L I V I N G   G R E E N :   1 0 1   T H I N G S   Y O U   C A N   D O

T O   P R O M O T E   G R E E N   V A L U E S

by Mary-Clayton & Christopher Enderlein



(via EnviroNet, February 1, 1989)


        Green values are not just guidelines you use once every
few years in deciding how to vote; they are things you can live
by every day. This list is for those who have the "Green spirit"
and want to incorporate it further into our lives.

1. Recycle newspaper, aluminum, glass, and tin

2. Recycle motor oil

3. Use cloth diapers

4. Reuse egg cartons and plastic bags

5. Avoid using styrofoam - it can't be recycled

6. Avoid disposable plates, cups, and utensils

7. Use rags instead of paper towels

8. Use paper bags, not paper towels, to drain grease

9. Recycle unneeded items

10. Use the back of discardable paper for scratch paper

11. Be responsible and creative with leftover food

12. Use the water from cooking vegetables to make soup

13. Mend and repair, rather than discard and replace

14. Invest in well-made, functional clothing

15. Buy bulk & unpackaged rather than packaged goods

16. Purchase goods in reusable or recyclable containers

17. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods

18. Buy foods without additives and preservatives

19. Use non-toxic pest control

20. Compost your food scraps

21. Grow your own food (even small kitchen gardens!)

22. Volunteer to start or help with a community garden

23. Eat foods from low on the food chain, not meat

24. Avoid highly processed foods

25. Support food co-ops

26. Discover where the food and goods you buy come from

27. Buy locally grown produce and other foods

28. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness

29. Buy living Christmas trees

30. Plant trees in your community

31. Learn about the plants and animals in your region

32. Learn about the cultural diversity of your bioregion

33. Explore and learn about your bioregion

34. Discover your watershed and work to protect it

35. Oppose the use of roadside defoliants in your area

36. Use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps & detergents

37. Put in a water-conserving showerhead

38. Learn where your waste and sewage goes

39. Keep hazardous chemicals in spillproof containers

40. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth

41. Put a water conservation device in your toilet tank

42. Shop by phone first, then pick up your purchase

43. Learn where the energy for your home comes from

44. Support your local utility's conservation program

45. Hang your clothes out to dry

46. Be sure your home is well insulated

47. Weather-seal your home thoroughly

48. Heat your home responsibly, with renewable energy

49. Don't burn green wood

50. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove

51. Turn lights off when not in use

52. Turn down your hot water heater

53. Lower your thermostat and wear warmer clothes

54. Take shorter showers

55. Buy energy efficient appliances

56. Drive a fuel efficient car

57. Conserve gas by walking, bicycling, and carpooling

58. Use rechargable batteries

59. Research socially responsible investments

60. Support local credit unions

61. Support local shops and restaurants, not chains

62. "Adopt a grandparent" from the local senior center

63. Volunteer to cook for senior citizens

64. Hold a community potluck to meet your neighbors

65. Volunteer to help with neighborhood children

66. Pick up litter along highways and near your house

67. Sponsor a clothes swap

68. Become involved with community projects & events

69. Organize or participate in community sports

70. Speak out about your values in community groups

71. Participate in sister city and cultural exchanges

72. Educate yourself on global and "third world" issues

73. Support politically active groups

74. Spend time visualizing global peace

75. Learn how your Senators and Representatives vote 

76. Be an active voter - attend "Town Meetings"

77. Vote for candidates who support Green values

78. Write letters to your representatives

79. Become involved with your child's school

80. Encourage your child's natural talents and interests

81. Organize or join a neighborhood toy co-op

82. Put toxic substances out of reach of children

83. Teach your children ecological wisdom

84. Listen to their needs and support their dreams

85. Communicate openly with your friends and co-workers

86. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service

87. Work to understand people with different views

88. Be conscious of the struggles of oppressed people

89. Work to unlearn cultural sexism and racism

90. Acknowledge someone who provides quality service

91. Donate blood if your health permits

92. Explore ways to reduce the stress in your life

93. Practive preventative health care

94. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods

95. Bring music into your life

96. Learn about the medications you put into your body 

97. Practice responsible family planning

98. Learn first aid and emergency procedures

99. Take time to play, relax, and go into nature

100. Decrease TV-watching & increase creative learning

101. Have fun and be joyful



S O U R C E

* Published by the Cascadia Green Alliance, P.O. Box 71001,
Seattle, WA 98107

* The authors are expanding this list and invite your comments,
suggestions, or feedback. Contact them at: 11064 Exeter Ave.
N., Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 362-5577.