for myself but recycling I only set out my garbage can once or twice a month.   I just don't have as much trash as I used to have.   for more details on Recycling in Nampa Idaho check out this website. 

3.  Watch How Much Water You Use to Water Your Lawn

In Nampa most of us have pressurized irrigation to supply our Sprinkler Systems.  One of the biggest mistakes folks make is to over water their lawns.   A lawn only needs about an hour of watering 2-3 times a week.   Don't over water....you will have a soggy yard and you may even incur water in your crawl space...that could lead to mold.   Use your timer system to regulate the amount of water your lawn receives.  

4.  Adjust your Thermostat

What temperature do you keep your home at?    Could you adjust your thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer?  By adjusting your thermostat you will save electricity.   Saving electricity will also save you money.   On the cooler days grab a sweater or a blanket instead of raising up that thermostat....on the warmer days...open a window early morning or later in the evening to let some fresh air in ....I would bet that making a few changes like this will be hardly noticeable to your body temperature. 

5.  Embrace your Inner Pack Rat

I love this tip....how many times are we told to get rid of stuff?    Well think creatively....how can you use that item?    Can you create some thing from it?   Could it be a craft item for a kid?   Whether it be at home or at the church.   For Instance,  I cut the pockets off of old jeans and make angels and I use the the rest of the fabric to make warm denim jeans....remember item 4?   Cardboard pieces are great for coloring days when children come to visit.   What about magazines?  Could you donate them to a Senior home or Senior Center?  

Everything can be re-purposed.....if you need more ideas.    Go to Pinterest and type in whatever item you need to find a purpose for ....I am sure you will find more ideas than you have time!