Conservation Tips Made Easy

We constantly receive tips on how to conserve and be better stewards of the great outdoors we have inherited.  If you are like me, sometimes when you read these tips, you see the first one, and say, “it’s impossible for me to do that” and don’t bother to read the rest that may be attainable.  I think the first one that comes to mind is the advice to carpool or take public transportation.  Great suggestion if you live in a city but for those living in rural America not only is public transportation out, for the most part carpooling is as well.  Don’t dispair, there are plenty other things you can do to contribute to the conservation of this great earth….and most are things you would not think about doing…or perhaps you are doing them and haven’t realized how much it helps.

Do you turn offf the water in the sink when shaving or brushing your teeth??

Do you unplug chargers not in use…..did you realize they still use about 5 watts of p ower per  hour even when they aren’t recharging equipment?

Do you keep your tires properly inflated?  Automobiles lose approximately 1% of fuel efficiency for every 3 pounds of pressure less than what is recommended.

Do you print on both sides of the paper vs. one?  Approximately 10,000 sheets of letter paper are used by every U.S. worker each year.  Imagine the savings there!

And lastly…….gather your friends and family for a little “low tech” fun.  Play a board game, take a walk, or just sit on the porch, patio or deck.  Such activities don’t require a lot in the way of natural resource usage and offer a great way to enjoy the company of others. 

2010

2010….I can hardly believe it’s a new decade, my son turned 16,  and the next time we face a new decade, he will be 26…..notice I didn’t mention I would be ten years older as well.  It is moments like these that make me realize that the time we as family spend together is priceless and is always cherished.  It also makes me realize how much the great outdoors has played a part in our family time.  Each year my wife makes a scrapbook for both of our moms highlighting all of the things we did as a family and almost all of our family’s activities for this year took place oudoors.  No matter what the season or activity,  we seem to be doing it….outdoors

Just this weekend as cold as it was, we found the time to take a walk through the woods, and of course, hunt.  Yes, we froze, but it felt invigorating to be out there and more importantly, memories were made, the pictures were taken for next year’s scrapbook…. and that’s all that counts.  Hope you have a great year enjoying the outdoors too.