As we Memphians begin to embrace a more practical, sustainable lifestyle what are your priorities this year? It’s a loaded question but a reality check on the current things we as citizens face in today’s rapidly changing world. I read weekly about cities around the world who are recognizing this change and embracing it. I believe we are all excited to see Memphis as one of those cities who is moving forward towards a new direction. I believe it’s up to cities and citizens working together to create the enablers that drive new sustainable behaviors.
I know I’m constantly thinking how can I change the ways I think and act that will contribute to a more resilient community. I’ve got my perspective on things but I’m interested to hear what other Memphians are thinking about. Some of mine include:
and you?
I’m so glad that you asked this question- our family has been trying to figure out how to make smarter, greener decisions.
Ian and I did actually select Tsunami for our anniversary dinner because it was the first in Memphis to be certified by Project Green Fork (and, of course, because the food is awesome). We will definitely give preferential treatment to the growing list of green businesses.
We’ve replaced light bulbs, but we’re also switching to ecofriendly household products. I’m trying to think of this as a non-negotiable since you can get brands like 7th Generation, Dr. Bronner’s, Burt’s Bees and Alba at Target and Rite Aid these days, and Whole Foods’ 365 brand is pretty affordable.
We started composting kitchen scraps and yard clippings last summer, and Ian is considering putting a rain barrel on the side of the house, especially for watering the yard and garden.
There are some things we’re not doing as well- we should shop the farmers’ markets more often and look into establishments using locally grown or produced items. And we’re not doing the best job of reducing miles driven, although at least Ian has a diesel and we can buy biodiesel (the kind that doesn’t require any kind of conversion to your car) at the Riverfront BP.
I really hope more people join this discussion! I know that there are a lot of fabulous opportunities that we’re missing and would love to learn of others’ experiences and recommendations!
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, there seem to be hundreds of small, easy things people can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Unfortunately, a number of these are about as glamorous as cleaning your toilet. Let me rattle off a few:
Probably my biggest pet peeve – put a timer on your water heater! Just thinking of all that electricity being wasted (via water heated) while people sleep or are away from the house is enough to make me join the Memphis Roller Derby for an after-hours brawl.
In the winter, use the heat from the clothes dryer to heat your house. There’s a simple device that can be purchased from Lowes/Home Dept that diverts this heated (and moist!) air into your home or alternatively in the vent during warmer months.
Just as your car’s gas mileage suffers when the air filters aren’t clean, your home’s a/c and heat suffer. Clean/replace those filters.
Sign up for the Green Power Switch from TVA (where MLGW get’s the electricity we consume), and get a free kit with goodies to reduce your consumption (not sure this is still in place, but joining is still a good idea and makes you feel even better about yourself). http://www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch/
Also available from TVA is a great online home evaluation. I didn’t realize that small devices such as cellphone chargers consumer electricity even while they are not being used. Eeek! http://www.energyguide.com/ha/Welcome.aspx?referrerid=72&sid=461
One wonderful thing people can do is to simply cut down on the amount of television (and television-based games, ie Wii). Refrigerators are typically our household’s #1 consumer of electricity, but there’s probably not much we can do about that. However, our habits of watching woefully too much TV cost us dearly.
Regarding analytics from MLGW, don’t see that happening any time soon. However, years ago I called them for an ‘energy audit’. A well-qualified person came to my midtown 1913 house and inspected it, advising me where energy was being lost. I was in awe – it was a great experience. It’s not an over-statement to say it changed my life (even if just a little).