Right Moves for Earth Day
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
1. CFLs: The mercury in a CFL bulb us far less than the mercury emissions released from a coal-burning power plant lighting up a regular, less-energy-efficient light bulb. If you happen to break one, visit Environmental Protection Agency help page and then get a new CFL bulb.
2. Locavoring: The problem with reports that state that local food choices requires more energy and creates more greenhouse gas emissions than products sourced from far-flung lands is that often times the figures are distorted to make for a controversial story. The public likes to read drama, not what is.
3. Hybrids: If you are in the market for a new vehicle, don’t just fall for the word hybrid, do your research. Use tools like MPG Gennie to see exactly how fuel-efficient a car really is. This tool even help you calculate the cost of your commute will be as gas prices rise. Of course, taking public transportation, riding a bike and even walking are all better-for-the-planet choices as well.
4. Biofuels: Because corn ethanol requires so much more energy to produce, the end product is nearly more eco than petroleum itself. The entire U.S. corn crop would only produce enough ethanol to replace 12 percent of our current gasoline usage.
5. Bamboo Clothes: To make sure your favorite bamboo T-shirt is as green as possible, do your best to check up on the environmental and labor practices of the company you are buying from. The very best companies are members of Fair Trade or have a Co-op America Business Seal of Approval.
6. Bioplastic: It makes a lot more sense to bag a bad habit rather than to switch to a slightly less bad habit. Don’t just ditch the plastic. Ditch the one-use lifestyle, and embrace your reusable to-go mug and organic cotton tote instead.
7. Mineral Makeup: Until we have better FDA regulation of personal care products , evaluate each item on a case-by-case basis. EWG’s cosmetic safety guide Skin Deep provides hazard scores on over 25,000 products to help you make smarter makeup buying decisions. (Source: Some information pulled from Conscious Choice Magazine 2008)
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: 
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