Just what is "organic living?" We describe it as a way of life which places the least harmful impact upon our natural resources -- air, water, soil, plants, and animals. It is a philosophy which respects the environment, and lives in harmony with nature. While it is not necessary to be a "purist" in order to live organically, one should be conscious of the effects our actions have upon the environment. Our choices should reflect that consciousness.
We believe in the importance of organic living. We strive to keep you informed about actions that keep this philosophy in mind -- all in one place. Some pages you can visit on our website include:
But there is more that we can do, in addition to making organic purchases, to improve our environment. We can go "green" -- engaging in activities that help to sustain our resources. A few examples are given below.
Recyling - There are many different ways that we can recycle - from using recycling centers to returning bottles to donating clothing. In addition, we can reduce the amount of trash that ends up in crowded landfills by about 25% by purchasing recycled and recyclable packaging. Look for them when you shop (e.g. Almay and Aveda cosmetics have recycled and biodegradable packaging). Go to
Freecycle.org
and
Ebay.com
to buy and sell used items, and help keep them out of landfills. Studies show that up to 50% of trash in landfills is recyclable.
Do you have old rechargeable batteries and cell phones that you would like to recycle? If you don't have a drop-off site in your area, why not visit
Call2recycle.org to recycle old batteries and cell phones.
For auto buffs, here's a Toronto company (Clearwater Impex) that manufacturers reusable plastic car seat covers/floor mats. They are available now to consumers who would like to reduce the number of disposable mats used by auto repair shops, etc. For information,
visit ecoautosupply.com.
Saving Energy - With all the talk about global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, why not do your part to minimize your impact on the environment? One way is to maintain your car. Aside from buying the most fuel-efficient car available, studies show that when 1% of car owners get a tune-up, almost a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere. By keeping your tires properly inflated, they consume less fuel and last longer.
You can make a difference with the "Turn the Tide Program" by Newdream.org. You can track your progress as you follow their ideas for saving energy and cutting down on greenhouse gases. Go to
the Turn the Tide chart to make a difference now.
You can also cut down on the amount of paper sent to you by removing your name from unwanted mailing lists. Many magazines also offer electronic versions which can be viewed online. A few greeting card lines use recycled paper. (Visit the organic gifts page for ideas.)
Using solar power - Solar-powered devices have hit the market in staggering numbers; everything from solar-powered calculators to outdoor lights and water heaters. Solar water heaters are becoming more popular, given the rising costs for oil and natural gas. Although they require a substantial up-front cost, they pay for themselves in a matter of years, depending on where you live. And now, the Federal Government offers a $2,000 tax credit to homeowners to convert to solar power.
A solar hot water system involves a simple technique of installing large glass panels on a south-facing roof, with a dark absorbent material sandwiched in between, and liquid running through it. The dark panels absorb the sun’s heat, which is transferred to the liquid, and which is then piped down to a holding tank.
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