Helping Mature Computer Users to Preserve our Fragile Planet

Pamela Tabak is not only "Dedicated to the Computer Education of Mature Users" but also "Dedicated to Preserving the Future of our Fragile Planet."
Each month Pamela will be adding "Green Tips" to this "Think Green" page and encourages readers to submit  their "Green Tips" to share with others.

Even though efficient fluorescent light bulbs are initially more expensive,  
                                                               each bulb lasts an estimated 13 times longer as a regular one.

By installing a single fluorescent light bulb in 100 million households in the US, we would save
          the energy equivalent to all the energy generated by a nuclear power plant running fulltime for one year.

If a faucet leaks sixty drops per minute, you could waste almost two hundred gallons of water each month.

Production of recycled paper uses only half the water and 3/4 of the energy than new paper. 
          Every ton of recycled paper saves almost 400 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space and
          seventeen trees.

If you recycle soda cans, the energy used and air pollution created, is 95 percent less than if
           the cans were produced from raw materials

You could operate a TV set for an estimated three hours with the energy saved by recycling
           just one aluminum can.

Lights:

• Turn off unused or unneeded lights.

• Use natural lighting instead of electric lighting whenever possible.

• If you have a desk lamp, make sure it uses fluorescent bulbs (instead of incandescent bulbs).

• Avoid using Halogen lamps where possible. They are energy wasteful and may pose a safety risk.

• Dress appropriate to the season and keep thermostats at 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees for air-conditioned spaces in the summer.

• During the heating season, open blinds, drapes and curtains to let sun in or, if no sun, close them to keep the heat in.

• During the cooling season close blinds, drapes and curtains to block sun.

• Select cold water for clothes washing, etc.

• Unless you are handicapped, do not use automatic handicap doors.

• Keep windows and doors closed in heated and air-conditioned areas.

• Always close vestibule doors. It is safer, too!!

  Laundry: Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Clothes are bright and clean if you use a cold water detergent.

  Use Non-Chemical Cleaners:

• Baking Soda is a great whitener for clothes, cleaning and deodorizing your refrigerator, cleaning your sink, drains, pots and pans and so much more.

• Use both sides of paper when taking notes.

• Think before you print or photocopy! Print and copy as little as possible.

• Edit on screen, not on paper.

• Use e-mail to minimize paper use.

• Send and store documents electronically instead of on paper.

• When you must print or copy, do it double-sided.

• Circulate documents instead of making an individual copy for everyone or send them by email - even better!

• Share magazines and books

• Condense mailing lists so they include only truly interested parties.

• Use cloth napkins, handkerchiefs and rags rather than paper napkins, tissues and towels. There are some really good "non-iron" products on the market!

• WHEN PRINTING PAGES FROM THE INTERNET OR INFORMATION PAGES SET YOUR PAGE FOR 2 PAGES ON ONE PAGE OR USE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAPER.

• BUY RECYCLED PAPER PRODUCTS WHEN EVER POSSIBLE.

• USE "Stickies"  INSTEAD OF POST-IT-NOTES. They are FREE and environmentally friendly!

     QUESTION: Do you have a "Green Tip" to share with others?
                     If you do, please send it to me and I will place it on this page to encourage all my readers to 
                     "Preserve the Future of our Fragile Planet."

Thank You for Caring!

 Pamela invites members to e-mail their "Green Tips" to pamela@computertutorinc.net.
     More often than not you will receive and answer within 24 hours.