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• I agree

  129 votes

  I disagree
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  Everyday Green Tips »

  Ban the single-use plastic bag

  Around the country and around the world, from Aspen, Colorado to Seattle, Washington to Delhi, India, communities are making a choice and banning single-use plastic grocery bags. Reducing these single-use items can decrease our resource consumption and energy use. In 2009, the United States used 102 billion plastic bags, an enormous amount of fossil fuel resources were required to make those bags which consume extravagant ...more »

  Around the country and around the world, from Aspen, Colorado to Seattle, Washington to Delhi, India, communities are making a choice and banning single-use plastic grocery bags. Reducing these single-use items can decrease our resource consumption and energy use. In 2009, the United States used 102 billion plastic bags, an enormous amount of fossil fuel resources were required to make those bags which consume extravagant amounts of energy and resource to produce.

  Such a simple thing as not using plastic bags when you grocery shop and use reusable bags instead can make an impact not only locally but also globally.

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  18 comments for Idea: Ban the single-use plastic bag

  Submitted by ljgurley 1 year ago

• I agree

  53 votes

  I disagree
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  Lunchbox Project

  Ordering lunch to-go in your own, reusable container (like Tupperware) can prevent a ton of plastic waste from ending up in landfills, gutters, and the ocean. 93% of plastic in the U.S. is NOT recycled, but rather ends up in the landfill. The Lunchbox Project is simple and effortless. Leave a reusable container at the office and there’s no forgetting. The Lunchbox Project promotes your local economy by encouraging people ...more »

  Ordering lunch to-go in your own, reusable container (like Tupperware) can prevent a ton of plastic waste from ending up in landfills, gutters, and the ocean. 93% of plastic in the U.S. is NOT recycled, but rather ends up in the landfill.

  The Lunchbox Project is simple and effortless. Leave a reusable container at the office and there’s no forgetting. The Lunchbox Project promotes your local economy by encouraging people to patronize nearby restaurants, while also providing cost savings for businesses as disposable containers become a thing of the past.

  Check out http://lunchboxprojectsf.tumblr.com/ to learn about how we're promoting the Lunchbox Project in San Francisco for Earth Day!

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  2 comments for Idea: Lunchbox Project

  Submitted by shelana.desilva 1 year ago

• I agree

  40 votes

  I disagree
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  Everyday Green Tips »

  Grass clippings

  Mix grass clippings with equal parts shredded newspaper, keep moist and "toss" frequently for a compost salad mulch to sprinkle around and nutufe your garden.

  2 comments for Idea: Grass clippings

  Submitted by erichsharp 1 year ago

• I agree

  38 votes

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  Turn off lights, radios. fans

  Offices and showrooms should turn off lights etc. in sections where these are not required and when the working hours.

  Add your comment for Idea: Turn off lights, radios. fans

  Submitted by Gaurang Pandya 1 year ago

• I agree

  35 votes

  I disagree
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  Judiciously use the 5 P's; Embrace the 5 R's Rule-Rajiv Sinha

  Judiciously use the 5 P's (Petrol, Paper, Plastic, Power, Potable Water)

  Embrace the 5 R's (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Be Responsible, Refuse).

  Rajiv Sinha: Griffith University Prof.

  Add your comment for Idea: Judiciously use the 5 P's; Embrace the 5 R's Rule-Rajiv Sinha

  Submitted by jerryscholder 1 year ago

• I agree

  30 votes

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  Encouraging Bike to Work

  My number one reason for cycling to work is that it’s fun. My route includes a long stretch of a bike trail nestled above the Potomac river, where instead of a crowded metro car or traffic I enjoy early morning scenes of mist rising off the water, local crew teams gliding in rhythm to the “stroke, stroke, stroke” of the coxswain, and the occasional glimpse of a beaver or other critter. But there are plenty of other ...more »

  My number one reason for cycling to work is that it’s fun. My route includes a long stretch of a bike trail nestled above the Potomac river, where instead of a crowded metro car or traffic I enjoy early morning scenes of mist rising off the water, local crew teams gliding in rhythm to the “stroke, stroke, stroke” of the coxswain, and the occasional glimpse of a beaver or other critter.

