Tikkun Olam - Tips for a Greener JCC

Get More Life Out of Your Batteries and Be Nice to the Planet

Did you know that you can save the money it would cost to buy 500 to 1,000 disposable batteries by getting a battery recharger? You may never have to buy single-use batteries again, which means many fewer toxic chemicals leaching into the landfill. This website
from National Geographic suggests the best rechargers to get. http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/121/batteries

Beware! Hazardous!

Everyone has hazardous materials at home-lawn fertilizer, bug killer, leftover paint. Don't pour them down the drain or put them in the garbage can; these materials are toxic and can cause damage to the environment and to the people handling them. Instead, find out how to dispose of them safely by checking http://earth911.org

Just Nuke It

When reheating food in a microwave, don't use printed paper towels to cover the container. The inks used in those towels are not safe for consumption. It's best to put the food in a glass dish and cover it with a plain towel. For more tips on safely microwaving food and other subjects, read on

Save a Tree and Clear Out Your Mailbox

In 2001, direct-mail companies sent 17 billion catalogs. If you feel that a lot of those ended up in your mailbox, now there's a way to get rid of all those you don't want. Go to http://www.catalogchoice.org/ and follow the directions to eliminate the tons of catalogs that are filling up your recycling bin.

Save the Earth and Save Your Life: Observe the Speed Limit

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. The more gas you use, the more emissions you spew into the air. The more emissions, the more greenhouse gases, and you can figure out the rest. So slow down a little on the road-it's better for the environment, better for your wallet, and better for your longevity.

Can I Recycle That?

Have you ever wondered what those numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers mean? The numbers system was established by the plastics industry to identify the material in the container. Check out what the numbers stand for

Just Say NO!

Did you know that those little slips of paper with your bank balance that come out of the ATM are beginning to clog landfills all over the world? Most people never look at them and often leave them hanging in the slot. The next time the ATM prompts you by asking if you want a receipt, just say no. You can always check your balance online.

Forget About Washing the Car

Did you know that a commercial carwash uses about one hundred gallons less water than you do when you wash your car in the driveway? And that water is usually cleaned and reused. So cross "wash the car" off the to-do list, and find something else to nag your teenager to do.

Let There Be Light

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs cost more than the conventional kind, but they last for years and they use only a quarter of the energy. And because fluorescent bulbs give off next to no heat, they can keep your air-conditioning cost down too. Save money and save the environment by switching to those funny-looking, swirly lightbulbs.

Don’t Throw Away Those Old Cell Phones

Many people change their cell phones every year or two, which is creating mountains of electronic junk. Instead of throwing out your old cell phone or PDA, donate it to groups that recycle it or give it to someone who doesn't have one. You can give cell phones and ink cartridges to Cure Recycling -- profits from reuse of items support the CURE Childhood Cancer organization. Another place to donate cell phones is Collective Good.

Unplug That Cell Phone Charger Now!

According to treehugger.com, 95 percent of the power cell phone chargers draw is wasted; only 5 percent is used to charge the phone. That's because most people leave their chargers plugged in after they've disconnected their cell phones. Not only is that a waste of money (you're paying for that electricity, after all) but it's a waste of the fossil fuels that create the electricity. So save some money and save the atmosphere while you're stretching-bend down and unplug that cell phone charger. Read More

Take Care of the Earth

According to Maimonides, we may not waste anything. The following websites encourage reusing items. Remember, your junk is just what someone else is looking for. The Freecycle Network provides an online community tool for giving and receiving free stuff. Throwplace.com lets you list items online that you would like to give to nonprofit organizations, businesses, or individuals.