AFCU Money Matters - Fall 2007 - (Page 7)

cover story Go Online An easy way to reduce the use of paper products is to go online. If everyone in the U.S. viewed and paid their bills online, we could save 2.3 million tons of wood, lower toxic air pollution by 3.9 billion pounds and reduce toxic wastewater by 13 billion gallons, according to a study by Javelin Strategy and Research. “Paper checks, bills and statements are set to become historical artifacts with consumers as … companies increasingly offer online services that are ‘green, safe and practical’ rather than just ‘new-andcool,’” says Javelin President James Van Dyke. and helps farmers in your community. Websites such as www.localharvest.org and www.usda.gov provide listings of local farmers markets. Consider Your Car Simply leaving your car at home once a week can prevent about 55 pounds of air pollution each year, not to mention the cost savings on gas and parking. Making fewer trips can have a huge impact because your car emits far more pollution in the first few minutes of operation before emission controls have warmed up and reached peak efficiency. You might also consider carpooling to work, walking, biking or taking the bus once a week. Keeping your vehicle well tuned and tires properly inflated can also reduce emissions and maintain fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires alone could save Americans more than four million gallons of gas each day. You can significantly reduce your vehicle’s environmental impact by purchasing one of the new green vehicles. Hybrids are one example, but you can also opt for flexible-fuel and alternative-fuel cars that run on various mixes of gasoline, ethanol, biodiesel and even natural gas. Many manufacturers offer hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles in their standard lineups. You can also convert some older cars to run on biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Just Say No! Saying “no” to disposable shopping bags is one of the hottest trends in source reduction, according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times. The article even identifies a fashion trend, noting reusable shopping bag styles at Hermes and Stella McCartney, to name a few. Vogue magazine calls for a style rebellion at supermarkets, urging readers to say no to plastic and whip out their own brilliant alternative. For the more practical, specialty grocer Trader Joe’s sells large durable cloth and plastic bags with strong handles and gusseted bottoms for a very reasonable cost. Two or three will roll up and tuck away nicely in a purse or car seat pocket. FUN FACT Savings in your total energy bill over the 6,000-hour life of a 60-watt compact fluorescent bulb: $37.37. Source: Environmental Defense Fund Make It Kid Friendly Remember to Recycle “Recycling is one of the best environment success stories of the late 20th century,” reports the Environmental Protection Agency. “It protects U.S. competitiveness, reduces land filling, saves energy, prevents pollution, decreases emissions, conserves natural resources and helps sustain the environment.” For example, the paper industry has reinvented itself in the interest of conservation, recovering 50 percent or more of all paper for recycling and re-use, according to the Energy Information Administration. Offset Your Carbon Whether you think the facts about global warming are real or inconclusive, look at the trend. The United Nations recommends that government mandates focus on reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, specifically by dramatically curbing coalburning power plants and fossil fuels. Companies that seek out renewable sources of energy — wind, nuclear, water — are playing an active role in this UN mission. Governments and individuals are also making a difference together with solar power. Installing solar panels is not as expensive or unattractive as it used to be. Solar panels produce clean energy, heat hot water, and heat pool water with little or no support from electricity or gas energy. Best of all, once the solar system is paid for, the energy from the Sun is still free. California recently set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017. The Natural Resources Defense Council website includes several references and links to fun environmental activities for children. Go to www.nrdc.org/reference/ kids.asp to get started. Watch What You Buy and Eat Shopping green supports businesses that develop and market non-toxic building materials, biodegradable cleaning products and other green products. The food you eat also has an impact on the environment. Most food travels 1,500 miles or more from the pasture to your plate, according to nonprofit group Conservation International. Buying locally saves fuel FALL 07 7 http://www.localharvest.org http://www.usda.gov http://www.nrdc.org/reference/kids.asp http://www.nrdc.org/reference/kids.asp

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AFCU Money Matters - Fall 2007

Money Matters - Fall 2007 Contents e-Statements e-Waste Live a Greener Life! Motley Fool: Hybrid Cars Looking More Attractive Jean Chatzky: Reduce, Reuse and Simplify Saving Energy, Saving Money It’s Easy Being Green Five Common Money Mistakes

AFCU Money Matters - Fall 2007

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