Spring Break
Going green may be cheaper than you thought
George Maynard
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: Commentary
Here we are at the start of a new semester, fresh off of a - with any luck - relaxing break and ready to start to class again. Most people have probably made, and maybe already broken, New Year's resolutions. One popular resolution is trying to be "greener" and more earth-friendly. But that's difficult and expensive, right? Nope. Here are some cost-saving, pollution-reducing things that each of us can do to reduce our wasteful use of resources and save a few bucks in the bargain.
Stop or cut back on purchasing produce from other parts of the country and the world. Unless the company you buy from walks its produce from California, Mexico, Florida and Chile to Connecticut, it probably got here by plane or truck. Even though your hippie vegetables may be fair-trade and organic, they had to get here somehow, and the pollution caused by that transportation is worse for the environment than the pesticide that Farmer Joe uses six miles down the road. Local food is usually cheaper too, since it doesn't incur a huge shipping cost. Even in the winter, local vegetables and fruits are available at local farmers markets. The closest one to UConn is held at the Mansfield Public Library from 3-5 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. You can also buy locally produced milk, cheese, bread, eggs, jams and even some produce at most grocery stores around here. Oh, and while you're at the store, don't forget to use a cloth bag for your groceries. Stop and Shop even offers a small discount to people who bring reusable bags instead of taking more plastic ones.
In keeping with food focus, who doesn't enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa in the morning walking to class? Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who do imbibe hot beverages in the morning do so out of single-use cups. Just do the world a favor and spend the $3 it costs to get a reusable mug. It doesn't have to be a fancy "Made in Switzerland," $20 thing; just a simple insulated plastic mug will get the job done. Besides the satisfaction of knowing you aren't killing trees, some coffee shops offer discounts to people who bring their own mugs.
Stop or cut back on purchasing produce from other parts of the country and the world. Unless the company you buy from walks its produce from California, Mexico, Florida and Chile to Connecticut, it probably got here by plane or truck. Even though your hippie vegetables may be fair-trade and organic, they had to get here somehow, and the pollution caused by that transportation is worse for the environment than the pesticide that Farmer Joe uses six miles down the road. Local food is usually cheaper too, since it doesn't incur a huge shipping cost. Even in the winter, local vegetables and fruits are available at local farmers markets. The closest one to UConn is held at the Mansfield Public Library from 3-5 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. You can also buy locally produced milk, cheese, bread, eggs, jams and even some produce at most grocery stores around here. Oh, and while you're at the store, don't forget to use a cloth bag for your groceries. Stop and Shop even offers a small discount to people who bring reusable bags instead of taking more plastic ones.
In keeping with food focus, who doesn't enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa in the morning walking to class? Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who do imbibe hot beverages in the morning do so out of single-use cups. Just do the world a favor and spend the $3 it costs to get a reusable mug. It doesn't have to be a fancy "Made in Switzerland," $20 thing; just a simple insulated plastic mug will get the job done. Besides the satisfaction of knowing you aren't killing trees, some coffee shops offer discounts to people who bring their own mugs.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
wow...
posted 1/22/09 @ 1:57 PM EST
"The Vatican recently enraged feminists by claiming urine from women on the pill is bad for the environment. Well, tough luck for feminazis "...
Dear George Maynard,
you are a disgusting pig. (Continued…)
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