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Even small steps can help the Earth
 
Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 12:05 AM 
 
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By STAFF AND WIRE REPORT

Twenty years ago, "50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth" became a best-seller.

This month - just in time for Earth Day tomorrow - an updated version of that classic text on green living is being released.

It's published by Hyperion and sells for $12.95.

Written by John Javna with his teenage children Sophie and Jessie, the revised version suggests ways to preserve the environment, including many money-saving tips.

Here are tips for conserving water and gas, as gathered by the Javnas and other sources:

  • Create a rain barrel. Water from your roof can be collected and then used to water the lawn or garden. Building instructions and details can be found at www.waterkeeper.org.
  • Garden with a green thumb. Select drought-tolerant plants for your garden. When you do water, use soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems. Spread mulch to help roots retain moisture.
  • Stop leaks. A single leaky faucet - with one drop of water per second - translates into 192 wasted gallons per month.
  • Safeguard water pipes. Popular drain cleaners can damage household pipes.

    Here's a recipe for a gentle alternative: Mix one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into a pot of boiling water. Pour this mixture down the drain to dissolve most clots.

  • Replace chlorine cleansers, which are not biodegradable, with eco-friendly alternatives such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide-based bleaches.
  • Demand gas-efficient rental cars. Your selection will have a long-term impact on the auto industry, which studies rental trends when developing cars.
  • Low pressure in your tires sharply reduces your gas mileage. Make sure your car tires are inflated to the upper range of the recommended pressure.
  • Mulch more and rake less. Unless you have a heavy accumulation of autumn leaves, mulching them with your mower rather than raking them helps "feed" your lawn.
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