Tu Bishvat Green Resolutions

Becoming Earth Friendly

By: HEATHER LOCHNER

I know the month of Elul and the High Holidays are the usual time for self-reflection and the mending of ways, but in honor of Tu Bishvat, I have some New Year (for the Trees) resolutions. I've been examining my lifestyle lately, and thinking about ways I can improve. And while many of my thoughts turned inward, I also looked at my carbon footprint and the impact I was having on the planet. After some deliberation, I've decided to make some meaningful changes that can help preserve our environment. While there are many roads that lead to greener living, here are a few of the paths I have chosen to follow:

Compost

For most of us, cooking is an enjoyable experience. We create, we eat, but we also produce waste. Next time your inner chef cries out, reach for the compost instead of placing food scraps in the garbage.  Whether you live in an apartment or in a house, everyone can compost. There are kits available for almost every living situation. Composting turns kitchen trash into nutrient rich fertilizer; and it reduces the amount of garbage sent to the landfills.

Reusable Shopping Bags

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every year Americans use more than 380 billion plastic bags. And while we have all heard the stories about birds and marine life mistaking plastic bags for food, the majority of bags still end up in landfills or floating in the ocean. So what can an environmentally-conscious consumer do? We can remember to carry re-usable shopping bags.  Available in stores and online, re-usable bags are all the rage. Find the pattern and size that suits your needs and shop everywhere from the hardware store to the beauty aisle without harming the environment.

Reduce Light Pollution

Do you ever gaze up into the sky and wonder where all the stars have gone? Why, when away from the big city the sky is full of stars, yet when in a metropolitan area they all seem to disappear?  This reduction is caused by light pollution; and stargazing is not the only victim. Buildings lit at night have been known to confuse migrating birds. Too much light exposure has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome and hyperactivity. And wasted light is estimated to cost the United States more than $2 billion per year. Whether you are at home or at the office, turning off the lights when not in use can significantly help reduce light pollution.

Use Less Water

Here are two quick water consumption facts you may not know:

1. The United States has the highest rate of water consumption in the world.
2. The average person uses 100 gallons of water each day; 2 quarts is all we really need.
   

Simple solutions can help preserve our water supply. You can upgrade older toilets with newer, water efficient models or how about installing a low flow showerhead while also reducing your shower time by 1 minute. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and teach your children to tightly turn off the tap after each use. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. These measures can save over 1,000 gallons of water per month.

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