Letter from the Editor
This issue of EarthWatch Ohio is dedicated to everyone working toward a sustainable future. Over the past few years, I have met or reconnected with many of you and am impressed by the high level of commitment and achievement that is being reached. For the first time in my 20 years of environmental activism, I am noticing a significant shift in our movement.
Finally, a diverse group of people from many types of businesses are starting to work together on sustainability issues, including members of labor unions; local, corporate and manufacturing companies; engineering and architectural firms; social justice, community development and religious organizations; governmental agencies; elected officials; schools; and of course, environmental organizations—all of which are working toward creating a socially just, economically stable, energy-independent, healthy environment. We need to work together and take a whole-system approach to the challenges our communities face by providing solutions that inspire a sustainable future.
One important step toward reaching our goal is for individuals and businesses to implement sustainability practices on an every day basis. These sustainability practices include reducing your waste, increasing participation in your local government and community, supporting your local economy, becoming a more conscious shopper, educating yourself on the issues, reducing your energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency.
Typically, once people implement one sustainability practice and see the positive results, they quickly begin implementing additional ones. Reducing energy consumption is a great place to start. It helps protect the environment, saves you money and the results are easily measured.
How do you get started? First, you need to know how many kilowatt hours (KWH) of electricity you use per month. Your KWH usage is printed on your electric bill. I have changed many of my electricity consumption habitats in my home, which is also where I work, and have been able to lower my electricity usage from 552 KWH to 439 KWH per month, with a total reduction of 1,358 KWH in 2007. You can lower your electricity consumption by turning off lights when not in use; unplugging seldom-used appliances, printers, speakers and chargers; buying compact fluorescent bulbs and energy-efficient appliances; and using power strips to switch off televisions and other electronics that are on standby mode. For more energy saving tips, visit www.nrdc.org/energy.
Thanks Dr. Bob Ross for emailing me the link to www.thestoryofstuff.com, an enlightening 20-minute web film that examines the social, environmental and global costs of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal of products. I encourage everyone to take the time to watch it.
EarthWatch Ohio is a nonprofit organization supported by readers like you. Please help support our work and fill out the form on page three or visit www.earthwatchohio.org and make a donation via PayPal. Help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 this issue which will go toward the printing and distribution costs of our April/May issue. If 500 readers donate $10 each, we will reach our goal. I appreciate any support you can provide.