The following unedited tips came from the students at the FRES Kenpo Karate Club and Morning Star Martial Arts. Thanks, guys!

Lucia
1. Turned off lights.
2. Turned off water.
3. Recycled.
4. Composted food (scraps).
5. Closed doors.
6. Eats organic food.
7. Used companies that use windpower.
8. Used both sides of paper.
9. Didn’t litter.
In addition she suggests:
Only drive when you have to, don’t kill animals, buy alternate powered cars and don’t cut down trees.

April
1. Turns off lights when everyone else leaves them on.
2. Waits until there are enough dishes in the sink before washing to save water.
3. Turns off the fan in the bathroom after taking a shower.
4. Makes sure the shower doesn’t drip to save water.
5. Closes the windows and pulls the shades down at night to keep the heat in and avoid raising the thermostat.
6. Keeps the thermostat at a lower temperature and wears extra
layers.
7. Turned off the computer and tv and read a book(saving energy).
8. Separated all the soda cans out of the trash so they could be
recycled.
9. Bought a binder specifically because it was made out of recycled material.

Alice
1. Turned off TV.
2. Turned off lights.
3. Turned off water when brushing teeth.
4. Reused paper.
5.Recycled paper.
6. Walked the dog.
7. Fed her pets.
8. Fed the birds.

Giavanna says:
1. I use both sides of the paper.
2, Flush toilets.
3. Turn off water from the sink.
4. Don’t take more food than you need.
5. Use plastic(reusable) cups.
6. Don’t litter.
7. Don’t waste materials.
8. Turn off lights.
9. Don’t use cars if you don’t have to.
10. Recycle anything you can.

Tommy
1. Carpooled to CCD.
2. Took short showers.
3.Turned off lights
4. Doesn’t litter.
5. Recycled.
6. Walked to his friend’s house.
7. Takes bus to school.
8. Doesn’t leave refrigerator open.
9. Turns off computer when done.
10. Turns off TV.
In addition he suggests:
Run the dishwasher only when full, run washing machine when full, turn off the car in long pick-up lines at school, use energy efficient appliances and use dish cloths instead of paper towels.

Hannah
1. Used back of papers.
2. Turned off lights.
3.Turned off the water when brushing teeth.
4. Fed the birds.
5. Grows veggies and flowers.
6. Doesn’t cut down trees.
7. Recycles.

Kim
1. I turned off the lights when I exited the room.
2. I picked up trash on the sidewalk.
3. I reused a grocery bag.
4. I stayed at school instead of going home and coming back.
5. I recycled paper.
6. I rewore a sweatshirt instead of washing it again.
7. I shut off the heater instead of leaving it on all night.
8. I drove in a hybrid instead of a gas powered car.
9. I donated clothes instead of throwing them away.
10. I walked outside instead of using the treadmill.
11. I took a shower instead of a bath to save water.
12. I shut the water off instead of leaving it on while I brushed
my teeth.
13. I played with my dog instead of watching television.

Jenna
1. Turned off water when brushing teeth.
2. Changed a light bulb to an energy saving one.
3. Reused paper.
4. Put up a bird feeder.

Recovering from the effort on April 14th, 2007, the Milford Day of Environmental Education. I came up with this list of actions to stop global warming compiled from the 500 Acts of Environmental Self-defense logged by me and my students. I made copies and handed them out to the more than 400 people who came last Saturday:

Reduce your "Carbon Footprint"
This list is compiled from the list of 500 Acts of Environmental Self-Defense performed in 2007 by the students of Morning Star Martial Arts and the FRES Kenpo Karate Club who all say,
"Save the Earth, practice karate!"

~In the winter, close shades and drapes on windows at dusk to save heat. Open them in the morning to collect heat from the sun.
~Wear warmer clothes indoors in the winter so you can turn down the heat.
~Close doors to keep heat in(house in winter) or out(refrigerator/freezer).
~Don't let your house get too cold, it takes more energy to heat it back up.
~(from a student) "I played with the dog instead of watching TV." Turn off the TV and: play with the dog(!), read a book, etc...There are so many other things to do!
~Turn off lights, computer and other electronic equipment when not using them.

