Earth Day: What Can Lesbians Do?

Today is Earth Day. Some would say the environment is not a gay and lesbian issue, but I say it is. It affects all of us. We can all do things that make a difference. I was trying to think of a lesbian-specific way to deal with this issue today. Ten things lesbians can do to stop global warming. Or highlight ten different dykes who are making a difference. But I decided instead to talk about the things that I do and ask you to share tips for reducing greenhouse gases. Here’s my list. Add yours to the comment section below:

Things I Do For the Environment

1. Grow my own vegetables and fruit.

I’ve removed much of my lawn. In the climate where I live, to keep a green lawn requires much watering and maintenance and use of natural resources. Who says grass should be what covers our yards? A few years ago, I removed almost all of the grass and have planted native plants and those that will provide resources rather than deplete them: like fruit trees, berries and vegetables. Eating out of my own garden is healthier for my body and keeps me from having to make car trips to the store.

2. Drive Less.

Because I work from home, I already drive way less than the average American. When I do drive, I try to consolidate my trips. We just had a great natural foods store move into the neighborhood and I do most of my shopping by walking there with a small backpack. I also bought a backpack for my dog, so he can help carry the groceries. I also ride my bike many places when the weather is nice.

3. Bring my own bags.

When shopping, I either use my backpack or canvas bags that I’ve purchased. I also don’t use many of the plastic bags for produce. Most produce is fine in my pack until I get it home.

4. I compost.

I bought a simple plastic compost bin and add all my vegetable scraps so they can decompose. Composting vegetable scraps not only keeps them out of the landfill, but provides organic material for my garden. Also, this year I installed compost for dog poop. Best to keep that out of the landfill (and separate from my other compost!) too.

5. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

We live in such a consumer-focused society, it is hard not to want to buy the newest and best new gadget every year. But I have really tried to cut down on the things that I buy, bearing in mind the impact that production has on the environment. I donate re-usable items to charity and buy used when feasible. And of course I recycle all that I can, even saving up my Styrofoam for the one-day-a-year pick up. I pride myself in having a small, mostly empty garbage can--lined with recycled plastic bags, of course.

6. Use energy-efficient appliances.

Like many of you, I installed compact fluorescent light bulbs light bulbs in my house. Many times you can get these for free or low-cost from environmental organizations. When it came time to replace my broken water heater, I looked into switching to solar. I found that to be cost-prohibitive, but I did buy the most energy-efficient one I could find. I will do the same with any appliances I have to replace.

What more can you do?

Five Ways to Save the Planet in 30 Minutes

What changes do you make in your life to take care of the earth? Write your comments below.
_{Photo by © Barun Patro}