Earthkeepers Challenge

• Read through the list of ideas below.
• Consider what you are already doing and what you can commit to doing.
• Email us at earth.keeper@yahoo.com to sign up for the challenge and let us know what you are doing.

1. EDUCATION

____Learn about the environmental crisis and ecological justice.

____Read about or join a study group fostering voluntary simplicity.

2. GREEN YOUR LIVING SPACE

 

Energy Use

____Alternative energy: solar/ geothermal/ purchase wind from your energy company.

____Purchase Energy Star appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, water

heater, dehumidifier) and high efficiency furnace, air conditioner, and windows.

____Get programmable thermostat. Lower thermostat in winter; raise it in summer.

Change settings when away. Use ceiling fans.

____Clean/ replace filters for all appliances/furnace with filters.

____Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs

____When not in use, turn off lights, TV, computer, appliances. Prefer natural light.

____Turn off TV, computer, microwave, etc. at the strip/ plug.

____Run full loads in dish washer, washer, and dryer. Use short cycles/ clothes line.

____Use microwave/ toaster oven/ slow cooker rather than oven/range.

____Set refrigerator at 36F to 42F, freezer at -5F to +6F, and water heater at 120F.

____Use cold or warm water when washing clothes; rinse in cold water.

____Insulate walls/ attic. Repair leaks around windows/doors. Lock windows to seal.

____Repair hot water leaks. Insulate water heater (“blanket”) + hot water pipes (wrap).

 

Cleaning Products

____Use non-toxic dish detergent, laundry detergent, and cleaning products.

____Use safe cleaning products either purchased or homemade.

____Avoid spray products for cleaning, air-freshening, and cooking.

 

Water Use

____Do not let water run while doing tasks.

____Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.

____Repair faucet leaks and toilet runs immediately.

____Take a shower rather than a bath, and shower less often.

____Wash dishes and laundry on full load.

 

Food

____Buy fair-trade products.

____Buy organic products.

____Buy local produce and products.

____Buy only what you will consume, and then use all you buy.

____Put on your plate only what you will eat, and then eat all on your plate.

____Eat fewer (or no) meat meals each week. Have a hunger meal each week.

 

Paper Use

____Use recycled, post-consumer paper products for kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning.

____Avoid paper towels; use cloth napkins and handkerchiefs.

____Use electronic media rather than paper. Avoid bright-colored paper.

____Use recycled, post-consumer, acid-free note/office paper or paper from tree farm.

____Use the paper completely on both sides.

____Avoid bright-colored paper.

 

Reduce/ Recycle/ Reuse

____Avoid use of paper, plastic, and Styrofoam in plates, cups, and utensils.

____Recycle glass, tin, plastic, newsprint, mixed paper, cardboard, etc.

____Recycle batteries, printer cartridges, cell phones, plastic bags.

____Safely dispose of computers, printers, paint, and other toxic products.

____Do not put grease or strong chemicals down drains.

____Buy products with less packaging.

____Compost food scraps and lawn clippings.

____Use canvas bags for shopping or reuse paper/plastic when shopping.

____When eating out, take your own plastic container for leftovers.

 

3. TRAVEL

____Purchase high mileage car. Maintain engine/tire pressure. Change oil/air filter.

____Over 55 miles per hour, drive more slowly. Easy stops and starts. Do not idle.

____Where feasible walk, bicycle, and carpool.

 

4. WORK

____Green the work space and work practices: office, shop, factory, classroom

____Advocate with employers to green your company, agency, or institution.

____Promote greening among fellow workers and clients/customers/students.

 

5. NATURE

____Enjoy as kin the plants and pets in your living space.

____Take ten minutes a day to enjoy/love nature. Take a retreat with nature

____Use devotional materials that enhance your love of nature and your care for it.

 

6. PUBLIC COMMITMENTS

____Advocate for environmentally friendly legislation and policies.

____Restore a local habitat; protest a local environmental violation.

____Contribute to social justice organizations and environmental organizations.

____Invest in socially responsible stocks and bonds that foster eco-justice.