Brophy College Preparatory 2009 Summit on Human Dignity

One People, One Planet, One Mission:
Renewing Our Commitment to Sustainability and Stewardship

A Forum to Examine Global Environmental Issues in Light of Our Gospel Call
to Respect and Promote the Human Dignity of Each Person.

 

What You Can Do Now

• Replace your standard incandescent light bulbs with recyclable Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). They last longer than regular light bulbs and use 75 percent less energy.

• Talk to your power company about special programs that, with a small extra fee, will supply your house with power generated only by renewable energy sources.

• Contact your water company for water conservation advice.
• Switch to energy-efficient toilets, which can save 15,000 to 20,000 gallons of water a year.
• Use front-loading washing machines, which use less water.
• Fix faucets and shower heads with leaks.
• Water your lawn before sunrise to prevent evaporation.

• Use organic cleaning products instead of standard store-bought materials. Look for an organic label on the products you buy, and use combinations like vinegar and water to clean windows.

• Take care when recycling: there are many items that are recyclable that appear as if they aren’t, and many items that appear as if they are but are not.

• Make sure that doors and windows are properly sealed. Reducing leaks and maximizing home energy efficiency is not only a plus for the environment, it saves money as well.

• Do laundry in a few big loads instead of multiple small ones with warm water instead of hot water, then dry your clothes using a clothesline.

• Recycle your old clothes! Brands like Patagonia collect old clothes and recycle them to make new clothes.

• Pay your bills online and stop the greenhouse-gas emissions caused by the transport needed to mail your paper bills in.

• Perform a do-it-yourself energy audit of your house. Try www.time.com/audit

• Shut off your computer (or at least turn off the monitor).

• Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and lights when you aren’t using them. Encourage your teachers to do the same in classrooms.

• Make sure you don’t use a leaf blower in your yard. Not only is a leaf blower bad for air quality, they use vast amounts of gas and oil for the small job they do. Buy a rake.

• Buy paper that is clearly labeled as having come from a recyclable source.

• Recycle old printer cartridges. Check out Petsmart stores for recycling stations that allow your recycled cartridge to help animals.

• Stop using plastic bags altogether. Bring a reusable cloth bag to put your groceries in.

• Carpool.

• Drive to a light rail park-in-ride and hop on the train to school. Stops close to Brophy are located at Central Ave. and Campbell and Central Ave. and Camelback.

• Check your tires. Having properly inflated tires helps your gas mileage (and saves you money).

• When renting a car, rent a hybrid. Most major rental companies have hybrids in their fleets, and other companies rent out solely hybrid vehicles.

• Eat local foods planted by local farmers. The annual damage caused by the production and transport of meat from across the globe is almost as bad as that caused by the number of cars on the road.