Everyday I think of small ideas that will make small improvements to the environment. My colleagues at work have finally accepted that they're not going to stop, and have come round to the fact that it's easier to turn the lights off when they leave the office and take their own mug to the coffee shop, than it is to argue with me about the rights and wrongs of doing so.
It got me thinking to the reasons why the world is heading for numerous dramas. It seems to me that modern society has become convenience driven in tandem with a view that the earth's resources are inexhaustible - Wrong! I'm told "Why bother it's only going to save one paper cup?", and my initial thought is that if everyone in Sydney who had a take away coffee used their own cup, that could save the one time use and disposal of maybe 1 million cups - a really significant amount. What everyone needs to realise it's not just the paper in the cup, its the energy and emissions from it's production and manufacture, the loss of a few trees which are sucking up carbon dioxide for us, not to mention the disposal and landfill costs.
Just think about that next time you order your coffee!
Now how about as an alternative you take a cup with you? It can be a fancy thermos, or just a simple mug from the kitchen, either way you are having a positive impact on the environment for no significant effort on your part. The best part is, if you ask the cafe nicely, they'll probably give you a discount for bringing your own cup. What better way to ease your stress of the Global Financial Crisis!
The next step is even easier, but this is the way you make a massive difference. Get a couple of friends to do the same. Make it a win-win for the cafe owner too by getting extra customers for him, on the provision that he gives a discount for people bringing their own mug. Never mind Swine Flu, spread the paper cup saving virus!
It got me thinking to the reasons why the world is heading for numerous dramas. It seems to me that modern society has become convenience driven in tandem with a view that the earth's resources are inexhaustible - Wrong! I'm told "Why bother it's only going to save one paper cup?", and my initial thought is that if everyone in Sydney who had a take away coffee used their own cup, that could save the one time use and disposal of maybe 1 million cups - a really significant amount. What everyone needs to realise it's not just the paper in the cup, its the energy and emissions from it's production and manufacture, the loss of a few trees which are sucking up carbon dioxide for us, not to mention the disposal and landfill costs.
Just think about that next time you order your coffee!
Now how about as an alternative you take a cup with you? It can be a fancy thermos, or just a simple mug from the kitchen, either way you are having a positive impact on the environment for no significant effort on your part. The best part is, if you ask the cafe nicely, they'll probably give you a discount for bringing your own cup. What better way to ease your stress of the Global Financial Crisis!
The next step is even easier, but this is the way you make a massive difference. Get a couple of friends to do the same. Make it a win-win for the cafe owner too by getting extra customers for him, on the provision that he gives a discount for people bringing their own mug. Never mind Swine Flu, spread the paper cup saving virus!
Small gestures like this every day, which cost nothing, not only give a direct benefit to the environment, it will also educate the masses that doing your bit is easy, and it can be easy on your pocket too.
I really look forward to your ideas and tips that help all of us lead an environmentally friendly life at no cost, or even better save you money.
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