Now NYC

Instead of casting New Year’s resolutions that will never be kept, we thought it was time for something a bit more long lasting, 1620’s, and thought out. “Why not a manifesto?” Great idea! Below is our 2009 manifesto centering around more environmental practices at home. Please leave us your thoughts and comments. We will be sure to keep you up to speed on how things are going. Download it here. THE SMITH GREEN MANIFESTO Adapted from the “Green Green Manifest” Let it me said the life we’re living now as we start 2009 isn’t completely without considering our environmental impact. Let it also be said that there is much more we could be doing to lessen our environmental footprint. With that in mind, we are going to do that in the following ways: Energy Consumption: We will continue to use only compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs except in situations that are completely unavoidable. Lights and appliances will be turned off at all times when not in direct use. We will make a concerted effort to not keep our computers plugged in when not on or in need of charging in attempt to reduce use of phantom power. Buy Local: Seek out local produce and products that have had to travel minimal distances. We will shot at the farmers market as much as possible. Waste Reduction: This is without a doubt our worst area of environmental impact. The following bullet points will help us reduce the amount of waste we produce in a given week: •    At the grocery we will use cloth bags. If we forget them, we will be forced to carry the items home in hand, or return home to get the cloth bags. We will select items with as little packaging as possible, and not use produce bags. We will look into ways to buy in bulk with minimal packaging. •    We will do our best to reduce take-out packaging. Asking for no bag, no napkins, etc., whenever possible. When possible, eat in the restaurant if it means avoiding extra waste. Meggi will take reusable mugs to coffee shops. If buying a paper cup is necessary, save the cup. Sean will bring his lunch as frequently as possible with reusable utensils, napkins & containers. •    We will not buy soda or other packaged liquids on a regular basis. Instead of bottled water, we will continue to invest in a Brita filter for the fridge. •    We will buy products made from recycled paper. In the kitchen we will use cloth napkins, dishtowels, and dust rags in place of paper products whenever possible. Reusable storage containers will be used whenever possible in lieu of plastic bags, wrap, and foil. We will purchase more reusable containers as needed. •    Everything that can be recycled will be. This includes #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum and metal cans, bundled newspapers, magazines, glass, cardboard and paper will be collected. Mail waste will be shredded and recycled. •    Reducing junk mail will be a focus. When unwanted, or wrong address catalogues or magazines come, we will call the number on the back and ask to be removed. We will register our names on no junk mail sites. Amendments to be adopted as resources and location permit: I.    Green Products: Whenever possible, we will purchase green products such as household cleaners, paper products, clothing, electronics, etc. Amount of packaging, travel distance, and the products creation will be considered when purchasing new products. As much as possible, we will buy used products, or reuse those that we have until we must repurchase. II.    Compost: We will construct a compost bin. The compost will be attended on a regular basis and used to mulch flower and vegetable beds. As much of our lawn clippings and allowable food waste as possible will be composted. We will also compost paper waste product as much as possible. A separate bin will be established where needed for paper and biodegradable waste. III.    Travel: We will travel with MTA or walk as much as possible. We will only take a cab in an emergency or extremely needy situation. When driving we will pay attention to the most efficient routes. When possible, we will drive instead of fly. When it comes time for a new car, we will purchase the model that is the most energy efficient. IV.    The Yard: We will work to create a yard that doesn’t require copious watering and mowing. This means reducing the amount of grass and increasing the amount of space dedicated to plants that use less water than grass. We will be conscious about the chemicals we use in the yard. We will use native plant types as much as possible. This document is to be made public for all friends and family to see. Our motivation is to reduce the amount of unnecessary impact we have on the world around us. The Native Americans said we must be thinking about how what we are doing now will affect seven generations from now. Therefore we move forward, reducing waste, reducing energy consumption, increasing recycling and reusing and purchasing products with the Earth and environment in mind. While it can be said we are just a small piece of this world, and changing these things will not create an overnight change, it is our hope that others may see our example and take their own steps, at their own pace to decrease their environmental footprint.

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