Some ways you can help save the planet Posted by frayam at 04/26/05 12:57 PM

Kermit says, "It's not easy being green." Maybe so. But don't let it stop you from trying. Learn how to save money while protecting your health and the environment, find out how green products stack up to their mainstream counterparts, and much more.

If you are one of the many consumers searching for green information on the Internet, check out this brand new site, www.GreenerChoices.org, launched by Consumer Reports last Friday.

The 35th anniversary of Earth Day is passed, but that doesn't mean we should rest on our laurels like Sarah Cynthia Slyvia Stout who would not take the garbage out. Take some time today to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Stop the junk mail. About 4 billion pounds of paper go into producing direct-mail catalogs each year. You can reduce the flow of marketing mail by sending a postcard with your name, home address, and signature to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. Registration online costs $5; by mail takes longer, but it doesn't have a fee. You can also contact a company directly and ask to be taken off its list. Click here for more facts about junk mail and deforstation.

Recycle something BIG! Large appliances and autos have their own special recycling programs. Many states have banned these items from local landfills, and global demand for scrap steel makes recycling them a lucrative proposition. To find out more about how to recycle these items where you live, use the zip-code searchable directory offered by Earth 911, or call your local sanitation or public works department. Many charitable organizations accept donations of used cars (as well as boats and even planes), and you may be able to take a tax deduction. The IRS recently tightened these rules, however. For the details, click here.

Did you know? The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates most US consumers are replacing their computers every three to five years, and more than 315 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years. Click here to help reduce this number.

Visit www.GreenerChoices.org to learn more.

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