L I V I N G G R E E N : 1 0 1 T H I N G S Y O U C A N D O T O P R O M O T E G R E E N V A L U E S by Mary-Clayton & Christopher Enderlein (via EnviroNet, February 1, 1989) Green values are not just guidelines you use once every few years in deciding how to vote; they are things you can live by every day. This list is for those who have the "Green spirit" and want to incorporate it further into our lives. 1. Recycle newspaper, aluminum, glass, and tin 2. Recycle motor oil 3. Use cloth diapers 4. Reuse egg cartons and plastic bags 5. Avoid using styrofoam - it can't be recycled 6. Avoid disposable plates, cups, and utensils 7. Use rags instead of paper towels 8. Use paper bags, not paper towels, to drain grease 9. Recycle unneeded items 10. Use the back of discardable paper for scratch paper 11. Be responsible and creative with leftover food 12. Use the water from cooking vegetables to make soup 13. Mend and repair, rather than discard and replace 14. Invest in well-made, functional clothing 15. Buy bulk & unpackaged rather than packaged goods 16. Purchase goods in reusable or recyclable containers 17. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods 18. Buy foods without additives and preservatives 19. Use non-toxic pest control 20. Compost your food scraps 21. Grow your own food (even small kitchen gardens!) 22. Volunteer to start or help with a community garden 23. Eat foods from low on the food chain, not meat 24. Avoid highly processed foods 25. Support food co-ops 26. Discover where the food and goods you buy come from 27. Buy locally grown produce and other foods 28. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness 29. Buy living Christmas trees 30. Plant trees in your community 31. Learn about the plants and animals in your region 32. Learn about the cultural diversity of your bioregion 33. Explore and learn about your bioregion 34. Discover your watershed and work to protect it 35. Oppose the use of roadside defoliants in your area 36. Use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps & detergents 37. Put in a water-conserving showerhead 38. Learn where your waste and sewage goes 39. Keep hazardous chemicals in spillproof containers 40. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth 41. Put a water conservation device in your toilet tank 42. Shop by phone first, then pick up your purchase 43. Learn where the energy for your home comes from 44. Support your local utility's conservation program 45. Hang your clothes out to dry 46. Be sure your home is well insulated 47. Weather-seal your home thoroughly 48. Heat your home responsibly, with renewable energy 49. Don't burn green wood 50. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove 51. Turn lights off when not in use 52. Turn down your hot water heater 53. Lower your thermostat and wear warmer clothes 54. Take shorter showers 55. Buy energy efficient appliances 56. Drive a fuel efficient car 57. Conserve gas by walking, bicycling, and carpooling 58. Use rechargable batteries 59. Research socially responsible investments 60. Support local credit unions 61. Support local shops and restaurants, not chains 62. "Adopt a grandparent" from the local senior center 63. Volunteer to cook for senior citizens 64. Hold a community potluck to meet your neighbors 65. Volunteer to help with neighborhood children 66. Pick up litter along highways and near your house 67. Sponsor a clothes swap 68. Become involved with community projects & events 69. Organize or participate in community sports 70. Speak out about your values in community groups 71. Participate in sister city and cultural exchanges 72. Educate yourself on global and "third world" issues 73. Support politically active groups 74. Spend time visualizing global peace 75. Learn how your Senators and Representatives vote 76. Be an active voter - attend "Town Meetings" 77. Vote for candidates who support Green values 78. Write letters to your representatives 79. Become involved with your child's school 80. Encourage your child's natural talents and interests 81. Organize or join a neighborhood toy co-op 82. Put toxic substances out of reach of children 83. Teach your children ecological wisdom 84. Listen to their needs and support their dreams 85. Communicate openly with your friends and co-workers 86. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service 87. Work to understand people with different views 88. Be conscious of the struggles of oppressed people 89. Work to unlearn cultural sexism and racism 90. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service 91. Donate blood if your health permits 92. Explore ways to reduce the stress in your life 93. Practive preventative health care 94. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods 95. Bring music into your life 96. Learn about the medications you put into your body 97. Practice responsible family planning 98. Learn first aid and emergency procedures 99. Take time to play, relax, and go into nature 100. Decrease TV-watching & increase creative learning 101. Have fun and be joyful S O U R C E * Published by the Cascadia Green Alliance, P.O. Box 71001, Seattle, WA 98107 * The authors are expanding this list and invite your comments, suggestions, or feedback. Contact them at: 11064 Exeter Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 362-5577.