  But there are plenty of other good reasons for riding to work: it’s healthy, saves commuting and gas money, and the more people who bike to work the less traffic—and related air pollution—there is for everyone.

  I think Bike to Work Day (happening this Friday, May 18 in the Washington, DC area and elsewhere) is a great way to encourage people to give riding to work a try.

  Will you be riding your bike to work this Friday? Why or why not? Do you have other ideas for encouraging more folks to commute by bike? Please share your ideas!

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  1 comment for Idea: Encouraging Bike to Work

  Submitted by ferster.aaron 1 year ago

• I agree

  29 votes

  I disagree
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  5 Things to operate your car eco-friendly

  Five easy and quick ways to make sure your car runs a little more eco-friendly! 1. Proper tire inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated will allow your car to track down the road evenly and safely. Less drag from under inflated tires. 2. Clean filters. Change your air filter and fuel filters at regular intervals. Your engine needs clean air to breathe and clean gas to burn. Efficiency comes from both. 3. Run ...more »

  Five easy and quick ways to make sure your car runs a little more eco-friendly!

  1. Proper tire inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated will allow your car to track down the road evenly and safely. Less drag from under inflated tires.

  2. Clean filters. Change your air filter and fuel filters at regular intervals. Your engine needs clean air to breathe and clean gas to burn. Efficiency comes from both.

  3. Run good synthetic oil in your engine. Good clean oil allows your engine to run more efficiently, giving you better fuel savings. When your engine does not have to work as hard to run, you will realize better MPG and a cleaner running engine.

  4. Don’t sit and idle. Idling produces a huge amount of C02 gas. It also burns more gas. Turn off your car when you can.

  5. Driving 5 MPH under the speed limit. What??? Yes driving at slower speeds will increase your fuel economy. Less fuel burned, lower cost, less emissions and just a little more time added to your trip time. Are you really in that big of a hurry?

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  3 comments for Idea: 5 Things to operate your car eco-friendly

  Submitted by Robert Bruton 1 year ago

• I agree

  10 votes

  I disagree
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  Everyday Green Tips »

  Menstrual Cup - healthy and economical

  What is the Menstrual Cup? Originally developed in 1937, the menstrual cup is worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid directly. It is a cost-saving and eco-friendly alternative to menstrual pads or sanitary towels. Made of latex, silicone or TPE, the cup is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years. How to use the Menstrual Cup Wash your hands well Insert the clean and folded cup ...more »

  What is the Menstrual Cup?

  Originally developed in 1937, the menstrual cup is worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid directly. It is a cost-saving and eco-friendly alternative to menstrual pads or sanitary towels. Made of latex, silicone or TPE, the cup is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years.

  How to use the Menstrual Cup

  Wash your hands well

  Insert the clean and folded cup into the vagina

  Empty your Cup every 4-12 hours: wash your hands and remove the cup pulling it down

  Empty it, rinse it with water and reinsert it

  At the end of your menstruation place the cup in boiling water for a few minutes and store it in the storage bag.

  Why use a Menstrual Cup?

  • Avoid vaginal irritation and allergy

  Made of medical-grade silicone or TPE, a non-friendly environment for bacteria, the menstrual cup is perfect for women with a sensitve mucous.

  • Avoid dryness and vaginal yeast infection

  While tampons absorb menstrual fluid, the Cup collects it. This means that it does not interfere with your healthy vaginal environment.

  • Menstrual Cups have - in contrast to tampons - never been connected to the toxic shock syndrome

  TSS is a potentially fatal illness caused by a bacterial toxin in wounds or the vaginal mucosa.

  • The Menstrual Cup does not contain any absorbency gels, additives or perfumes.

  • The Menstrual Cup allows women to feel clean and secure

  Using the Menstrual Cup, no odour is released because the menstrual flow is not exposed to air.

  • Invisible and save protection

  Live without interruptions. The Cup can be worn continuously for up to 12 hours during any activity, including swimming, sports, and sleeping.

