| A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Simple Steps to Save the Environment |
As the new generation of adults, we have a commitment to the environment and the world around us. Hopefully, we can turn around some of the problems that the older generation created. One pressing problem is the state of the environment. We continue to manufacture SUVs with horrible gas mileage, build developments on property that should be preserved, and desire to drill in beautiful areas of land. If we keep abusing our world, there won't be much left to pass onto our grandchildren. Fortunately, there are small actions we can do that will help the Earth. + Washing dishes with the tap running can use an average of 30 gallons of water so turn it off. The faucet puts 3-5 GALLONS of water down the drain EVERY MINUTE it is on. + Don't drive SUVs. Instead, opt for smaller cars with better gas mileage. Autos and light trucks emit over 20% of the United States' fossil fuel carbon monoxide (CO2), the key ingredient in the "greenhouse effect." +If we all recycled our Sunday papers, we could save over 500,000 trees every week. + Bring canvas bags to the supermarket instead of getting plastic. Or at least request paper (and then recycle it). In most stores, you will save at least $.03 on your total per bag. + Use reusable containers to store food in your refrigerator instead of habitually wrapping food in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For more information, check out the book 50 Simple Things YOU Can Do to Save the Earth by The Earth Works Group. We're in this together! *Jo* NOTES ON STYROFOAM: "What we think of as 'styrofoam' is actually polystyrene foam. This material is made from benzene (a known carcinogen), converted to styrene, and then injected with gases that make it a 'foam' product. The gases often used are CFCs, which eat ozone molecules, depleting the Earth's vital ozone layer." -EWG - Avoid using styrofoam at all costs! Polystyrene foam is completely non-biodegradable. Even 500 years from now, that foam cup that held your coffee this morning might be sitting on the Earth's surface. |
Nickname: Jo Founder of GIRL STUFF & Editor of HCZ Favorite colors: blue & green I graduated from Bard College with a degree in Cultural Anthropology, I enjoy art, travel, soccer, kayaking, playing my violin, music, dance, writing, cooking, DIY style/fashion and being outdoors. I'm currently living in Prague, Czech Republic. I have always been fascinated with media, communication and women's issues. I wrote a senior project on women's roles within an Irish Catholic nation based upon research I did in Ireland while studying abroad. Let me know what your interests are. Please send in your work and we are looking for reader models too. E-MAIL JO |
 |
 |
| About the Editor, Joanna Tanger |