Why it matters...

Everything we consume -- and we consume a lot -- comes from somewhere. Materials and energy go into building every product, transporting it, and selling it to us. And at every step, the environment is affected -- not just here in Rhode Island, but around the world. It's great that we have such a rich, comfortable, mobile life, filled with nice things and lots of choices and opportunities. But it's not really necessary for us to waste so much, is it? When all of that waste comes at a price.

Wild animals lose their homes as forests are cut down, mines to extract metals destroy whole mountains, all the fuel burned to create so much energy pollutes the atmosphere, plants and soils are drenched in chemicals. A lot of the damage happens far away, out of sight, while all we see are shiny, pretty products. So why not take what we need, and leave the rest? Leave it for the future, for the wild plants and animals, for the children not yet born.

Learning to live greener is not really a big sacrifice. It's kind of like changing your diet... the goal is not deprivation but a better life, and after a little practice we can learn to prefer healthy food that makes us feel good and full of energy, instead of junk that slows us down, makes us fat and clogs our arteries. Living a greener lifestyle for a healthier planet has the same effect!

Buy clean electricity...

Here in Rhode Island, we have the choice right now to ask for our electricity to come from green sources. If you sign up for GreenStart, the electricity you get from National Grid will be derived from wind farms, solar energy installations, and low-impact hydropower projects. It costs a little extra, about $5 to $10 or so per month, but that difference is tax-deductible.

The actual electricity you get won't change at all. All the energy from powerplants in the Northeast goes into one big pool -- the grid -- and we all draw out of that same pool. What it really means is that if 20 percent of customers chose GreenStart, National Grid would have to get 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources. By purchasing GreenStart, you ensure that green electrons are being delivered to the power grid on your behalf, right now, thus creating a cleaner, healthier energy mix. Already, over 7,000 of your friends and neighbors here in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are GreenStart members. You can join them by calling 401-861-6111 for info or via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Or watch for the sign-up notices in your National Grid electric bill.

National Grid also offers other green-energy provider options. We like GreenStart (aka People's Power & Light) because they are a Rhode Island-based nonprofit group. The National Grid site offers links and info on each of the options so you can make your own choice.

Use less energy...

Using electricity, heat and hot water efficiently not only is good for the Earth, it will save you money. The best ways to do it.... be sure you have enough insulation in the walls and ceiling. This will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. When you replace windows, look for insulated ones. You don't have to make your house tight as a drum ... a little air flow is good... but do what you can to stop drafts.

Simple practices like closing curtains at night and opening them in the morning can make a difference. Deciduous trees can be planted to allow sun into the house in winter and shade in the summer. When you replace appliances, choose those with EnergyStar ratings. And yes, replace those incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescents. When the time comes to replace your home heating or hot water systems, consider the most efficient alternatives. Even if they cost more up front, they could make up for it with savings year by year.

Solar hot-water systems are a great option, because they are economically viable even without rebates. Solar electric technology is rapidly improving, and sometimes government incentives are offered that help to make it affordable. Click here to learn more about how you can buy clean energy for your electrical needs, install your own renewable-energy system, recycle, hire green contractors, use nontoxic cleaning products, and overall, painlessly green up your life. We make it easy for you to do your part to build a better world.

For more info about using green energy, click here . 

Green Spring Cleaning...

When it's time to clean out the closets, the basement, and the garage, it can be a challenge to dispose of all our leftovers. The simple solution is to apply the golden rule of eco-friendliness -- reduce, re-use, recycle.

It's a little late for "reduce" -- but maybe next time, you'll think twice about buying stuff that's going to end up in a junk heap.

The "re-use" rule definitely applies, though. Before you assign your debris to the landfill, leave it out at the curb for a few days with a "Free" sign. Maybe somebody in the neighborhood can use your old golf clubs, lawnmower, or bicycle. Leftover shingles, tools, bricks, or anything useful, can be posted on Craigslist. Outgrown clothes and old furniture can go to the Salvation Army. If you have functional electronics that you no longer need -- computers, printers, televisions, telephones -- check if a nearby school or nonprofit group can use them.

The next step is to recycle. Check the Web site for your city or town to see what can go into your recycling bins -- it may surprise you. Some items that aren't accepted for pickup may be recyclable if you bring them to a municipal drop-off site. If you still have things left over, try www.earth911.org . This amazing Web site will find a location near you to re-use or recycle just about anything.

Electronic items contain hazardous materials and should always be recycled. The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation accepts them once a month at their facility in Johnston or at scheduled satellite collection dates. Go to www.rirrc.org for details. Staples and other office-supply stores also will accept many electronic items (sometimes with a fee).

Most of us have lots of hazardous waste in our homes. Bleach, fertilizers, solvents, pool chemicals, and other products may be corrosive, flammable, or poisonous, and must be disposed of properly. The state-run Eco-Depot, a free service, will deal with those materials. Dates for drop-off at the Johnston landfill and satellite sites are posted online at www.rirrc.org .

With all your junk properly disposed of, think twice about the cleaning products you use to finish the job. Seek out nontoxic, environmentally safe options. A cup of white vinegar in a gallon of hot water will get your bathtub and windows sparkling. Straight lemon juice conquers soap scum, and baking soda sprinkled on a carpet will absorb pet odors. Eco-friendly commercial products like Ecover, Seventh Generation , and Shaklee Clean & Green are increasingly popular. We like that Shaklee products are highly concentrated, dramatically reducing wasteful packaging.

With your place now cleaned up and greened up, keep it that way. Remember the first rule, and reduce your consumption. The less stuff you buy, the less junk you'll have to throw away later.

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Coming soon... More about how to install your own clean-energy system. More about recycling. More about nontoxic home cleaning and other consumer products. And more from you! What are your strategies for living greener? This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll add your input here.