The 90-Day Plan: DAY 71

DAY 71

GO NATURAL

Choose one NATURAL CARE product to replace a conventional type. Traces from Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are beginning to appear in our drinking water across the country.


Challenge: Do these products seem to work the same, better, or worse? What are there benefits to using products with fewer artificial ingredients? If you think the alternative care products are better, gradually begin replacing one for the other.



For More Information:

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/default.aspx

www.burtsbees.com

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 70

DAY 70

BUILD A RAIN GARDEN

Rainwater replenishes groundwater and reduces runoff. BUILD a RAIN GARDEN at home, work, or volunteer to build one in your community.

Rain gardens improve property value and they also attract birds and other wildlife.


Challenge: Organize gather volunteers and to apply for a grant to help fund your rain garden.


For More Information:

http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/rg_index.php

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 69

DAY 69

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD!

The best way to do this is to refrain from feeding wildlife and waterfowl--you can keep the bird feeders though.

Feeding wildlife is highly discouraged because it causes animals to lose their natural fear of humans. This makes them more aggressive

Feeding waterfowl in particular can spread diseases such as botulism!

Plus, human food can make them sick--we don't want that.

If you want to help animals, the best thing you can do is advocate for native plants and open-lands to promote biodiversity. This will allow animals to feed themselves.


Challenge:

Encourage your local municipality to place signs to not feed waterfowl and take measures to discourage large populations by allowing grasses along the shores of lakes to grow long and allowing lakes to freeze in the winter.

For More Information:

www.keepoceansclean.org

http://www.audobonportland.org/backyardwildlife/brochures/waterfowl

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 68

DAY 68

GO TO THE LIBRARY

Next time you want to read a new book, TRY the LIBRARY.

It requires a lot if energy and paper to produce a book, consider reusing one at the library—it’s free too!


Challenge: Seek out community resources at the library for environmental learning. Or ask a librarian if they can display books related to water, conservation, and ecology.

For More Information:

http://www.ala.org/

For fun, read: The Lorax

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 67

DAY 67

GET THRIFTY

Reuse is the second of the three R’s.

GIVE YOUR CLOTHES ANOTHER GO by donating items that no longer fit or items you no longer wear to charity.

We've already discussed the consequences to using harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in cotton production--reinforce your commitment through this simple step.

Most charities accept much more than clothes too! Anything from sporting goods to software. Before you trash something, consider if someone else can benefit from it.

Challenge: Charities are especially important for people who have fallen on tough times; show your support to a local charity by donating your time & effort to a good cause.


For More Information:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

www.goodwill.org

http://www.uniteforsight.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 66

DAY 66

GET ACTIVE OUTSIDE

Physical exercise can help improve your focus and study habits, but time for recess and gym class is decreasing at schools across the country.

GET ACTIVE by promoting a fit lifestyle. Good health is similar to clean water; it is easy to take for granted when you have it, but it’s a problem when it is gone.

Do something outside you've always wanted to do! Whether it's learning to surf, going for a hike, renting a kayak--do something new at a place you've always wanted to go.

Challenge: Make it a habit to include outdoor recreation as a core-component of your workout routine. It gets boring at the gym anyways!


For More Information:

http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/

www.fitkidsact.org

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 65

DAY 65

PACK YOUR LUNCH

Pack a punch to pollution by PACKING YOUR LUNCH!

Single servings use 10-times more packaging than buying in bulk.

If you do go out for lunch, definitely use refillable bottles for your beverages and try to minimize driving distance or at least carpool.

Plus, it is much easier to pack a healthier meal from home than it is to find one on the go.


Challenge: Generally, it is less expensive to pack a lunch from home than it is to buy it; how much money could you save if you packed your lunch (in reusable containers) everyday throughout the year? It all adds up...


For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/education/lunch.htm

http://www.riseaboveplastics.org/

DAY 64

HOP ON THE BUS, GUS

"You don't need to discuss much..."

don’t put up a fuss (for a ride)

It's pretty simple: alternative/mass transportation reduces our impact on environment, saves money, and in a lot of cases it saves time.

