Simple Ways to “Turn Green”

Whew!  Between the derecho storm that blew through our area and record heat that we haven’t seen except three times since 1871, can someone please pass the ice cubes?!   Actually, while I was blessed to not suffer loss of power personally, it is a stark reminder of our need to build green.  I was walking through a hardware store parking lot to get my energy saving light bulbs and the blast of heat off the pavement made me appreciate the value of reducing the “heat island” effect of pavement and providing more shade trees.  Simple things that would be REALLY appreciated, as I was melting simply walking to the front door. 

 This year I jumped into raised bed gardening.  I am utilizing a rain barrel to save water for the garden and have gotten into composting.  The garden is a work in progress but being more natural and green in my thinking and practice has been satisfying.  In my case, it is also good exercise.  In my home over the past three years we have tried to implement many energy savings measures.  Last week I visited a friend who installed a solar panel array.  He has saved 40% on his electric bill in just the past six months!  Too bad our own house is oriented in the wrong direction to make it cost effective.

I have been trying to be more green in my practice not just because it is “PC” but because it really is a good idea.  For me, being green starts with thinking and paying attention to the simple changes I can make around my home.

-Ravi