Sustainable living

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High profile environmental problems such as global warming, acid rain, and overflowing landfills fill the headlines in newspapers and on the evening news. This has generated increased interest in sustainable living. Sustainable living involves making environmentally friendly choices in your daily life to preserve natural resources. This attitude can be applied to business and government in a community or society as well.

One of the pioneers of implementing sustainable living practices in business is William "Green Jeans" McDonough, an architect who has worked in academia and with businesses. In the early 90s McDonough was the Dean of Architecture at the University of Virginia and used his prestigious position to spread awareness about how changes in the business sector could alleviate environmental problems. Now a number of firms such as Subaru and Wal-Mart have taken his practices to heart and advertise their commitment to sustainable living to help them gain positive PR for their brand.

When it comes to government endorsement of sustainable living The United States has not received high marks. U.S. President George W. Bush refused to sign the Kyoto treaty which would have reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Recently, however, his administration has acknowledged the threat of global warming and has shown interest in developing technology for sustainable living. Critics fear this shift may have come too late; a symbol of the Bush administration's lack of action has been the recent news that the polar bear is now on the endangered species list. The polar bear is the first well-known animal whose natural habitat is threatened by global warming.

Still, while the Bush administration may have done too little too late, local and state governments have taken sustainable living to heart. Moreover, advocates for sustainable living suggest that no matter what the government does, your personal attitudes and actions make a difference. Here are some tips for committing to a sustainable living:

• Check your air conditioner filter. An air conditioner filter can get dirty in under a month so you should clean or replace it often. Air-conditioners with dirty filters are less efficient and that means more greenhouse emissions as well as more expensive power bills. With a clean filter expect to save up to $150 each year and have a space with fewer allergy causing particles. Lining your pocket with this money is a great incentive for sustainable living.

• Use a low flow showerhead that has a shutoff valve. In almost all homes it is easy to replace an out of date showerhead with a modern unit. You will save on your water bill and the energy used to heat the water will be reduced. In addition, your community does not have to use as much energy to treat the wastewater.

• Start biking more. If you use your bicycle instead of your car for short errands you'll be saving gas money, reducing carbon emissions, and getting in shape to boot. Don't forget to ride safely. Get a helmet and use proper lighting if you're out in the early morning or after dusk.

For more ideas on how sustainable living head to the local library or bookstore where you can find several books on the subject. In addition, a number of Web sites are now devoted to sustainable living. They feature blogs with ideas and discussion boards with postings from people just like you who want to make a difference.

GreenDimes can get you started and will plant a tree in honor of your efforts to make an impact!

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