These themes seem to keep reemerging...

Make a plan to use mass transit, carpool, or walk/bike to work at least once a week.

Or ask your boss if you can work a 40 hour week over the course of 4 days instead of five.

Challenge: Coral reefs support about one-quarter of all marine life but they are threatened by ocean-acidification. To reduce these conditions, we need to stay below safe threshold of 350 parts per million (PPM) of carbon dioxide, we are at about 390 PPM, and if we reach 450 PPM we may see the planetary destruction of coral reefs! Take a stand to significantly reduce your carbon footprint.


For More Information:

http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/

http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/

www.oceana.org

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 63

DAY 63

LEED THE WAY!

Learning from our past can be used to shaper our future; help your workplace, school, or township LEED the WAY to a better, more efficient future.

LEED is a certification that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design that promotes sustainable development.

By using LEED standards for new or existing projects, we can improve efficiency, save energy, and conserve water with built-in design.



Challenge: Get in on a planning project for your office, local school, or town hall and seek LEED Certification.


For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/buildingtypes.htm#schools

http://www.buildgreenschools.org/

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 62

DAY 62

GO ZERO WASTE

Nature is incredibly efficient--in fact, nothing is ever wasted. In other words, everything has a use and a place.

Nobody wants another landfill in the backyard but the truth is, most landfills in America have about 10-15 years left (many landfills in my state of IL have less time).

You’ve stuck to the plan this far, take it one step further to put all of these tips together and aim to produce ZERO WASTE.

Start by creating a 100% reusable, recyclable, and compostable grocery list. This doesn't take much time or effort and it is extremely worthwhile.

Challenge: Create a plan for your home or office to be completely zero waste.


For More Information:

http://www.zerowaste.org/

http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Education/ISTEP_Zero_Waste_Schools.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 61

DAY 61

REFILL & RECYCLE INK CARTRIDGES 

You may think this belongs with E-Waste, but one stands alone because it is highly significant. 

While e-waste is one the fastest growing aspect of municipal waste--ink cartridges are a huge component.

Ink contains heavy-metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and petroleum and the cartridges are made of PLASTIC--we've talked about that a few times.


Challenge: Earn money for your workplace, school, or community group to raise money by collecting empty cartridges, use this link: 


Also, make the switch to using soy-based inks.


For More Information:

http://www.cartridgesforkids.com/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/01/28/staples-offers-rewards-for-ink-cartridge-recycling/




Watch CBS Videos Online

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 60

DAY 60 

PRACTICE CLEAN & SAFE BOATING HABITS

There is nothing like a boat ride to remind you about the joys of water sports. 

There is a downside though: boats can spread invasive species, leak oil, and spread other contaminants. 


Always use bilge pump-out stations instead of disposing oily-bilge sludge into the water.

Also, make sure you remove any mussels and plants from your vessel before you leave to ensure that you minimize the spread of invasive species.


Challenge: If you are using a two-stroke engine, consider an upgrade because, some two-stroke engines emit about 30% of unburned fuel into the water. 


For More Information:

www.dbw.ca.gov

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 59

DAY 59

E-CYCLE!

Don’t just recycle, E-CYCLE. 

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing concern; fortunately most electronics can be recycled. 

Electronics contain many heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals but most of these can be recycled. 

If e-waste is improperly disposed of, chemicals and heavy metals can leach into surface and ground water.

Fortunately, many stores--Best Buy for instance--can help you dispose of e-waste. They'll take anything from batteries and chargers, to computers and TV's! Stop on your local store for details: http://www.bestbuy.com


Challenge: On June 12th we made the digital transition and no doubt, left some electronics behind. Work with some friends, coworkers, or local teachers to organize an e-waste recycling fundraiser. 


For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/activ-08.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 58

DAY 58

RECYCLE PAPER 

Save some blue, and make some green for your school or workplace. 