~Grow houseplants indoors to purify air (remove formaldehyde) and add humidity.
~Grow a garden.
~Feed the birds. They'll hang out in your garden and eat bugs.
~Create habitat for toads, they love bugs too!
~Get certified! Turn your backyard into a Wildlife Habitat. It's easy, no backyard is too small and most yards in NH already qualify. Go to www.nwf.org.
~Recycle food scraps and yard waste in a compost heap to enrich garden soil.
~Feed the worms! Start a worm box for indoor composting (see Compost table).
~Use organic fertilizers and natural methods of pest control. Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Not only are they poisonous, they're made from oil.
~Support your local farmer. Get fresher vegetables, eggs and meat, preserve open land and save tons of energy.
~Buy local,"organic" or "fair trade" whenever you have the choice.

~When filling the sink to wash dishes, save water by running "hot" water from the kitchen faucet into empty jugs until hot enough to wash dishes. The water can be used later for houseplants or outdoor gardening.
~Wait until the you have a full load before running dishwasher or washer.
~Run dishwasher or clothes dryer at night to use non-peak energy.
~Rinse out plastic detergent bottles to use up the last of the detergent for dish and
clothes washing. Then recycle the bottles.
~Run loads of laundry in succession to save energy heating water and dryer.
~Use "dryer balls" in the clothes dryer to dry clothes quicker.
~Use a clothesline instead of a dryer.
~(from a student)"I re-wore a sweatshirt intead of washing it again."

~Write letters, e-mails and make phone calls to your legislators urging them to take action to preserve the environment and stop global warming.
~Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!
Reduce, don't buy what you don't need.
Reuse and find other uses for what you have.
Recycle items that are no longer useful.
~Separate and recycle; toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, magazines, newspapers, etc...
~Separate and recycle plastic bottles, cardboard, steel, glass, batteries, etc.... The Wilton Recycling Center handles 37 different categories of recyclables.
~Bring old electronic equipment to a place that repairs or recycles the components. An average computer monitor contains over 6 pounds of lead. Never landfill it.

~Send lunches to work or school in reusable containers.
~Reuse plastic bags for freezer storage.
~Reuse supermarket food trays to display cookies at bake sales.
~Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
~Use cloth rags instead of paper towels.
~Cover pans when cooking food and bringing water to boil.

~Bring travel mugs to the coffee shop. Coffee stays hotter, tastes better and it might be cheaper!
~Bring unneeded plastic bags back to stores to be recycled.
~Use your own canvas bags at the store to avoid bringing home store bags.
~Bring useful items you no longer need to churches, rummage sales or the "still good" table at your local recycling center.
~Buy environmentally friendly cat litter for your cat. Avoid clay litters, they destroy the land when they are mined and have to be disposed of in landfill.
~(from a student) "I bought a notebook that was made from recycled plastic." Buy items made from recycled materials, like notebooks and paper products! Look for paper made with a high percentage of post consumer recycled content (the number inside the triangular recycling symbol).

~Combine car trips to save gas and wear and tear on your car.
~Carpool.
~(from a student)"I took the bus to school instead of having my mom drive me." Use mass transit when available.
~Maintain your car so it uses less fuel and pollutes less.
~Drive a hybrid.
~Drive slower!

~When it comes to sports and exercise, lean toward those activities that use less fossil fuel and more of yours. For instance, you could choose running over water skiing, or martial arts over parachute jumping. Have fun!

