green is universal

Mr. Green Saves Homeroom

Dear Mr. Green,

My friend and I are making an "Action Project" about global warming and going green. I was wondering if you had any tips to help us with this project since we aren't exactly the "greenest" people around. Please help with giving us some useful examples and tips about anything so we can wow our 7th grade homeroom!

Thanks,
Sylvia

Dear "Going-Green" Goddess,

Congratulations to you, your friend and your entire 7th grade homeroom on the decision to take action with your "Action Project" about global warming and going green.

First thing to remember is that being "eco-friendly" isn't a purely black and white thing--it's not that you're either green or a destroyer of the planet, good or bad, etc. I find when speaking with people that it's better to explain being green as a spectrum--by that I mean that no one is totally green, but we're all making choices daily, as we learn more, as new technologies allow, as we become more impassioned, etc.--that lead us to live greener, more sustainable lives. So kudos to you and your "Greenie 'Tweenie" friend for taking this huge step to not only educate yourselves, but to set an example for your peers.

Going and the becoming "green" begins with a desire for change (which you apparently have), and then taking the baby steps necessary to finally "walk the walk."

Our planet has limited and quickly depleting natural resources and as our worldwide population grows, our everyday activities have an impact on the planet - either for the good of Mother Nature, or to her detriment. The wonderful fact is, though, that as "mindful" individuals, we each have the power to alter our global impact and to tread more lightly on our delicate planet.

Here is a short-list of eco-friendly things that you and your friends can do at school by asking your teachers and school officials to help you with your "Action Project:"

1. Have the custodians switch any energy-inefficient, heat generating incandescent light bulbs with long-lasting, energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). To make your case with the school administration about this, you can offer them this eco-factoid: If every household in the United States changed all its light bulbs to CFLs, it would be equivalent of taking one million (1,000,000!!!) cars off the road.

2. Instead of cleaning with toxic industrial strength products that most schools currently use, have them switch to safer alternatives like using baking soda, borax, salt, white vinegar and lemon.

3. Add to that some creative signage reminding everyone the importance of
a. Turning off unused lighting (the benefits of this one are kinda' obvious)
b. Recycling paper, metal, glass and plastic. (Eco-factoid No. 2: Un-recycled paper breaks-down in two to four months, a tin can may sit in the ground for almost fifty years before it crumbles and aluminum takes almost 100 years to decay. Glass takes a million years to decompose, and many plastics and plastic foams NEVER bio-degrade.) Throwing away recycle-ables diminishes energy, water and natural resources that are often saved by recycling. What's more - recycling is easy--and your school cafeteria is a perfect place to start.

As corny as this may sound, a public group ceremony to launch your "Action Project" can go a long way in lifting up the eco-consciousness of the students and faculty (and perhaps parents as well). An idea that I love is planting a tree. Having an inclusive commemoration ceremony with speeches (you could probably get your mayor or city council person to attend as well!), and having folks either help dig the hole or fill it up once the tree is in place, can be a wonderful communal statement about your school's commitment to the environment, plus, a tree offers benefits such as cleaning the air you all breathe, and it will keep your school cozy with the shade it will later offer when it matures. And with proper minimal care, it will live for years as a symbol to you, your friends, your homeroom and the entire school's vow of making a positive change in the environment.

Now to round out your efforts of "going green," here's a suggestion that won't cost the school a single penny, and in fact, will save you lots of cash. At the end of each school-day, have someone (preferably a student because students are more likely to listen to their peers!) make an intercom announcement reminding everyone to turn off every computer before leaving the building. If every unit were shut off as opposed to letting them "sleep" overnight, the results would save four cents a day or $14.60 a year per computer. Consider this: In the United States alone, the average middle school has approximately 600 students, and provides one computer for every five students, or 120 computers. The annual savings of $14.60 times 120 computers adds up to a nest egg of approximately $1,750.00 per year per school. With that kind of yearly savings from this simple green act, your school would soon have enough savings to add wind or solar power units to save even more money and become even more eco-efficient. The sky's the limit!

And finally, now that you've begun your journey towards a sustainable planet, you might want to consider doing even more by joining a local environmental organization and meeting other like-minded people. There are many conservation associations that have wonderful hands-on programs for young people. By offering your skills and interests (with the approval of your guardian or parent/s) you'll certainly find unique ways that you, your friends and your school can collectively make additional contributions.

"Way ta' go - Green Girlfriend!"

about mr. green

From re-gifting, re-cycling, to natural cleaning products for your home, Mr. Green has all of your ecotiquette answers. Our Mr. Green (aka. Michael De Jong), is the author of "CLEAN: The Humble Art of Zen-Cleansing." He lives in Jersey City with his partner (Richard,) dog (Jack,) and three goldfish (Phil, Jill and Gill) all of which benefit from his natural cleaning techniques. De Jong, who cleaned apartments in New York City while working as a fine artist, began researching and inventing many of the recipes in "CLEAN" and is continually experimenting with safe, effective and eco-friendly alternatives. Raised in the mid-West by an immigrant family that valued the environment and re-cycled before it was fashionable, his quest for non-toxic solutions comes naturally to him. He is currently writing a companion series of "CLEAN" books dealing with such topics as the body, first aid, organization, and food, as well as posting a weekly Blog on www.thedailygreen.com. "CLEAN: The Humble Art of Zen-Cleansing" can be purchased at Barnes & Noble stores across the country or on-line at www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com.

Click here to send him a question and he'll put in the elbow grease to scrub out the answers!