Recycling one ton of paper is the equivalent of saving 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water.

It is easy enough to do and just about every type of paper or cardboard can be recycled--save for leftover pizza boxes!

Challenge: Organize a paper collection fund-raiser for you school, church, or favorite non-profit using this link: www.paperretriever.com

For More Information:

www.isetep.org

http://www.nrdc.org/GREENS

QUAD/library/paper.html

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 57

DAY 57

STAY COOL, PLANT A TREE

Pick a spot and PLANT A TREE. Why not? 

Large shade trees can significantly reduce cooling costs. They clean the air. Trees also increase property value. 

You can also plant some tasty fruit trees!

Research different types of native trees and choose one that would be best for your yard. Once a trees is established, it requires very little care and will provide you with years of benefits.


Challenge: Take a thermometer outside mid-afternoon and take the temperature in the sun and compare it with the temperature in the shade.


For More Information:

http://www.arborday.org/

http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/grants.htm

http://indiancreekwp.org/nativeplants.html

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 56

DAY 56 GET A RAIN BARREL Because hundreds of gallons of water roll off your roof during every storm. During the next storm place a bucket under a downspout and time how long it takes to fill--you'll be surprised how little time it takes. Then, GRAB a RAIN-BARREL and start collecting water from your roof. Rainwater is free, contains no chlorine, and arrives to your home without the need for filtration and pumping. If you can’t do this at home, try to get some in place at work or with your local government. Challenge: Get a group together and build your own rain barrel: www.rain-barrel.net For More Information: http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/rb_info.php

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 55

DAY 55

DON’T OVERWATER!  

More plants die from too much water than from not getting enough water. Before watering, check the soil two or three inches down, if it’s moist watering can wait.

The majority of residential water usage goes toward landscaping.  

Challenge: Having the lawn frequently aerated is also a way to reduce the amount of needed water. Also, look into installing a gray water system to reuse water from your home on your yard. For More Information: http://www.gardenzone.info/articles/indexnew.php?article=2

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 54

DAY 54

ADOPT A STORM DRAIN

Sounds like fun, huh?

Actually, it's pretty easy to do and here's why it is important to keep storm drains clean:

From the street to the sea—before you do anything else today, go outside and make sure your closest STORM DRAIN IS CLEAN.  

Storm drains are the fastest route for water to travel from the street to the ocean and they send almost 70% of nonpoint pollution downstream to our lakes, rivers, and oceans. About half of all stormwater comes from our homes, driveways, and sidewalks.

You can significantly reduce storm water runoff by sweeping your driveway and sidewalk instead of hosing it down.  

If the drain is clogged, you don't have to clean it--just call the local municipality and they will clean things up. Challenge: Get involved with or create a local storm drain-stenciling program and search for innovative ways to keep trash out of the gutter.  See how this organization does it: http://prairierivers.org/tag/stormwater/

Ask your municipality to consider installing screens and covers on all storm drains. After all, it’s downstream from there. For More Information:

www.raingardens.org

www.remfilters.com

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 53

DAY 53

MINIMIZE EROSION

Too much water can be a bad thing!

ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT EROSION! 

By reducing the amount of water that flows from your property and ensuring that it is absorbed into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains, you will play an important role in reducing flash floods downstream which cause a substantial amount of erosion.

Planting native grasses in exposed areas helps to retain water and slow erosion.

