Ways to Save the Earth

I was wandering around my house this evening and came across an amazing book that I never knew I had! 365 Ways To Save The Earth by Phillipe Bourseiller has found a special place in my heart. As I continue this blog, from time to time, I would like to include passages from this read. This book, published at the beginning of the big environmental movement, basically has useful tips for living a greener life. Little tidbits of Eco-knowledge.

What better time to start than now:

"Reduce the amount of water flowing into your toilet's tank. Any water that has been used in the homes, except water from toilets, is called graywater. This water-from dishwashers, showers, sinks, and laundry machines-accounts for at least half of all residential waste water and may be used for other purposes, especially in yards and gardens. While some ecologically oriented buildings in the United States have installed graywater systems, it has yet to make an appearance in this country on a larger scale.

By placing a bottle filled with sand in your lavoratory cistern you will reduce the volume of water used with each flush, saving the volume of the bottle each time you flush. Don't use a brick-pieces of decaying brick can get into the toilet's system and cause leaks" (7).

If you don't have access to sand, just make sure the bottle is filled with something that will weigh it down. There! Doesn't that make you feel better?

I would like to point out that while I respect those who live extremely environmentally-friendly, I am not as hardcore. I feel that being an environmentalist should not be a title; it should be something we all are, regardless of the degree we act upon. If I see someone throw their plastic bottle into the trash when the recycle bin is just a few feet away, I am not going to go yell a them about it. I would simply try my best to put the bottle into its proper location. I don't want to push my values upon anyone; I just want to give people tips and advice on living a greener life. I think we can all do our part to help our planet. I chose to use environmentally friendly fabrics in my clothing because it is an easier way for others to make a difference, and it just makes sense! I didn't have to write a huge essay about it, nor did I have to jog ten miles. It was a simple decision that I am happy I made.

Little things like putting a bottle inside the back of your toilet should not be a problem. You do it once, and from then on, the planet is better for it. I am not here to make you tie yourself to a tree, or to stand in front of Silver-back Apes that are being poached (I mean if you are willing to that would be great). Just know that there are some things you and I can do to help the planet we live on that will not take up a whole lot of your time. I love you all ;-)

Source: Bourseiller, Philippe. 365 Ways to Save the Earth. Paris; Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 2005.