The era of rampant greed is over. Consumption isn’t an asset any more. It’s a liability. The new motto is, “Don’t buy. Repair.”

I, for one, am very happy with this recession. It will teach us more than we can learn from reading a book about frugality, or listening to green tips on the radio. It will teach us the mantra of our Depression-era ancestors—Use it up. Wear it out. Make do. Do without.

We cannot postpone the sacrifice any longer. It’s past time we stood up—each and every one of us—and figured out how we are going to be part of the solution. It’s going to be an interesting and exciting four years.

This historic presidential election opened a door. Now we must each walk through it. Listen to President-elect Obama’s call to service—to go out and help people. To learn a new skill. To volunteer. The time of selfishness and greed is past. It’s a time of community, of civic engagement.

It’s about us. It’s about our planet.

Yes we can.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Today’s Tip: Electronics, Cradle to Cradle
As the countdown to the switch to digital television continues, a third electronics manufacturer has joined the ranks of companies offering free recycling of their used electronics. Samsung joined Sony and LG as the only three companies offering free recycling of old televisions. Samsung has also pledged to use only those recycling programs that don’t incinerate, landfill, or export toxic waste to developing countries—a step that should cut down on pollution.

Manufacturers still have a long way to go to achieve the cradle-to-cradle ethic whereby all materials used to make a piece of electronics or furniture, or house, or whatever, can be reused indefinitely. But at least offering convenient recycling helps keep electronics out of the waste stream, and the stream of television sets has been awe-inspiring as Americans switch to flat-screen HD televisions.

Why are these recycling programs important? Now, less than 13% of all electronics are recycled, and the traces of toxic metals found in all electronics ends up in the air after incineration, in the water after being buried in a landfill, or in the hands of poor trash-pickers, often in third-world nations. All of which is a reminder why it’s so important to keep working toward that cradle-to-cradle goal.

fromThedailygreen, #47090803, 9.8.08

Wednesday, Nov. 12
Today’s Tip: Practice zero-waste.
The United States leads the world in waste production. And per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. In 1960 per capita generation was 2.7 pounds per person. In 2000 it was almost twice that—a whopping 4 1/2 pounds per person.

One way to limit your personal waste footprint is to try your darndest to live a zero waste lifestyle. There are hundreds of opportunities each day in your home, school, workplace, church, and community. It takes developing new habits, but they soon become second nature.

Begin with little things: use both sides of the paper; carry your own thermal mug, water bottle, and shopping bags; get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced; compost food scraps; avoid bottled water and other over-packaged products; upgrade computers rather than buy new ones, repair and mend rather than replace. The list is endless!

The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm--or actually, reclaim an old one!

The spending spree is over. It’s time to adopt the old Depression-era maxim: Waste not, want not.

Thursday, Nov. 13
Today’s Tip: Save $4,000 a year by going green.
Going green doesn’t have to cost you money. It can save you money. Really. You can save $4,000 a year, every year, by living a greener life. Here’s a 12-step plan put together by The Daily Green. Pay attention.

1. Take lunch to work and stop tossing disposable takeout waste. Annual cost savings: $1,560.

2. Sell your gas-guzzler and invest in a fuel efficient car. Annual cost savings: $884.

3. Drive smart to improve fuel economy. Annual savings: $600.

4. Buy a reusable water bottle and stop buying bottled water. Annual savings: $500.

5. Make your own non-toxic cleaners. Annual cost savings: $300.

6. Skip one driving trip each week. Annual cost savings: $225.

7. Install window and door weather stripping. Annual savings: $129.

8. Get a programmable thermostat and use it to regulate heating and cooling. Annual cost savings: $150.

9. Buy a smart power strip and really turn off energy-sucking electronics. Annual cost savings: $94.

10. Install low-flow shower heads and water-saving toilets and faucets. Cost savings: $72.

11. Replace an old washing machine with an EnergyStar model. Annual cost savings: $50 (plus 7,000 gallons of water).

12. Swap out old light bulbs for compact fluorescents. Annual Cost savings: $5-$10 per bulb.

Total cost savings per year: $3,690.

For years naysayers have claimed that being eco is too expensive. Not any more. Start going green today. And save.

From thedailygreen, 10.24.08

Friday, Nov. 14th
Today’s Tip: Buy an Energy Star television.
The Environmental Protection Agency has unveiled its new rating system for energy efficient televisions, and 229 models have been rated as EnergyStar compliant. The new guidelines went into effect Nov. 1.

Currently, the 275 million TVs in America account for a staggering 4% of electricity consumed. If you’re shopping for a new television, consult EnergyStar.gov first. Compliant televisions are as much as 30% more energy efficient than non-compliant sets.

The new specifications target the “phantom load”: These sets won’t drain electricity when switched “off” like other models. They also require the use of EnergyStar-rated external power supplies—an important distinction, given the magnitude of electricity some HD models demand. Some models can consume as much as a refrigerator, traditionally the most electricity-hungry appliance in the home. That means that not only is the price tag of the television you buy important, but its ongoing energy costs are important, as well.

From thedailygreen.com, #47110301