Printed on 100% post consumer recycled content paper

#429. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#430. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#431. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#432. I used cloth napkins at meals.
#433. I lent my Prius to my son so he could go to school.
#434. I sent an e-mail to my senators asking them to support clean renewable energy.
#435. I did several loads of laundry back to back to save energy.
#436. I used dryer balls in the dryer.
#437. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#438. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#439. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#422. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#423. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#424. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#425. I used cloth napkins at meals.
#426. I lent my Prius to my son because he was driving a long distance today.
#427. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#428. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#413. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#414. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#415. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#416. I typed up another handout for the climate rally.
#417. I used cloth napkins at meals.
#418. I lent my Prius to my son because he was driving a long distance today.
#419. I printed the handouts on 100% recycled paper.
#420. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#421. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#398. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#399. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#400. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#401. I typed up a handout for the climate rally.
#402. I used cloth napkins at meals.
#403. I brought a travel mug to the coffee shop.
#404. I drove to the coffee shop in my Prius.
#405. I combined the trip with a trip to the post office.
#406. I lent ny Prius to my son so he could go to school.
#407. I printed the handouts on 100% recycled paper.
#408. I sent an e-mail to my representative asking him to cosponsor a bill to protect wild salmon in the northwest.
#409. I wrote another letter to the editor about the rally.
#410. I increased our monthly contribution to greenpeace by five dollars.
#411. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#412. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#389. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#390. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#391. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#392. I fed the worms.
#393. I worked on plans for a craft activity for the rally.
#394. I sent an e-mail to the EPA urging them to uphold the law and fight global warming.
#395. I sent an e-mail to my representative asking him to reject a plan to build new hydrogen bombs.
#396. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#397. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#381. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#382. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#383. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#384. I fed the worms.
#385. I worked on plans for a craft activity for the rally.
#386. I sent an e-mail to the EPA urging them to uphold the law and fight global warming.
#387. I sent an e-mail to my representative asking him to reject a plan to build new hydrogen bombs.
#388. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#389. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#372. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#373. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#374. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#375. I ran several loads of wash back to back to save energy.
#376. I rinsed out the detergent bottle and poured it into the washer before I recycled the bottle.
#377. I brought canvas bags to the store to eliminate the need for new plastic bags.
#378. I ran the dishwasher late at night to take advantage of off peak electricity.
#379. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#380. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#362. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#363. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#364. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#365. I ran water into jugs until it was hot enough to wash dishes.
#366. I used dryer balls in the dryer to save energy.
#367. I told my granddaughter the story of how eagles became an endangered species.
#368. April covered the pan when she cooked food to save energy.
#369. I kept the fire going to keep the house from cooling off too much.
#370. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#371. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#350. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#351. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#352. I fed the worms the vegetable scraps they like.
#353. I ran washer loads back to back to save energy.
#354. I used dryer balls in the dryer to cut down on drying time.
#355. I awarded more patches to students who listed their E.A.S.D.
#356. I sent a contribution to the Wilderness Society.
#357. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#358. I rinsed out the detergent bottle and added it to my washer before recycling the container.
#359. I ran the dishwasher late at night to take advantage of off peak electricity.
#360. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#361. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#342. I opened the shades in the morning to let the sun warm the house.
#343. I recycled paper, glass, cans and plastic.
#344. I put vegetable scraps in compost.
#345. I went to a meeting to help plan a climate action rally.
#346. I offered information on compostable hot cups to someone selling coffee.
#347. I used my hybrid Prius on the trips I had to make around town.
#348.I closed the shades at night to keep in the heat.
#349. I turned off the lights, TV and satellite before going to bed.

#336. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#337. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#338. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#339. I ran the dishwasher late at night to take advantage of off peak electricity.
#340. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#341. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#328. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#329. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#330. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#331. I ran the dishwasher late at night to take advantage of off peak electricity.
#332. I combined trips to save gas.
#333. I gave my granddaughter's teacher a "Climate change tool kit" for his class.
#334. I called the governor of Alaska to urge her to abandon her plan to shoot wolves.
#335. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#336. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#318. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#319. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#320. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#321. I ran several loads of wash back to back to save energy.
#322. I combined trips to save gas.
#323. I bought concentrated detergent for my high efficiency washing machine to save shipping costs.
#324. I brought canvas bags to the store to eliminate the need for new plastic bags.
#325. I ran the dishwasher late at night to take advantage of off peak electricity.
#326. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#327. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#311. I sent an e-mail to the DOE urging them to abandon the plutonium reprocessing program.
#312. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#313. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#314. I recycled plastic, glass, steel and paper.
#315. I ran several loads of wash back to back to save energy.
#316. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#317. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#298. I used sustainably produced litter to change the cat box.
#299. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#300. I fed the worms in the indoor worm composting box.
#301. I put the vegetable scraps they don't like in the compost.
#302. I separated recycleables to take to the recycling center.
#303. I attended a meeting for the National Day of Action for Climate Change.
#304. I brought handouts to the meeting.
#305. I offered suggestions and ideas for the event.
#306. I volunteered to contact some elected officials to ask them to come.
#307. I waited till the dishwasher was full to wash dishes.
#308. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak power.
#309. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#310. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#291. I sent an e-mail to my senators asking them to co-sponsor a bill to stop global warming.
#292. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#293. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#294. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#295. I collected information on discounts on your own backyard wildlife refuge for my students.
#296. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#297. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#280. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#281. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#282. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#283. I printed out instructions on creating your own backyard wildlife refuge for my students.
#284. I took care of my houseplants.
#285. I gave a patch to one of my students for her efforts to stop global warming.
#286. I signed an online petition to ask auto makers to produce more efficient cars.
#287. I waited till the dishwasher was full to wash dishes.
#288. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak power.
#289. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#290. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#273.I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#274. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#275. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#276. I waited till the dishwasher was full to wash dishes.
#277. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak power.
#278.. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#279. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#265. I sent an e-mail to my senator urging him to co sponsor a bill to insure clean water.
#266. I sent an e-mail to my congressman urging him to co sponsor a bill to insure clean water.
#267. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#268. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#269. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#270. I washed two loads of laundry back to back to save energy.
#271. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#272. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#258.I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#259. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#260. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#261. I waited till the dishwasher was full to wash dishes.
#262. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak power.
#263.. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#264. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#250. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#251. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#252. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#253. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#254. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#255. I reused envelopes for lists.
#256. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#257. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#243. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#244. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#245. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and steel.
#246. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#247. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.
#248. I recycled paper, glass, plastic and steel.
#249. At night, I closed the shades and drapes to keep in the heat.

