Looking for good ideas? Wannabe earth saviours can try this book.

I’m trying to be relevant here, being just like everyone else talking about environmental concerns. Earth Day, afterall, is just two days away, on April 22.

Scary, isn’t it? When they talk about global warming on TV, I think, “This planet is going to the dogs. God had better destroy everything and create a new one.” I know I sound like an endtime enthusiast, or worse, a cult member awaiting Armageddon. After a few minutes my fears start to subside and my thinking goes back on track. What can little old me do? With two kids to raise, I can’t go to the rainforests to save some cuddly animal. I barely have enough for my family’s needs (my rent lease contract is expiring and my landlord is raising the rent again); how can I donate a decent amount to some charitable foundation? After a few hours my mind switches to “I don’t care” mode.  

Last week I came across a tiny book entitled “1,001 Ways to Save the Earth” by Joanna Yarrow, published by Chronicle Books. I remembered my youngest sister. Years ago I gave her some shampoo packaged in tiny sachets. She’s a sucker for freebies(who isn’t), but she would never accept it. She explained that products with too much packaging are bad for the environment. “And what am I supposed to do with what I have? Throw it away unused?”, I answered. I told her to just use it for now because it’s already been bought. No amount of reasoning would make her take it. So I stomped away fuming mad. When I saw this book I just had to get it for her. Then I thought maybe I should get one for myself too. I guess it’s time for me to do my part. As I stood there debating whether I should buy just one or two, my children were pulling me in different directions, wanting me to check out what they wanted for themselves. “Great!”, I thought. I went into the store to get some lightbulbs, but came out with two books, a Hannah Montana CD, a Marvel Comic book, and some other things that were not on my agenda.    

I’ve started reading and so far so good. I’m on No. 252. The green tip that really stuck with me was: Save energy by cleaning out your refrigerator. If you clear out all the old food that’s gathering mold, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the fridge quicker. You don’t have to open the door too long and waste energy. I never thought of that before! Another good energy-saving tip is: don’t put hot foods in the fridge. I’ve always known this, but I couldn’t understand the reason behind it so I never really cared. The book explained that the heat from the food raises the temperature inside so that the refrigerator has to work harder, hence eating up more energy.

I think I made a good purchase, and just in time for earth day, too. I still have a long way to go before I finish reading all the 1,001 planet-saving ideas. And when I’m done, to make my green transformation complete, I’m going to visit the useful websites that are listed at the back portion of the book. My sister will be so happy to know that I’m babystepping my way along the path that she has tread.