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Save a Tree & Plant a Tree

The use of paper products has skyrocketed. We live in a throwaway society that has an emphasis on convenience over protection of our resources. We can reduce our use of paper products in a number of ways. (And recycling paper is always a must.) Here are some suggestions.

At home:
• Use cloth napkins versus paper napkins and dishes instead of paper plates at mealtime.
• Print on both sides of the paper when using your computer.
• Write a brief letter to junk-mail distributors asking them to remove you from their mailing lists. When junk mail    shows up in your mailbox, send the distributors a note requesting your name be omitted from the mailing list and    return the request in their own “no-postage- necessary” envelope. You also can make the request by calling    them on their toll-free number.
• Eliminate or reduce newspaper delivery to your home.
• Share magazine subscriptions with neighbors or friends, or go to the library to read your favorite items.

At the office:
• Use e-mail instead of the fax or standard mail delivery.
• Call and ask to have your name removed from mailing lists.
• Use recycled paper products for printing, restrooms and the staff kitchen areas.
• Establish a recycling center at work and encourage staff to shred and recycle throwaway materials.
• Consider using small sticky notes instead of full- size paper when writing brief messages.

Arbor Day, which is celebrated by planting trees, began in 1872. On that first Arbor Day, it is estimated that more than one million trees were planted. However, one does not have to wait until National Arbor Day (in Ohio, the last Friday in April; this year it will be on April 28) to plant a tree. Any day is a good day, and any occasion will do. Celebrate an event – a birth, wedding anniversary or graduation, for example – by planting a tree. The gift of a tree will serve as a growing, living remembrance of your special day. For more information, visit the website of the National Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org.

Make Your Voice Heard
A famous quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead says it all: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

There are countless opportunities to share environmental concerns right outside your own door. One step is to contact your city's Chamber of Commerce. Many cities already are involved in sustainable practices and may be able to give you information on everything from recycling to energy-efficient home improve-ment ideas. For example, Lakewood is one city that is on the forefront of the green movement with its Greening Lakewood Committee. Shaker Heights is another city committed to being environmentally sound with new-home guidelines and citywide programs aimed at conserving resources and preservation.

If your community doesn't have a committee for environmental change, consider starting one yourself. There are other individuals willing to make a change and protect our environment for themselves and future generations who will be eager to join you in your efforts.

Also, familiarize yourself with the voting patterns of potential candidates. Know their stance on environmental issues, write letters to your congresspersons and get out to vote on election day. In this way you can make your own vote count.

For more information, visit the websites www.planetsave.com and www.earthshare.org.

Rebecca Reynolds is a mother of three, an environmentalist and the creator and president of Green Clean, Inc., a socially conscious, all natural, professional cleaning company. She can be reached at (440) 899-9295 or www.green-clean-inc.com.