#236. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#237. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#238. I had my car serviced so it would run more efficiently.
#239. I stood up at town meeting and defended a petition to fight global warming.
#240. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#241. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.
#242. I recycled paper, glass, plastic and steel.

#227. I sent an e-mail to my legislators urging iincreased funding for conservation and public lands.
#228. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#229. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#230. I printed instructions on making envelopes out of discarded paper on the back of a flyer advertising my school. I instructed the students that when they were finished with reading it, to make an envelope out of it to mail a letter.
#231. I awarded patches to three students for their efforts to fight global warming.
#232. I waited till I had a full load before running the dishwasher.
#233. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#234. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#235. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#221. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#222. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#223. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#224. i signed on as a citizen co-sponsor of a bill to fight global warming.
#225. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#226. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#212. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#213. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#214. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#215. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#216. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#217. I reused envelopes for lists.
#218. i sent an e-mail to the fish and wildlife service urging them to allow their scientists to tell the truth about global warming.
#219. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#220. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#203. I separated all the recyclables and brought them to the recycling center.
#204. I put aside kitchen items I no longer needed on the still good table.
#205. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#205. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#206. I bought environmentally friendly cat litter for my cat.
#207. I brought canvas bags to the store for purchases.
#208. I waited till I had a full load before running the dishwasher.
#209. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#210. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#211. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

Saturday March 10, 2007
#198.I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#199.I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#200. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#201. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#202. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

Friday March 9, 2007
#189. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#190.I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#191. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#192. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#193. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#194. I sent an e-mail to washington urging my legislators to discourage expansion of the coal industry.
#195. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#196. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#197. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#175. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#176. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#177. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in the sun.
#178. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#179. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#180. I washed three loads back to back to save energy.
#181. I reused envelopes for lists.
#182. I took care of all my houseplants.
#183. I talked to my students about global warming and gave a student a school patch for his efforts to stop global warming.
#184. I forwarded an e- mail to all of my friends that detailed how to contact legislators about global warming.
#185. I waited till I had a full load before running the dishwasher.
#186. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#187. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#188. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

Posted by GreenWarrior at 7:13 PM

#163.I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in sun.
#164. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#165. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#166. I brought a travel mug to the coffee shop for my coffee.
#167. I combined trips to save gas.
#168. I brought canvas bags to the store to reuse.
#169. I brought plastic bags back to the store for recycling.
#170. I talked to my students about the need to save the earth's resources.
#171. I reused grocery bags for a drill in class.
#172. I turned down the heat at the studio.
#173. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#174. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

Posted by GreenWarrior at 7:13 PM

#153. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#154. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#155. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#156. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#157. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#158. I sent an e-mail to congress urging support for bills to stop global warming.
#159. I waited till I had a full load before running the dishwasher.
#160. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#161. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#162. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#142. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in sun.
#143. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#144. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#145. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#146. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#147. I sent an e-mail to my legislators urging them to vote to protect the salmon of the northwest.
#148. I brought canvas bags to store to reuse.
#149. I waited till I had a full load before running the dishwasher.
#150. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use non-peak electricity.
#151. I closed shades and drapes at dark to conserve heat.
#152. I turned off lights, TV and computer when not being used.

#128. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in sun.
#129. I sent an e-mail to federal officials urging them to keep endangered species protections in place for the wolves of the Northern Rockies.
#130. I renewed my membership in Greenpeace.
#131. I renewed my membership in NWF.
#132. I renewed my membership in NRDC.
#133. I increased my contribution to WWF.
#134. I renewed my membership in Defenders of Wildlife.
#135. I renewed my membership in Earthjustice.
#136. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#137. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#138. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#139. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#140. I turned off lights, TV, satellite and computer when not being used.
#141. I closed shades and drapes after dark to conserve heat.

