Green Team Tips of the Week

Computer Tips

Marginal Savings
The Remarks, May 27, 2008

There is more space on the page than you think. Your computer’s common default settings are probably 12-point type and 1.25-inch left- and right-hand margins. Try using 11-point type, 1-inch left-hand margins, and 0.5-inch right-hand margins.

Do your part: This simple change can help you fit 27 percent more information comfortably on a page. You will save paper and still have plenty of room on the margins.

Clutter Tips

The Remarks, February 13, 2007

Most everything that we do costs either in resources, time and/or money. If we are to stay true to the circle of life and maintain our balance, we must find ways of replenishing, returning, reducing, and/or recycling what we expend. It is the only way towards sustainability and quality of life.

One concept to consider is doing less, simplifying our lives. Think of it as reducing the ‘clutter’. That is easy, as we think of ‘clutter’ as physical objects, but in today’s world of multi-tasking, choices and instant messaging, there is another form of clutter - the clutter of information, activities, perceived expectations, etc. that we all feel obligated to respond to, clouding our vision for a better life. This week, dedicate some time to clearing your desk. File what needs to be kept and recycle or discard anything else. Set up a system that will reduce the likelihood of cluttering your desk again.

Plastics

Reduce your Use of Plastic - Another Way to Reduce the Use of Petroleum!!
The Remarks, July 29, 2008

We could all do with a little less plastic in our lives, no matter the type of resin. All plastics are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and produced under extremely energy-intensive conditions, so here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping:

• Always opt for plastic containers that are accepted for recycling in your area. (#1 and #2 are most commonly accepted)
• Avoid single-use, non-recyclable disposable packaging, such as Styrofoam meat trays, and clamshell containers.
• Buy food in glass or metal containers
• Bring your own containers to restaurants, if you suspect you might have leftovers.
• If you do get takeout you'll be eating at home, don't take plastic cutlery or condiment packets.
• Avoid plastic cooking tools; use stainless steel or wooden utensils instead.
• Replace your plastic cutting boards with wood. You can spray wooden boards with a mist of vinegar, then with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, to kill bacteria.
• Take your own reusable bags shopping.

Voting Tips

Voting Green. With elections just around the corner, there are some important questions that you may want to ask of the candidates:

• Are they embracing technology that improves energy efficiency?
• Will they encourage the use of renewable, clean energy sources?
• Do they recognize that climate change and global warming are real threats?
• Are they working towards improving our state’s and our country’s energy policies so that we might move into a cleaner, greener future?

Click here to read Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's article on voting green (go to page 4).