Also, when you are hiking or biking--please stick to designated trails and do your best to tread lightly. Challenge: Reducing the amount of imermeable surface on your property by installing bricks, gravel, or pavers, in place of blacktop or concrete is a great way to reduce runoff--just a 10 foot X 10 foot area in a one inch rain can produce over 60 gallons of water! Keep that in the ground and out of the storm drains. For More Information: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/urbansed.html

http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 52

DAY 52 MULCH IT! The summer heat adds stress to trees, bushes, and other plants by speeding up transpiration (or the evaporation of water from parts of the plant). SPREAD A LAYER OF MULCH around all plants outdoors to help minimize water loss. Using a two-three inch layer of mulch around plants is also a natural way to keep weeds under control. Challenge: Composting organic materials such as yard clippings and kitchen waste prevents hundreds of pounds sent to the landfill every year and saves water if you use this instead of the garbage disposal. Design a plan to build a compost bin at home. For More Information: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/mulching.html http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidsPage/compost.html

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 51

DAY 51

CUT THE CHEMICALS

Encourage your family, friends, neighbors and anyone else you know to REDUCE THEIR USE OF LANDSCAPE PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, & FERTILIZERS, especially fertilizers containing phosphorus.

You can tell if it is phosphorus free by reading the label. NPK--the Nitrogen content is the first number, Phosphorus is the second, and (K) potassium is listed third. The over-use and runoff of these products leads to harmful algae blooms which causes ‘dead zones’ and poisons aquaculture.

Instead, use Native Plants which are resistant to pests and require less water. use mulch or compost for fertilizer, and try some safer solutions for lawn and garden care.

Challenge: Fertilized plants require more water--test your soil before you use fertilizer. You can get a soil test kit at most hardware stores & it's easy to use (it will save you money on fertilizer costs too)!


For More Information:

http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/yard/lawn/chemicals.html

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 50

DAY 50

WATER IN THE AM & PM

It is estimated that 30-50% of outdoor watering is wasted due to watering at the wrong times; save water and money by WATERING in the MORNING or in the EVENING.

About half of the drinking water in the Midwest comes from groundwater; by watering during cooler times, you reduce evaporation and increase the chances of water actually seeping down to help replenish groundwater.

Also, make sure you don’t water the sidewalk or driveway.


Challenge: Get a rain gauge or use an empty can to determine how much you need to water. You can also poke the ground or step on the grass, if it's soft or springs back you don't need to water.


For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water/simple.htm

http://www.greywater.com/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 49

DAY 49

GROW DON'T MOW

Our yards can get a lot of use if you MAKE YOUR YARD WORK FOR YOU.

During WWII backyard gardens grew the same amount of produce commercial agriculture did. What types of fruits and vegetables can be grown in your area?

Start a few tomato plants or go gung ho and grow a vegetable garden. Ask a few friends to come together on a garden or if you live in an apartment or dorm, inquire about starting something where you live.

Challenge: Make a Freedom Lawn! Estimate how much water, time, and money you spend on landscaping. Is it possible to put that money to better use?

Extra Challenge: Purchase a manual push mower to completely cut lawn care costs. Check some out here: http://greengardentools.com/

For More Information:

http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/crops_02.html

www.ncrs.usda.gov/Feature/backyard

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 48

DAY 48

SHARE YOUR YARD

Let’s go back outside to investigate what lives there.

Turn over rocks, look in trees and shrubs to see what birds and animals live in your yard.

Take a close look at what lives there and determine if your yard could serve as a sanctuary. Backyard sanctuaries promote biodiversity, a healthy environment, and a peaceful atmosphere.

You attract what you feed. In other words, if you don't put out water, bird seed, or have native plants--don't be surprised if you don't see much around.


Challenge: Some species of bats can eat 1,000 mosquitos in an hour! Install a bat house in your backyard, use this link to find one online: http://www.jfnew.com/



For More Information:

http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

http://www.audubon.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 47

DAY 47

CLEAR THE AIR


Although it may not seem like it, air inside your home is usually dirtier than air outside.

CLEAR THE AIR with a plant or two for your home, office, and/or classroom. Caring for a plant inside can teach you the basics before planting outside. Use this link for a few ideas: http://www.organicbouquet.com/

Studies show that indoor plants remove toxins, promote a healthy mind, and are aesthetically pleasing.


Challenge: Next time you buy flowers for someone, give them something that isn't dead--in other words, a gift that lasts. Get a live Christmas tree and plant it in the spring too!


