Saving the Earth Diaries

     Hi! My name's Addie. There are so many things out there that, if we all pitch in, could turn our direction around for the future. Small, everyday thing that have a great impact on our great, and loyal Mother Earth. I'm hoping you've all spoken to your friends, your family members, and even people you hardly know. It may seem that as a kid, you can't change anything in this world. You're wrong. Small things like, quitting buying bottled water. The water that comes out of your sink is as good as, if not higher quality than the bottled water you purchase. Every day, I'm determined to post ten green tips that can make our Earth-effort worth the while. Think about it, follow my lead and the next generation just might be able to see polar bears!

 I. Carry around with you a cloth hankercheif instead of using tissues.

 II. Combine your laundry with the rest of your family's to make one giant load, instead  of many small ones.

 III. At parties, convince your parents to use glass or plastic (if outside) drinking cups instead of disposable ones. Use glass or plastic plates as well.

 IV. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or washing the dishes by hand. Only turn it on when necessary.

 V. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Buy cheap bags at the store and leave them in your car and use them to carry your groceries.

VI. Change light bulbs from traditional incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs. If every American did, it would reduce greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

VII. Turn off the car instead of idling when waiting in a carpool lane for the kids at school. When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it's actually using more gas, therefore putting more greenhouse gas pollution into the air then if it was turned off.  

VIII. Only buy locally grown produce. The fruit or vegetable you're about to buy may be great for you, but if it traveled thousands of miles to get to your local grocery store then it's not great for the environment. Plus, buying locally means your purchase will support local farmers. 

IX. Turn down the heat. In the winter time, where extra layers around your house instead of turning up the heat.

X. Ride your bike. If your school or office if withing biking distance of your house, do it! It conserves gasoline, (so you won't be paying those high costs) and it's a great way to excersize as well!