Friday, August 28, 2009

Green Tip #24: "Xixi no Banho"

Quite some time ago, I wrote about the negative aspects of outsourcing and how in turn, the countries in the Western Hemisphere should be owed half a day's worth of sunlight in order to save electricity at night. Well, as you might remember, I came down maybe just a little bit hard on the countries that the US typically outsources to. So now, in an effort to be fair and balanced, I thought I would share with you a tip that actually came from overseas.

So, a short while ago, I came across an article about an ad campaign that Brazilian environmental group, SOS Mata Atlantica, is airing on television. It shocked me that they were doing this campaign, because it was so bizarre that I actually considered writing about it in one of the Green Tips. I guess that's what I get for saving good ideas for special occasions; someone in Brazil will beat me to the punch.

Anyway, this unusual ad campaign features the slogan "Xixi no Banho," which, for those of you who are fluent in Portuguese will know means "Pee in the shower." Now, Green Tip #24 is not, as you might imagine, telling you to pee in the shower. I neither endorse nor condemn peeing in the shower. Like religion, politics, and Coke vs. Pepsi, I believe that some decisions should be up to each individual person. Who am I to tell you where you should be peeing? (Just for now pretend you didn't read Green Tip #22. That was under different circumstances.)

No, Green Tip #24 is this: If Ever You Have a Good Green Idea, Share It On Your Blog Before Someone In Brazil Does It Before You. Okay, okay, I guess that in itself will not actually help the environment. But really, I guess it just comes down to me being upset that they got to it before me. So seize the moment if ever you get a good idea and make sure that you get credit for it. I mean just think, you could've been responsible for a couple million peeing in the shower.

... um... come to think of it, that's really gross.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Green Tip #23: For Women Only

Hey, don't think that I forgot about the women readers out there. I mean, it would be hardly fair to give out green tips to men and not have one for the women. And remember guys, just because this is written for women doesn't mean that you don't have to pay attention. Think about this next time it's your anniversary or your wife or girlfriend or mother's birthday. And unfortunately, because we're guys, I'm sure some of you out there were just reminded that one of these events is tomorrow or was last week and you're thinking "oh shoot! I forgot to get her something!!" Don't worry, I've got you covered.

So one thing that I've seemed to notice over the years is that many women tend to amass vast collections of shoes. I know, it might sound like I'm being stereotypical, but if it bothers you that much, I'd be more than happy to conduct a survey and prove scientifically that you're making a big deal out of nothing.

So, back to shoes. What many people don't realize is that shoe-making is quite a Brown (not Green) operation. There is the issue of where the material comes from (cows for leather, rubber trees, glue trees, plastic um.... trees?) and how much of a strain that puts on the environment. Also there is a lot of water that's used and electricity to run the machines. So use less automation, right? Nope, companies tried that in the 90's and got in BIG trouble for using child labor. So what is the environmentally conscious woman to do to satisfy her urge to have a lot of shoes?

I'm not going to say don't buy as many shoes.... directly. I mean, I'm not going to be the one to tell my girlfriend that she only needs a few pairs and that she can make them work for all different outfits. Here's what I suggest instead. And pay close attention, because I don't think I'll ever endorse this product again, but buy many cans of spray paint in all different colors.

Ugh, spray paint with it's chemicals and propellants. Blech! But it's better than buying a lot of shoes. Women, simply find 3 or 4 pairs that you really like for the style of them, then just mix and match with different spray paint colors.

And guys, do the math, a six pack of spray paint costs around $25. So let's say you buy 12 colors. That's $50. 12 colors times 4 pairs of shoes = 48 different shoe varieties. $5 for 48 pairs of shoes? That's a deal not even most guys could pass up.

(note: the author of this post is not responsible for any negative reactions to gifts given based on the advice of The Impractical Green Resource. Do not attempt to contact the author regarding canceled wedding plans, break ups, or evictions. In the event of a break up or eviction, please consult Green Tips #19 and #13, respectively)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Green Tip #22: For Guys Only

Sorry. This tip's not going to be applicable to half of the world's population. It's not that I'm sexist or anything. It's just... well... not something that can work for women. But don't worry! I'll come up with something next time that only women can take advantage of. You know, the whole equal rights and opportunities thing.

But anyway, this came to me one day when I was out taking care of errands and I was ready to go back to my apartment. I don't want to get too specific and graphic here, but I had to use the restroom and I debated when I should go: while I was out or wait and go back to my place. After only about 30 or 40 minutes of internal debate (I'm kidding, it was only a few seconds of debate) I concluded to go while I was out, but mostly because it would be a toilet that I didn't have to clean.

I know, it's a selfish reason, but I got to thinking about it more and realized that I was being more environmentally friendly by using the facilities while I was out compared to my apartment. And the reason for that is that urinals use less water per flush than a conventional toilet. In fact, they even make waterless urinals which are great for the environment.

