Simple Changes

I was walking my dog the other day and passed someone sitting in a car. They were obviously waiting for someone because the car was still running. I didn’t think much about it until I came back from my walk 20 minutes later and the same person was in the car waiting… and the car was still running.

The next day I drove my son to the bank and turned off my car to wait while he did his banking. I was surprised to see how many other cars pulled up and left their cars running as they ran into the bank.

I can understand cars idling when the temperature is -40C otherwise they may not start again. But to do so when it’s nice outside just doesn’t make sense to me. Not when you realize the amount of exhaust if everyone is doing it.

Let’s do our part and turn off our cars when not driving. In that small way we will be doing our part for the environment and enjoying the clean air.

Originally posted in the Airdrie Echo July 25, 2007

Filed under: Earth | Tagged: Environment | Leave a comment »

While grocery shopping this past week, I was pleased to have the clerk ask me if I wanted paper or plastic bags. It certainly makes sense to use paper and then recycle the bag afterwards.

I was particularly pleased to see a message on the side of the bag stating, “This paper grocery bag is 100% recyclable, biodegradable and is composed of sawmill by-products that once were discarded, or burned.” They also plan on providing helpful environmental hints on their paper bags in the future.

What to do with all those left over plastic bags? Safeway bags can be recycled at their store. You can also use them to line kitchen or bathroom garbage pails or for picking up after pets.

An even better idea is to purchase (or make) reusable cloth bags to eliminate paper or plastic all together.

Originally posted in the Airdrie Echo May 2, 2007

Filed under: Earth | Tagged: Environment | Leave a comment »