Sasquatch
I’m sure you’re wondering what a mythical wookie like creature has to do with being green? It’s all about the footprint; And most of us have a Big Foot…er footprint.

My first post discussed our options for replacing our non-renewable energy sources with something a little easier on this rock we call Earth. I did a little best case scenario mathematics and came up with a solution to end all our energy needs….domestic and foreign right? Wrong! Here’s the thing about this amazing free enterprise capitalist society we live in. We have these tidy little rules called supply and demand that govern the balance of the market. Isn’t that a nice word: BALANCE. Well, to really reach our energy independence in a timely manner, we need to find that balance with our energy production AND demand.

So here are 10 ways that you too can reduce your global boot size. And I’m even going to invoke my favorite four letter word that starts with F – all of these things you can do for FREE!
1. Burn carbs not gas
a. Walk to work, the store, the park, your buddy’s place, or wherever those short car trips can be avoided.
b. Ride a bike (if you already have one). Did you know the bicycle is one of the most efficient forms of locomotion ever invented? No wonder why it’s good enough to serve as primary transportation for one billion people worldwide. Even consider getting around your next vacation destination via pedal power.
2. Don’ feed the need
a. Recycle at home and work. If you don’t already, you’d be surprised to see how much of your waste can be recycled. If It’s not offered in your community, start a petition with your neighbors’ signatures. At least haul your rubbish to the recycle bins until you get service.
b. Freecycle; the concept is simple, trade useful stuff to people in your vicinity, keeping more material from being put into landfills. Oh yeah, it’s all completely free!
3. Don’t drain the main vein
a. Turn off lights when not in the room. I know this seems like a no brainer, but how often do we see this (especially at the workplace)?
b. Your computer works hard for you, let it get some sleep. Set your power profile to shut off your monitor and sleep the computer after a short time, say 5 minutes of inactivity. Better yet, have it completely shut down as even a sleeping computer draws some current.
c. While it’s nice to have cell phone, ipod, and camera chargers conveniently sprinkled throughout your homes electrical outlets, they are actually sucking the life blood of your utility when nothing is plugged in. Pull the plug or load them onto a switched power strip.
4. Let your kids have green beer every day, not just St. Patrick’s Day. Well, at least try being a green Mum & Pop. Try breastfeeding, using cloth diapers, and making simple baby food from scratch, like smashed bananas or sweet potatoes. Give and get hand-me-down clothes, toys, and some of the other “must have” child rearing equipment.
5. Change your diet
a. Become a locavore. By choosing out of season organic food that's transported from overseas instead of locally grown, the pollution caused by the container ships outweighs any benefit you're going to get.
b. Become a vegetarian. According to the USDA, growing crops for farm animals requires nearly half of the U.S. water supply and 80% of its agricultural land. Livestock account for nearly 20% of the total U.S. methane emissions.
6. Turn the thermostat up (or down). When it starts to get a wee bit nippy, pull out that old wool sweater Grandma knitted back in 1973. Double up the blankets at bedtime and find someone nice to cuddle up with. While the pavement is melting outside, let a ceiling or desk fan do more work, not the AC. You’d be surprised how much a degree or two can affect your energy consumption.
7. Cleanliness is next to Greenliness
a. Take shorter showers, or skip every other day. Hey, you got away with it all through college didn’t you?
b. Only run the dishwasher washing or washing machine when full. Save water, time & energy.
c. Let the sun do the fluff cycle. Hang up and air dry the laundry.
8. Plant a tree. I have a wannabe park ranger brother-in-law with such a green thumb, he can take the fallen seeds from just about anything and coax them to grow into a beautiful new specimen. Look around your public spaces, or ask some neighbors for seeds. If you’re patient, you’ll see results.
9. Go to the library. Most of the books we procure from the big box and online sellers are available from our local libraries. Isn’t it nice to share….besides you can feel like you’re getting something for all those taxes.
10. Become an environmental advocate! Well, once you’ve been empowered with all these earth changing ideas, share the wealth. I’m sure you’ll come up with your own ways to break the energy habit, and by sharing your success, you can multiply the effects.