  • Recommended for women from the first period

  Menstrual Cups are available in several sizes, colors and designs.

  • Requires less changing

  The Menstrual Cup’s capacity to collect menstrual fluid is larger than the capacity of conventional products.

  • Perfect for travelling

  Save suitcase space and never get caught short.

  • Protects the environment

  In a ten year span, a woman will use 3,250 tampons or sanitary pads - or just one menstrual cup.

  • The Menstrual Cup is a cost saving alternative to conventional menstrual products.

  In a ten year span, a woman will spend 300 dollars using conventional menstrual products.

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  Submitted by miriam.perez.vega 1 year ago

• I agree

  9 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Suggestion

  Please add "I am already doing this" along with "I agree" and "I disagree" because most of the ideas are already submitted.

  Add your comment for Idea: Suggestion

  Submitted by Gaurang Pandya 1 year ago

• I agree

  7 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Home Biogas

  Home-scale anaerobic digesters produce more energy than solar panels anytime day or night, rain or shine while generating high-quality fertilizer for local food security and diverting organic waste from landfills. Biogas is the same as fossil natural gas only instead of taking 65 million years to make, we can make it every day in our own backyards, enjoying energy independence and security while improving the environment. ...more »

  Home-scale anaerobic digesters produce more energy than solar panels anytime day or night, rain or shine while generating high-quality fertilizer for local food security and diverting organic waste from landfills. Biogas is the same as fossil natural gas only instead of taking 65 million years to make, we can make it every day in our own backyards, enjoying energy independence and security while improving the environment. The carbon in biogas is biogenic carbon and not considered an excessive greenhouse gas---we exhale biogenic carbon every few seconds. There are 50 million households in China using biogas, it's time for the US to catch up!

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  3 comments for Idea: Home Biogas

  Submitted by Warren Weisman 1 year ago

• I agree

  7 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Give up plastic utensils

  Use regular silverware or the new, lightweight (easy to carry) bamboo utensils. Takes less than a minute to clean your utensils and saves so much for the planet.

  Add your comment for Idea: Give up plastic utensils

  Submitted by Sheryl 11 months ago

• I agree

  7 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
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  Stop the Genetic Erosion

  During 1960s, the chemical fertilizers were introduced to the fields in the name of green revolution which created immense imbalance in soil chemistry, the soil biota. As a result of which the natural balance was totally disrupted. This green revolution created hundreds of environmental problems during last 5 decades. In the same way, in modern era the genetic engineering tools are made in practice to disrupt the natural ...more »

  During 1960s, the chemical fertilizers were introduced to the fields in the name of green revolution which created immense imbalance in soil chemistry, the soil biota. As a result of which the natural balance was totally disrupted. This green revolution created hundreds of environmental problems during last 5 decades.

  In the same way, in modern era the genetic engineering tools are made in practice to disrupt the natural genetic mechanism of species in the name of efficient organisms. I m pretty sure, the world will look into the matter very seriously after the appearance of severe consequences in coming future. The regular introduction of new genes in organism can lead to a antagonism where the products of different genes may cause antagonism to each other, as a result of which, lethal metabolites can come to the surface. Such state of the genetic erosion will force scientists to think deeply into the matter but it may be very unfortunate when the geniune species be totally replaced by such engineered species.The resultant products of different species will further disrupt the natural balance of environment irreversibly. So pls stop the genetic change of species

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  1 comment for Idea: Stop the Genetic Erosion

  Submitted by lalakhan962 11 months ago

• I agree

  6 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

  The Annual Quality Report and water Conservation guide has been a required report since 1996. In many jurisdictions a whole booklet is mailed to all water meter owners for specific utilities. My recommendation is that instead of the entire report being mailed, why not mail a card directing the meter owners to a web site with the information, or offering to send copies to those who need hard copies. Millions of dollars ...more »

  The Annual Quality Report and water Conservation guide has been a required report since 1996. In many jurisdictions a whole booklet is mailed to all water meter owners for specific utilities. My recommendation is that instead of the entire report being mailed, why not mail a card directing the meter owners to a web site with the information, or offering to send copies to those who need hard copies. Millions of dollars could be saved in mailing, printing and production costs. Additionally, significant natural resources would be saved in paper usage reductions.

