I have had a personal commitment since my youth to aid this planet in it's battle against all of the waste we produce to live. I started by making my parents recycle, and have since helped many friends and co-workers start conserving and practicing the three Rs of today: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Beginning in 2001 I helped Kaedden start Earth Peace Systems. They are currently trying to get non-profit status and procure a business loan and/or grants. They intend to build a bio-fuels co-op in the Kansas City area to supply organic soy oil to restaurants for frying, then pick up the used oil to turn into bio-diesel.
Some home improvements:
Replaced all bulbs with CFLs and created a container for recycling the bulbs, since they contain Mercury, so please buy LED bulbs for lights near young children.
Turned water heater down so I use no cold water in the shower, and no steam is produced. I also keep the water to a near trickle, or a weak stream. It definitely makes for a more relaxed shower, and you do not have to worry about getting burnt if someone uses cold water elsewhere in the house!
Placed power strips on all outlets to allow complete switching of power mechanically, not electronically. Your appliances still suck juice all day long just waiting with electronic anticipation to be turned back on. Transformers for cell phones and other devices still transform power while plugged in, even if your device is not on, connected, or charging! Buy a multi-pack for general use and an expensive one for the entertainment center and computers, then remember to flip that switch!
Attempt to not eat anything with corn in it, unless it is corn! Corn fed has come to mean drinking and eating lots of high-fructose corn syrup. I avoid any product that contains such empty calories, instead voting with my dollar to purchase real food, juice or water.
Save old electronics for sale, donation or parts. I make lighting out of old circuit boards, so if you have an old or non-functional piece of gear, let me come pick it up. You can buy the light I will create for a minimal price. I will recycle the rest.
I just bought a Trek 3700 Aluminum Frame Mountain Bke! (April 2008) So far, I have made 3 commutes from Westport to Overland Park, around 20 miles each way. I use the bus to get me there in the morning, and I ride home at night; the bus leaves before I am off work. That is a savings from my V6 Buick Skylark of around 2 gallons per day, and feels great! Want to ride trails in the evening or on the weekend? Tag... you are it.
I own a 125cc Chinese scooter that gets ~100mpg! I recommend buying Italian if you can afford it, or just get a reliable Yamaha motorcycle. You will love the feeling of riding, and will get great gas miles. I can shop with my scooter, and bring home up to 2 paper grocery bags between my feet.
I use Method soaps and products, which you can buy at Wild Oats/Whole Foods and Target. They are always out of the yellow Ginger Yuzu, so buy the refill bag if you see it! Make the switch and vote with your dollar$!
Grow my own basil and rosemary using water from my fish to keep fertile soil.