So basically I'm saying to always use the restroom when you're out as opposed to waiting until you get back. Actually, if you want to go even a step further, you should spend as much time away from your house as possible. An easy way to accomplish this is by spending all your time at work, assuming your work has urinals. Think about it. You save water, you save gas from never driving home, and you can earn lots of overtime!

Anyway, it's not the best Green Tip, but think about it guys next time you use a urinal. One simple flush can save the environment, maybe just a little bit at a time.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Green Tip #21: Hoard

Psh, who ever said that you don't ever learn anything useful on TV? So I was laying around my apartment with my AC cranked up to 73 (hey, I'm a person too, don't judge me!) and I was watching a show on TV about people that hoard stuff all over their houses for years and years. And that got me thinking.

Most of you know that landfills are huge environmental nightmares to deal with. You have to worry about making sure that the lining doesn't leak and what to do with the methane gas and what to do with the rainwater runoff and about 100 other things to worry about. And that doesn't take into account the issue of the land that is being used. In fact, landfills have a saying that goes with them of NIMBY or Not In My Back Yard. Well, while people don't want their trash to be thrown away in their backyards, why not put it in your front yards. And porches. And kitchens and bathrooms and bedrooms...

I mean, it's not exactly solving the problem of what to do with all of the waste that we generate, but it'll put off the problem until we have something better to do with it. Like turning waste into energy. It's inefficient now, but give it 15 years or so. We'll have something better by then.

You probably aren't convinced yet, are you? Let me give you this bit of information. I recently made a trip to Honduras and I noticed that they have virtually no waste management system in place. They just throw their trash out the windows. I'm not exaggerating when I say the streets are lined with garbage. (I don't mean to single out Honduras, it's just the only place I've been outside the US.) But who takes more crap from the world community when it comes to their environmental record? The well maintained, organized system that we have in the US or the reckless "the world is my garbage can" ideology in Honduras? That's right, the US always takes crap for our environmental record no matter how hard we try. I say no more landfills! They've done us no good! Make your own house a mini landfill. I mean, it's your trash, it shouldn't bother you to keep it around a little longer. And besides, what better way to recycle than to save an old bandage that you might need to use later?

(As gross as it sounds, someone on one of those shows did save old bandages... blech!)

Friday, August 14, 2009

Green Tip #20: Landfill Reduction, Part 2

Well, well, we've gotten to the big two zero. How time flies when you're saving the world. This one won't be a big flashy ordeal like I do sometimes (always). Just a quick and simple tip. But, to make it more exciting, this will be a continuation of the sub-series of Green Tips known as the Landfill Reductions. Without further ado, Green Tip #20.

Environmentally Friendly Uses For Styrofoam:

Grind it up into fake snow and your kids will be able to pretend like it's winter all year round. Especially useful if you live in California. (Ahem, if you've been reading my blog so far, why are you still in California?) Also, once global warming sets in, this'll be your only chance to make snow angels!

What's that? Your airbag in your car went off and it's too expensive to replace? Why not fill your car with Styrofoam packing peanuts?

I never take the elevator when I go places to save electricity. But going up the stairs in the morning is so much easier than going back down after a long and tiring day of work. So why not fill a dumpster with packing peanuts outside your office building. Another bonus, jumping down into the peanuts saves precious time you could be spending with your family!

Finally, think about how cool it would be to make shoes out of Styrofoam. All comfort and durability issues aside, wouldn't it be impressive to be able to walk on water?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Green Tip #19: Cut Down On Shower Use

Hey everyone, sorry for the somewhat late posting of your Green Tip for today. Actually, if it weren't for a bookcase that I dropped on my ankle, I'd still be up moving furniture around instead of resting my ankle by sitting and typing this post.

So you're probably a little taken aback by the title of this Green Tip. I mean, "Cut Down On Shower Use"?? Really? That's so.... generic. You're probably thinking that I've finally run out of ideas. Well, not really. Let me explain.

This Green Tip is not about cutting down on water use like the title would imply. Well not directly anyway. No, I want you to think for a while about what the consequences of following this would imply. If you were to never take a shower, yes, you'd be saving countless gallons of water, but you'd also be making yourself really really smelly. And what do smelly people have a hard time doing? Finding boyfriends and girlfriends, of course. (Sorry, smelly people, but you have to know it's true.) And one thing that people who don't have boyfriends and girlfriends tend not to do is to have children.

Now, I know it's built into most of our DNA that we want to pass on our genetic material to our children, but for the sake of the planet, we should think about not having any kids. The population will shrink back to manageable levels where we won't be strained for resources and therefore we won't be worried about animal species going extinct and having to cut down rain forests to build Targets and such.

So please, if you can't keep your hormones in check (don't worry, you can't) I'd suggest taking the temptation out of the equation and stop taking showers.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Green Tip #18: Be a VERY Defensive Driver

Well, I don't know what to tell you. Things still aren't fixed. The Garbage Patch is still there. (So random, but saying "Garbage Patch" made me think of Cabbage Patch Kids. Garbage Patch Kids would be a horrible horrible toy. Never let me work for Mattel.) Not that I expected it to get fixed in a week, but as far as I know, it hasn't even started shrinking at all. But it's okay for now, I've actually got something more pressing. And I know, nothing is more pressing than the Apocalypse, but, well, this Pacific Garbage Patch isn't directly costing me money, while this new issue is.

