I am a member of an organization (which shall go unnamed as I’m feeling in a particularly kind mood) that sent me a publication (which shall also go unnamed) this month and last month. In last month’s mailing, the publication took care to place special 31-page insert titled, “Environmental Sustainability – Going Green: In-Store Marking Business Practices & Strategies”. The insert is actually quite good. It discusses green trends, costs, and manufacturing as they relate to the in-store marketing environment. The insert covers profiles of companies that have green practices, best green practices, and green resources to help readers take green and environmental care to the next level.
Apparently, the publication and organization thinks the insert is so good, they felt compelled to send me another exact copy of the 31-page insert. How is that for irony? The new publication had another identical copy of the 31-page insert, all nicely wrapped in what must be a very environmentally friendly plastic bag. I don’t know what the publication’s circulation is, and in fact, I’m a little afraid to ask. How many resources must have gone into producing extra copies of this insert, not to mention the added waste of distributing it and wrapping it in plastic? Do members of their organization drive around in Hummers or large SUVs with signs saying “I’m green, and I want to save Earth”?
In the spirit of this irony, I’m going to list some quick tips you can employ to stay green. I will be shocked if you don’t employ at least half these tactics already. These are the low hanging fruit items you can implement, with little or no cost, which will help our environment tremendously. In the future, I’ll write more items, some of which may be more difficult, but should be equally fulfilling to know you’re doing your part.
- Turn off your monitor when you’re not using your computer. The power save mode is a scam – your monitor still uses electricity when it’s plugged in even when it’s off or in power save mode.
- Replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescents)
- Drive slower – you can save a lot of gas by doing so, and if you leave just 5 minutes earlier, you’ll still get there on time (and more safely). While you’re at it, turn off your car if you’re waiting somewhere and not moving.
- Don’t leave your computer or laptop on all night unless you really have to.
- Reuse plastic bags or use reusable bags when you go grocery shopping.
- RECYCLE! True, they may separate recyclables at the garbage facility, but do you really think they’re doing a great job?
- Use LESS – see where in your life you can use less, whether it’s energy, water, or anything else.
- Take shorter showers. Even 1 minute helps. At the very least, if you’re not timing yourself, start with that!
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