#117. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in sun.
#118. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#119. I put vegetable scraps in the compost.
#120. I waited until I had a full load before I washed clothes.
#121. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#122. I sent my son's lunch in reusable containers.
#123. I sent an e-mail to my state reps urging them to vote for tough clean air standards.
#124. I renewed my membership in Earthjustice.
#125. I gave the mailman a large letter to mail, saving a special trip to the post office.
#126. I turned off lights, TV, satellite and computer when not being used.
#127. I closed shades and drapes after dark to conserve heat.

#106. I opened shades and drapes in morning to let in sun.
#107. I recycled glass, paper, plastic and metal.
#108. I fed vegetable scraps and eggshells to the worms.
#109. I used dryer balls in the dryer to reduce dryer time.
#110. I sent my husband's lunch in reusable containers.
#111. I sent an e-mail to the forest service urging them to preserve wild areas in a Colorado forest.
#112. I sent an article about global warming to a magazine.
#113. I ran water into jugs intil it was hot enough to wash dishes.
#114. I used the water from the jugs later to water plants.
#115. I turned off lights, TV, satellite and computer when not being used.
#116. I closed shades and drapes after dark to conserve heat.

#98. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#99. I recycled paper, plastic, steel and glass.
#100. I recycled food scraps in the compost.
#101. I did laundry loads back to back to conserve energy.
#102. I contributed money to a group struggling to protect wolves.
#103. I closed the shades and drapes at dusk to conserve heat.
#104. I used cloth napkins at meals.
#105. I turned off the lights, TV, satellite and computer when not using them.

#88. I opened the shades and drapes in the morning to let in the sun.
#89. I watered all of the house plants.
#90. I handpicked off whatever bugs I found on the houseplants.
#91. I washed and dried laundry loads back to back to save on hot water and drier heat.
#92. I combined trips when I took out the car.
#93, I recycled paper, plastic, glass and steel.
#94. I closed drapes and shades at night to save heat.
#95. I recycled food scraps in compost.
#96. I ran the dishwasher late at night to use off-peak power.
#97. I turned off lights and shut down computer and satellite before going to bed.

#78. Opened shades and drapes in morning to collect heat from sun.
#79. Ran water into jugs until hot enough to wash dishes.
#80. Used water from jugs to water plants.
#81. Collected recyclables to bring to recycling center.
#82. Reused a plastic cap for a toy for my granddaughter.
#83. Used cloth napkins instead of paper at meals.
#84. Collected vegetable scraps and eggshells for compost.
#85. Used reusable containers for leftover food.
#86. Closed shades and drapes at dark to save heat.
#87. Turned off lights, TV and computer before bed.

#74. Recycled plastic bags from shopping (store does not allow you to use shopping bags).
#75. Drove my Prius intead of my van on my shopping trip.
#76. Recycled paper, plastic bottles, glass and cans.
#77. Turned off TV, computer and lights before going to bed.

#69. I recycled paper, glass, plastic bags, plastic bottles and steel cans.
#70. I recycled food scraps in the compost.
#71. Used cloth napkins instead of paper.
#72. Closed shades and drapes at dusk.
#73. Bought replacement weatherstripping for glass slider.

#64, I combined trips to save on gas.
#65. I brought canvas bags to supermarket to avoid bringing home plastic bags.
#66. I talked to friend about the Action for Climate change rally.
#67. I sent an e-mail to the Tonglass Forest supervisor to oppose clear cutting in the forest.
#68. I sent an e-mail to the Bush administration commenting on and opposing a new coal fired power plant in Nevada.

#59. Talked to all my students about the 500 Acts project. All seem enthusiastic and on board.
#60. When the copy shop made a mistake on some newsletters, I took them home for recycling and reusing.
#61. I used cloth napkins instead of paper.
#62. I closed the shades at the studio and turned down the heat before I left.
#63. Turned off lights, TV and satellite before going to bed.

#53. Turned off the lights, TV and satellite before going to bed.
#54. Recycled bottles, paper, plastic.
#55. Included energy saving tips in my newsletter.
#56. Closed shades and drapes at dusk to save heat.
#57. Used cloth napkins instaed of paper.
#58. Reused srap paper for notes and lists.

turned off the computer and the tv and read a book (saving energy)

separated all the soda cans out of the trash so they can be recycled

Bought a binder specifically because it was made out of recycled material.

#38. Finished all the dishes at once to save on heating water up again.
#39. Rinsed out shampoo bottle to use up last of shampoo before recycling the bottle.
#40. