‘Green Orleans’ offers ways and ideas to reduce environmental impact

Editor:

“Green Orleans” is a group that is attempting to bring greater awareness of climate change and the efforts to deal with those changes.

Group members involved are among those who believe that becoming more environmentally conscious and responsible is essential as the Earth’s population continues to grow. The group meets at the Hoag Library in Albion on the third Thursday of the month at 11:30.

Earlier this spring, the message board in front of the Albion Presbyterian Church read: “If you don’t, then who will?” This letter is an attempt to identify a few of the actions that we can take to make a difference. For example, might your business offer paper straws, rather than plastic?  Do you as a customer even need a straw?

Composting is a way to reduce waste and improve your soil in which to grow flowers, vegetables, bushes and trees.

Another action is getting in the habit of recycling plastic and cardboard rather than throwing everything into a garbage container. If the Earth is to survive for future generations, recycling is a must. And, yes, it may take a little extra time.

Doing as much with less is necessary as well. This letter was originally “roughed out” on the back of material that was to be discarded. Traveling from one place to another efficiently uses less energy. Ride sharing often works.

You may ask yourself some of these questions. Is traveling on a bicycle possible? Might I walk to the library? Would an electric vehicle be a sensible option for me? Do I really need more than one napkin?

Is a plastic bag really needed when I pick up the sub sandwich, which is already wrapped in paper? Can I drink my iced coffee from a reusable container without using a straw? Can I use the dishwater to water my plants?

If some of this makes sense to you, we hope to see you at our July 20 meeting at the Hoag Library. Meetings usually last no longer than an hour.

Sincerely,

Sister Dolores O’Dowd, Tom Robinson, Rosanne Leach, Gary Kent, Kim Remley and John Grein