Sunday, January 9, 2005Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
I recently purchased a book for myself and my grandchildren entitled
Living Simply With Children. It is promoted as "a voluntary
simplicity guide for moms, dads and kids who want to reclaim the bliss
of childhood and the joy of parenting".The stress of the book is
to stress the improved quality of life when it has been simplified and
is less consumptive and expensive.
My ulterior motive in giving my son's family this book is to promote less consumption of the planet's precious and scarce natural resources.
When I discuss this concept with others they tend to answer that Americans will consume less when they have less money to spend on consumer goods. There seems to be little regard for the damage our consumption is doing to our environment, health and general well being. Other arguments state that we cannot do this without government support, which we do not have on the federal level.
I think we can do lots. We can contact local legislators and encourage them to promote conservation and recycling in the government. Every agency should be using recycled paper. Energy saving light bulbs should be installed. Lights and computers should be shut off when not in use. I've seen some Prius's in the NYC government fleet. We are getting some hybrid buses in NYC.
I've undertaken a campaign to have buses cut idling at layovers which is a city regulation (Parking, Standing & Stopping Rules). Just talk with an idling bus driver. They usually respond. Dispatchers know the regulations and can help enforce them.
There is lots that can be done without reducing our standard of livings and it all begins with awareness and with the individual as a grassroots movement. We cannot wait another 4 years for a change in leadership to change our behavior.
My ulterior motive in giving my son's family this book is to promote less consumption of the planet's precious and scarce natural resources.
When I discuss this concept with others they tend to answer that Americans will consume less when they have less money to spend on consumer goods. There seems to be little regard for the damage our consumption is doing to our environment, health and general well being. Other arguments state that we cannot do this without government support, which we do not have on the federal level.
I think we can do lots. We can contact local legislators and encourage them to promote conservation and recycling in the government. Every agency should be using recycled paper. Energy saving light bulbs should be installed. Lights and computers should be shut off when not in use. I've seen some Prius's in the NYC government fleet. We are getting some hybrid buses in NYC.
I've undertaken a campaign to have buses cut idling at layovers which is a city regulation (Parking, Standing & Stopping Rules). Just talk with an idling bus driver. They usually respond. Dispatchers know the regulations and can help enforce them.
There is lots that can be done without reducing our standard of livings and it all begins with awareness and with the individual as a grassroots movement. We cannot wait another 4 years for a change in leadership to change our behavior.