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  Submitted by jim 1 year ago

• I agree

  6 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Install solar panels and drive an electric car

  Solar panels on my house produce more than enough energy for my car and my household electric needs. Compared to the cost of gas, I'm saving money. See how much: http://youtu.be/iba5a6zZGC0

  Add your comment for Idea: Install solar panels and drive an electric car

  Submitted by kdavis2468 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Help Protect the Environment - Pick 5

  At EPA we have a program that helps people learn how they can take simple steps to make a difference. Join us today! Learn more about Pick 5 for the Environment:

  http://www.epa.gov/pick5/

  Add your comment for Idea: Help Protect the Environment - Pick 5

  Submitted by Jessica Orquina 11 months ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Plant trees and flowers that support honeybees

  Honeybee populations are drastically declining due in part to viruses, monoculture and pesticides, but also due to fewer plants and flowers and habitat that support bees. If there are no bees there is no pollination and no fruits and many vegetables that rely on bees.

  Add your comment for Idea: Plant trees and flowers that support honeybees

  Submitted by ubudenvironment 6 months ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  If everyone on Facebook...

  http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2reh6z33b1qc9z6lo1_1280.jpg

  Great Infographic...

  Add your comment for Idea: If everyone on Facebook...

  Submitted by flores.ray 1 year ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Everyday Green Tips

  When ordering take out ask for foil or cardboard alternatives to styrofoam for your order or BYO; explain that you are trying to reduce garbage and recycle foil and compost or recycle cardboard/paper when done.

  Add your comment for Idea: Everyday Green Tips

  Submitted by Jian 11 months ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  EPA on Foursquare

  I work in the Office of Web Communications at EPA on social media. We've been on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr for a while and we just recently joined Foursquare. We're using Foursquare to post tips about the environment at locations in the United States and around the world. Please check out our page: http://foursquare.com/epagov Where would you like us to leave tips? What type of information would you find ...more »

  I work in the Office of Web Communications at EPA on social media. We've been on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr for a while and we just recently joined Foursquare. We're using Foursquare to post tips about the environment at locations in the United States and around the world. Please check out our page:

  http://foursquare.com/epagov

  Where would you like us to leave tips? What type of information would you find useful? Thanks!

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  Add your comment for Idea: EPA on Foursquare

  Submitted by Jessica Orquina 11 months ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Gasoline containers.

  Guess I am a little behind on issues. Recently someone stole 2 gas containers I have had for many years. I didn't know until I went to find replacements about the new EPA regulations on gas containers. The only thing I could buy had the new spouts. This is totally absurd and ridiculous. It's almost impossible to use these without spilling gas. I never spilled any with the old ones. Just try to fuel a small leaf blower ...more »

  Guess I am a little behind on issues. Recently someone stole 2 gas containers I have had for many years.

  I didn't know until I went to find replacements about the new EPA regulations on gas containers. The only thing I could buy had the new spouts. This is totally absurd and ridiculous. It's almost impossible to use these without spilling gas. I never spilled any with the old ones. Just try to fuel a small leaf blower or similar tool with these things. Pushing this spout down on a small tank is impossible without spilling.

  What dim bulb invented these stupid things. You can't idiot proof everything we use. Evidently EPA is not idiot proof either.

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  Submitted by jlturner007 7 months ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
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  GM Equinox gas milage

  My equinox can't get the mileage that gm says 32. I can get 28 sometimes. If you looked at Kia why not Gm.