For More Information:

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Plants/clean.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 46

DAY 46

BUY LESS, SAVE MORE

It seems as if a lot of products these days just don't last. Why is that? My dad has a camping backpack & sleeping bag he still uses from the 70's--I'm lucky to find one that lasts a season or two.

Choosing products that promote QUALITY OVER QUANTITY is a core approach to conservation. The idea is to buy and use something that lasts because it ultimately saves money and precious resources.


Challenge: Send us a review of products that show obvious signs of Planned obsolescence and/or Designed obsolescence



For More Information:

www.patagonia.com

www.betruetoblue.com

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 45

DAY 45

GO PAPERLESS

Americans tend use 1-3 pounds of paper everyday. GO PAPERLESS to save trees and ease clutter--trees minimize erosion, clean the air, and promote biodiversity.

The paper production process smells really bad and releases some pretty nasty pollutants, including sulphur dioxide--the leading cause of acid rain.

Most banks and other companies allow for secure, convenient account access and provide paperless statements, make the switch today.

Another way to save paper is to widen document margins and print double-sided.

How many phonebooks are hiding in your home? How often do you really use them--call the phone company and ask them to stop delivering phonebooks--it's faster to go online anyway!


Challenge: Cut junk mail today—call 1-888-5 OPT OUT.

For More Information:

http://www.wikihow.com/Go-Paperless


http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 44

DAY 44

CHANGE THE BULBS

On average, a highly-used conventional incandescent bulb will cost you $7/yr--changing to a COMPACT FLORESCENT LIGHT bulb (CFLs) will cost about $1.50/yr!

Please BEGIN USING CFLs in place of conventional ones. By making the switch to CFL’s you are installing a bulb that will last ten-times longer and use 75% less energy than conventional bulbs.

Although CFL’s are a great way to save energy, make sure that you dispose of them as you would other HHW.


Challenge: CHANGE 5 bulbs in your home--most power companies will actually trade old bulbs for CFL's (for free)--call today!


For More Information:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 43

DAY 43

KEEP A LID ON IT!

Remember, saving energy saves water AND MONEY$$$

To maximize heat when cooking food on the stove, KEEP a LID on IT! By covering dishes on the stove as you prepare food, cooking time will be reduced and you can reduce energy by 2/3.

Also, please do not pour grease down the drain--it can clog your pipes and gum-up equipment at water treatment plants.


Challenge: It may not sound like much fun, but you can save energy by cleaning the burners on your stovetop too.


For More Information:

http://www.lowcarboneconomy.com/community_content/_tips_did_you_know/677

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 42

DAY 42

RE-THINK the REFRIDGE

Nothing has changed the way we eat more than the refrigerator. RE-THINKING the way we use the REFRIGE can cut energy costs on one of the kitchen’s most costly appliances.

Here are a few things you can do to make your fridge more efficient: let hot dishes cool before putting them away, know what you need before you open the door, and keep it full.

Challenge: If your refrigerator was purchased before 2001, technology and efficiency has greatly improved--consider buying energy star and use this link to calculate how much your old fridge is costing you: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=refrig.pr_refrigerators


For More Information:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/refrigerators.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 41

DAY 41

CUT THE BULL

While we are still in the kitchen, PLAN a NO-BULL MEAL. An appetizing figure suggests that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, CAFOs, located in the US produce three times the amount of sewage as American citizens. It is estimated that 60-pounds of animal waste are generated for every one pound of beef produced--most of this ends up as runoff in our waterways because it is seldom treated or processed.


Challenge: It is largely known that the best way to reduce your impact on the environment is to reduce your consumption of meat.

Without sacrificing too much you can support companies like these who are taking measures to reduce 'emissions' from their livestock:

http://stonyfield.com/

http://www.cowpots.com/


For More Information:

http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=30009

READ-America’s Environmental Report Card: Are We Making the Grade. By: Harvey Blatt