Lasts a Really, Really, REALLY long time - Try 500 years. Or more. Think about millions of burger boxes, packing peanuts, and take-out containers, sitting in landfills, not biodegrading. Then buy eggs in cardboard, rather than styrofoam, containers.
Office Paper - Does your office recycle? Chances are it generates a vast amount of clean paper waste. Ask your building management about recycling programs. If none are in place, then put boxes (marked "Recycled Paper Only") under every desk and next to copiers. Arrange to have a recycler pick them up or take them to a recycling facility periodically.
Sticker Shock - As fuel prices increase it will be even smarter to own fuel-efficient vehicles. Check the mileage ratings when you buy a car and compare the efficiency of your favorite models before you purchase. If gas goes up to $6.00 a gallon, which one will you want to have in your garage?
Use Cloth Instead - Carry cloth shopping bags. Use rags or towels instead of paper towels for cleaning. And yes -- consider using cloth diapers for your baby at least some of the time. Not conviced? Read this diaper essay from About's Environmental Guide.
Reuseable and Unbleached - Store food in bowls or Tupperware that can be reused endlessly. Use unbleached coffee filters (not bleached). Use more waxed paper that is biodegradable (instead of foil and plastic wrap).
Recycle Paper - Newspapers, junk mail, office papers, corrugated boxes, and paper bags are just a few of the items that can be recycled. Use local recycling facilities or call local authorities to learn about recycling options.
Recycle Glass, Plastic, and Cans - Get your local recycling requirements for these items and recycle every them every day. Collect cans and bottles when you travel, when you picnic, or eat a drive-ins. Recycle what you can.
Paint Tips - Oil based paints are toxic. They cannot be thrown out in the trash, but require special "hazardous waste" handling available at most recycling facilities. Call for instructions and collection dates. Use latex paint instead. To dispose of excess latex paint, leave the can uncovered to allow evaporation, then pull out the hardened paint and recycle the can. Never pour paint on the ground or wash brushes outside, as the runoff can contaminate groundwater.
Bag Lady - Recycle both paper and plastic shopping bags. Decline bags for smaller purchases such as stamps, greeting cards, etc. Or, better still, carry a lightweight cloth or string bag.
Arbor Day - Here's the best idea of all: Plant a tree, or two, or even three. They're beautiful, they provide shade, consume CO2 (that's good), and they produce oxygen. Breathe it in. Then go plant a tree.
Is recycling, conserving, and being environmentally conscious a smart thing to do?
Just ask you children.
( Source : http://interiordec.about.com/library/weekly/aa042201a.htm )
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