23rd
Contents of the Path
The path in our park was created with chalk, stones, and short phrases that represent actions visitors could take. We asked visitors to fill in the path by placing a stone next to the phrases that best captured their thoughts about actions they could take to improve their local environments. Here are the choices they had.
Eat Local Foods
Buying from local farmers keeps money in the local economy. You also have a better idea of where your food is from and how it’s growth, so you can feel secure in knowing what goes into your body. Farmers markets offer great opportunities to buy local and talk to your farmers about how they grow your food.
Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances
Compact fluorescent light bulbs may cost more initially, but can save energy and money in the long run. Buying energy efficient appliances and low flow shower heads also save energy and pay for themselves in the end.
Eat Less Meat
It takes more energy to raise cattle than you receive from eating them. It’s more energy efficient to eat lower on the food chain, not to mention cost effective. Meat is expensive in stores.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling helps the environment and the local economy. The city saves money through recycling by reducing payments to landfills. This could mean improvements to the city or tax cuts. Borrow books and tools from libraries and friends instead of buying new. Buy new or slightly used items second hand through online sites like eBay, Craigslist, or FreeSharing. And remember all those things you throw away that others might be searching for. Save money and help out your neighbors in the city!
Conserve Energy and Water
Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Lower the thermostat a few degrees in winter and raise a few degrees in summer to cut down on the energy and cost of air conditioning and heating. Insulate the house to conserve heat in the winter. These will all help save energy and save you money.
Start a Home or Community Garden
You can grow vegetables, herbs, or regular plants anywhere: indoors, in the yard, or on your roof. Growing vegetables helps you to become sustainable. Plants improve air quality an absorb Carbon, which helps with air pollution and global warming. Certain places in the city even offer free compost. Plant flowers to add some color to the neighborhood. Volunteer planting more trees. Participate in community cleanup projects.
Reduce Your Driving
Walk, bike, or take public transportation more often. If all else fails, carpool. Few other countries are as dependent on cars as we are. We can help curb out Carbon emissions, reduce local air pollution, and cut down on traffic congestion by driving less.
