Eco-Uplift Articles

 

Bring Out the Tree Hugger in You by Becoming
Environmentally Responsible
By Michael Tasner

If you've ever heard the phrase "tree hugger" used to
describe someone, you may think it is a negative term. Used
negatively, the term can be used to describe someone who
seems to be too concerned with the environment. Hippies can
also be called tree huggers and many people are not starting
to associate tree huggers and tree hugging with negative
meanings. The opposite is true; tree hugger is actually a
positive term for someone who is interested in or
participates in environmentalism and conservation. These
people are known for doing all they can to protect the
environment and encouraging people not to waste our natural
resources. If you want to get in touch with your inner tree
hugger, take the steps below to improve your own environment
and get involved in your community.

Volunteer for an Environmental Group

You can donate your time to your community environmental
group or conservation society. You don't necessarily have to
clean up trash or participate in running a recycling center.
Many of these groups are nonprofit community organizations
and need help in all of their departments. If you prefer the
indoors, you might be able to help by sending out
fundraising letters, performing clerical tasks, or making
telephone calls to request donations. There is plenty of
work to do for these nonprofit organizations, so roll up
your sleeves and find out how you can get involved.

Use Environmentally Friendly Household Products

If you currently use household products that contain harsh
chemicals, these chemicals may be reducing the quality of
your environment. There are many environmentally friendly
substitutes available that rely on natural ingredients to
take the place of these harsh chemicals. If you substitute
these products for your harsh chemical products, you may
notice an improvement in allergy symptoms and your general
health. You'll also be preventing the harsh chemicals in
your old cleaner from seeping into the earth after you have
disposed them since you won't be using them anymore.

Dispose of Batteries and Electronics Properly

Batteries have battery acid in them even when they are no
longer working, and electronic equipment has components that
can leak harmful materials into the ground if they are not
disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Your
community may have a battery and computer return program. If
it does not, there are several companies that offer this
service to those who have batteries and computers that can
no longer be used. They will help you take your old
electronics apart and will then dispose of them properly. As
an alternative to disposing your electronics, you can also
donate them to nonprofit groups if they are still in good
condition. This way, someone else can benefit from you
getting rid of your electronics.

You can easily get in touch with your inner tree hugger if
you are willing to put the time and effort into making
simple changes in your life. You can start at any time, so
jump right in and become more environmentally responsible.

Looking for unique environmentally friendly products? Check
out our elephant gifts made from Poo!


 

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Susie and Otto Collins are Relationship Coaches and authors of 4 books on relationships and personal growth. To get their FREE weekly newsletter filled with practical tips and ideas for creating more connected, passionate and alive relationships send a blank message to mailto:collins@aweber.com 
or visit their web site at http://www.collinspartners.com 

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