  1 comment for Idea: GM Equinox gas milage

  Submitted by JMLOWREY 7 months ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  DirecTV and e-waste - A Time for Change

  Issue: DirecTV's hardware leasing practices directly contributes a significant amount of e-waste to our environment. Consider the following examples: a. When a consumer cancels service, DirecTV selectively decides what receivers/hardware is to be returned. The hardware works without issues but DirecTV only wants the newer equipment returned and leaves the perfectly working equipment with the customer. It cannot ...more »

  Issue: DirecTV's hardware leasing practices directly contributes a significant amount of e-waste to our environment. Consider the following

  examples:

  a. When a consumer cancels service, DirecTV selectively decides what receivers/hardware is to be returned. The hardware works without issues but DirecTV only wants the newer equipment returned and leaves the perfectly working equipment with the customer. It cannot be sold and must be disposed because DirecTV has tagged the device as being "unrecoverable" even though the equipment works just fine.

  b. DirecTV's hardware leasing policy is the direct contributor to this problem and prevents perfectly working equipment from being re-used.

  The intent of this policy is to increase DirecTV hardware sales and is without regard to the environmental impact. If DirecTV was environmentally friendly, they would allow equipment, in working order, to remain in service and to be used by consumers in an open market. Instead, DirecTV's focus is on profits at the expense of the environment.

  As Evidenced By:

  Go to your local ads and see how many DirecTV receivers are being listed. Contact the seller for their story.

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  1 comment for Idea: DirecTV and e-waste - A Time for Change

  Submitted by Shawn O'Neal 7 months ago

• I agree

  2 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Gasoline cans used for home use.

  The only gas cans I can find at the hardware store are those that reduce the amount of gas vapor that is released. I hate them. I believe they cause MORE pollution than the old style. Everytime I fill my lawn mower I end up spilling gas on the driveway, the lawn mower and on me. These types of gas cans might pass some EPA test in the laboratory but in real life they fail miserable. Make no mistake. I by and large ...more »

  The only gas cans I can find at the hardware store are those that reduce the amount of gas vapor that is released.

  I hate them. I believe they cause MORE pollution than the old style. Everytime I fill my lawn mower I end up spilling gas on the driveway, the lawn mower and on me.

  These types of gas cans might pass some EPA test in the laboratory but in real life they fail miserable.

  Make no mistake. I by and large I trust to the EPA to work in the best interest of the USA but these cans are a failure.

  I suggest someone from the EPA go several different hardware stores and buy gas cans from several different manufacturers and see just how well these over-the-counter cans work.

  I feel better now.

  (I have to run and change clothes and wash the gas smell off me.)

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  Add your comment for Idea: Gasoline cans used for home use.

  Submitted by Community Member 1 year ago

• I agree

  2 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Ban Nuclear Energy

  We are killing our planet and killing ourselves and all future generations. We must immediately make plans to stop all nuclear plants and safely store all materials.

  2 comments for Idea: Ban Nuclear Energy

  Submitted by Peggy Dirsa 10 months ago

• I agree

  2 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Everyday Green Tips »

  Soils biosphere

  I we accept the Bible as an historical document. We find that Mathusala lived 1059 years and Noah lived 1050 years. When the great flood was over lifespan was reduced to 100 years plus or minus. This conveys that the terrestrial mineral trace elements had largely been moved from the terrestial to the deep marine oceanic. Since the beginning of ON-OFF irrigation and other agricultural practices the mineral trace elements ...more »

  I we accept the Bible as an historical document. We find that Mathusala lived 1059 years and Noah lived 1050 years. When the great flood was over lifespan was reduced to 100 years plus or minus.

  This conveys that the terrestrial mineral trace elements had largely been moved from the terrestial to the deep marine oceanic.

  Since the beginning of ON-OFF irrigation and other agricultural practices the mineral trace elements have demiinished even further until in the USA there are only 15% remaining foo value.

  All water contains salines. Salines travel downward slowly but rise rapidly tending toward turning the soils into a salt lake. Thus destroying the soils biosphere

  that supports all life plant, animal and human.

  There is but one solution and that only for row and tree crop. No solution for turf crop other than false

  water table.

  The solution to this problem is perfect irrigation that releases water continuously at the exact solar soil re-

  lationship. There is such a device and I am the exclusive owner as a gift from a now decease double

  PhD scientist as a result of my refusal to write an unlimited check backed by Swiss bonds.

  All my attempts have failed to find even the slightest interest in the ONLY solution to the the environmental problem.

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  1 comment for Idea: Soils biosphere

  Submitted by Community Member 10 months ago

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