Summer Sun
Earth Saving Tips from Earth Share

Summer 2001

TIPS FOR MAKING EVERY TRIP AN "ECOTOUR"

Enjoying the great outdoors this summer? Whether you are backpacking in the high country, car-camping in a recreational vehicle, or hanging out at a local park, here are some tips to help ensure your visit will be as good for the earth as it is for your well-being:

    leaf Call ahead to the place you intend to visit to find out about any special environmental concerns, regulations, or permits.
    leaf Carefully plan meals so that there is no food waste.
    leaf Reduce your amount of trash by packing food in reusable containers. Minimize the use of disposables.
    leaf Avoid purchasing overpackaged or disposable supplies when you are preparing for your trip. Use rechargeable batteries for flash-lights and radios.
    leaf Help mitigate trampling and erosion problems -- stay on existing trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the path.
    leaf When traveling in places where there are no trails, try to stay on the most durable surfaces - rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Avoid areas with soft grasses or plants.
    leaf When camping, use a designated site. Don't alter the campsite by nailing into a tree or moving big logs.
    leaf Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Don't try to feed the animals.
    leaf If you make a campfire, use sticks from the ground that are no larger in diameter than an adult's wrist. Don't pull branches off dead or downed trees.
    leaf Keep campfires small to minimize ashes and pollution. Don't put anything in the fire that will not burn: plastics, foils, metals, etc.
    leaf Keep your group small - no more than four people, if possible. You'll minimize your impact and won't disrupt others.
    leaf Look for scenic, less-congested routes, and plan for walking, hiking,or cycling trips once you reach your destination. Don't rely on your car to take you short distances.
    leaf At the end of your trip dispose of all trash properly or take it with you until it can be disposed of properly.
    leaf Don't forget to turn off your water heater at home. You'll save on energy and cut your utility bill.

Wherever you go, bear in mind the Traveler's Golden Rule:
"Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photographs and memories."
And remember: If you want all the conveniences of home, why travel?

Cyber-Tip: For more information on ecotourism, visit The International Ecotourism Society: www.ecotourism.org

PAINT YOUR HOME . . . GREEN
Painting this summer? If you do a good job, you'll place drop cloths everywhere, apply the paint smoothly, and clean up well when you finish. But don't forget about protecting the environment. Here are some other things to consider when painting:

  • Never pour thinners or solvents down the drain or flush them down the toilet. Put them in tight-fitting jars or cans and have them picked up or delivered to a hazardous waste disposal site.
  • Paint thinner often can be reused. Over time, paint sludge settles on the bottom of the container. Pour the clean solvent off the top and use. When the thinner is gone, stuff an absorbent material (rags or kitty litter work well) into the can to dry the sludge before throwing the can into the trash.
  • Consider giving unused paint thinner or stripper to local furniture refinishing shops or paint contractors.
  • If there is a small amount of latex paint left in a can, leave the can open in a well-ventilated place. When it is completely dry, the can may be placed in the trash.
  • Place all solvent covered rags and newspapers inside a metal container with a lid. Discard it as you would hazardous waste.
GOODBYE, OLD PAINT ... What about that leftover paint? Don't pour it down the drain. It's polluting - and dumping it may be illegal. Here are four things you can do to keep leftover paint out of the waste stream:

  1. First and foremost, buy wisely to eliminate disposal problems altogether.
  2. Consider donating leftovers to a local theater group, parks department, school, or organization, or take it to a community exchange. Many towns have "drop and swaps" once or twice a year.
  3. If you have more than half a gallon left over, try recycling it. Consider mixing several colors of similar paints together; you'll get a beige or gray color that may make a good primer. Before recycling, separate oil-based from latex paint and interior from exterior paint. Make sure cans are properly labeled.
  4. If you can't recycle the paint, take it to a local household hazardous waste collection site. In some areas, hazardous wastes are collected at curbside once or twice a year. For more information about collections in your area, contact your local municipal or state government.

SAFER STRIPPERS: Some paint-related products can be more dangerous than the paint itself. That's the case with paint removers and strippers, used to soften and dissolve old paint so you can scrape it off before applying a fresh coat. Some of the most effective strippers are also the most deadly. Look for products that don't re-quire gloves and clean up with water. They're better for you and the environment.


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Earth Share, a federation of America's leading non-profit environmental and conservation charities, promotes environmental education and charitable giving in employee workplace campaigns.

For more tips or to find out how your workplace can help the earth, email us at info@earthshare.org, visit the "Get Involved" section of our website, or call (800) 875-3863.

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