Almostgotit.com

Everyone knows that the majority of eco-conscious college students become just as evil as the rest of us, once they can afford it.

But who are we to criticize those vain, skinny creatures?  Why not make a virtue out of deprivation?   Those of us who somehow managed to miss that immediate-post-collegiate flush of wealth still have just as much right to feel good about ourselves as college students do.  Or as Bill Gates does, and he really didn’t even GO to college, did he? 

Therefore, in honor of Earth Day, here are a number of ways in which we, too, can save the planet while incidentally saving money at the same time.  Start small by choosing just one or two; five or six if you feel inspired.  And really, who even NEEDS a job when you already can contribute this much meaning and goodness to the world? 

The e-zine writers at  LighterFootsteps.com   suggest that we make the switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs); monitor our thermostats; clean or replace our air conditioning filters; unplug idle appliances and electronic devices; buy low-flow shower heads with a shutoff valve; drive smarter; get an annual tune-up for our cars; use our bikes; go meatless once a week; buy local; buy in season.

Here are some other stunningly-cheap virtuous ways to save the earth:

1. Give something away
2. Recycle, including batteries and toner cartridges
3. Get more sleep
4. Grow less grass (saves water, mowing, and habitat too!)
5. Make your own stuff
6. Develop a flea market habit
7. Downsize
8. Eat less
9. Use a real cup instead of a styrofoam one.
10. Compost

And finally, my favorite: 

11.  Get a woodstove that’s big enough to heat your house,  and ask all your tree-cutting friends to bring you free firewood instead of taking it to the dump!