Green Space – New Year’s Resolutions

Conserve water. Turn off the faucet when you brush. Flush wisely. Install low-flow showerheads. Have running toilets repaired. Use your dishwasher, but only run it when it is full. Drink tap water.

Conserve electricity and energy. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. When you leave a room, turn off the lights. Use timers on light fixtures. Turn your thermostat down. Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees and wrap it in an insulating blanket. Insulate and seal your house properly. When it is time to buy a new appliance, purchase Energy Star-rated equipment.

Use natural lawn care practices. Compost to create your own fertilizer and use only organic pest control methods. Plant native species plants and grass specific to our area; they will require less watering and be heartier. Use hand-powered garden tools as much as possible. Forgo the leaf blower for the rake.

Drive wisely. Walk and bike when you can. Carpool. Use mass transit. Keep your tires properly inflated and your car tuned. Plan your trips so that you combine errands. When it is time to get a new car, consider a hybrid.

Be a green consumer. Bring your re-useable bags for all your shopping. Plant trees and donate to organizations that protect the environment for gifts. Choose products that are naturally created and have less and recyclable packaging. Buy locally grown and manufactured products. Reduce your consumption of beef and pork.

Waste not. A general rule for 2009 should be to fix it, not throw it away. Use reusable storage containers instead of plastic bags and wrap. Compost to reduce the solid waste you produce. Stop junk mail. Use rechargeable batteries.
Reduce, reuse and recycle!

— The Rye Garden Club Conservation Committee