Gas prices. I'm pretty sure that over the past few years, we've all wasted way too much time and breath complaining about them then things finally got better about a year ago. Well guess what? They're working their way back up again. Around here, gas prices jumped suddenly from $2.15ish to $2.45ish. Then just a few days ago, they jumped again to $2.65ish. I can see the writing on the wall. Pretty soon we'll have to all start complaining about gas prices again, and honestly, I'm all out of things to complain about. And I'm out of people to complain to.

So here's what other, more "professional" green blogs will tell you to do: "Lame Green Tip #1: Drive slower on the freeways. Dropping your speed from 70 to 65 will increase your fuel efficiency by some percentage." YAAAAAWN. We've heard it all before. "Fill your tires." "Change your oil regularly." Blah Blah Blah. If those methods actually did work, gas prices wouldn't be going back up. They'd still be going down. We need to take things to the next level.

It's common knowledge that half of the population of the world is stupider than the average person. (Think really hard about that. It makes sense.) And the average person has heard the lessons that I mentioned in the last paragraph about driving slow and all that. So, logic will tell you that half of the population of the world does not follow those simple and only mildly effective lessons. Here's where you, the now-very-well-educated readers of the IGR have to step things up. Those people who don't follow those rules are the ones that are causing gas prices to rise and ultimately they're costing you more money.

Here's what you do. Green Tip #18 is to find someone that is driving the optimal speed for gas mileage. It'll vary by car, but it should be around 55 mph. It shouldn't be difficult to find someone who's going that speed. (Hint - these people tend to forget their turn signals are still on, so look for that tell tale sign.) Then all you have to do is pull up in the lane next to them and match their speed. Everyone behind you who would normally be going 75, 80, 90 or more mph will be forced to match your fuel efficient rate of 55 mph and there you have it. Think of all the gas you'll be saving them!

There are a few points to note. First, this works best on two lane roads, but for more you just need to find friends who will be willing to give you a hand. Second, at first the people behind you will be, well, upset isn't a strong enough word. But if you have a bumper sticker that explains what you're doing, that should smooth some things over very well. Make sure you put the link to the IGR (impracticalgreen.blogspot.com) on the bumper sticker too! Publicity is never a bad thing!

But seriously, don't forget about that Garbage Patch, I don't think it's going anywhere soon.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Green Tip #17: Don't Live in California/Hawaii

For those of you that have been following the IGR for a while now will have noticed that it has taken on a more urgent tone in recent posts. The reason for this is that we're fighting a war here. A war against pollution and wasted energy. A war against GHG's and large carbon footprints. And I'm sorry to say that we're not winning.

I was so optimistic for the longest time. I really thought that the Green Tips that I have been giving were starting to make a difference. I had faith in all of you budding environmentalists out there.

But then I read a news story this morning that scared me senseless. The top story on Yahoo was about the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." (Go search for it right now. I'll wait until you get back) This abomination of nature is a massive Brown beast that is sucking the life out of the Pacific Ocean. I may be mistaken, but I'm fairly certain that this is the lesser heard of Fifth Horsemen of the Apocalypse mentioned in Revelation. "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I heard the fifth beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a brown horse; and he that sat on him was called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. And power was given to him over the oceans and he shall kill with tiny plastic pellets that shall float just below the surface. And he shall remain cloaked in invisibility from flying machines and satellites." And then it goes on for a while, you know the rest.

Interesting side note, the Christian fundamentalists that burn Harry Potter books do so because the Bible says that the Fifth Horsemen is cloaked in invisibility, similar to the cloak that Harry Potter has. But now the GPGP has been discovered, it's clear that the Bible is referring to that. You're off the hook, Harry!

Sorry, getting off topic. I do have a plan to stop the end of the world. And it shall take the form of the seventeenth Green Tip. And upon the hour that the seventeenth Green Tip shall be published on-line, there will be much rejoicing, for the people will know that the beast shall have been conquered. And this Green Tip is do not live in California or Hawaii. I know, I know, there are other states and countries (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, China, That Place On the Western Side of South America That I'd Know the Name of if My Public School Education Had Been Stronger) that lie on the Pacific Ocean that might be to blame. But I think it's pretty clear that, similar to Hurricane Katrina wiping out New Orleans for all their boozing and partying and rampant sexual escapades, God is punishing the materialistic lifestyle of people in California and Hawaii. I mean, just watch the OC and you'll understand.

So please, if you live in California or Hawaii and are a person living in sin, do us a favor and move out. Just do us a favor and don't bring your sins to good, God-fearing places in the country, like the Bible Belt and the Midwest. Las Vegas would be a good fit for you.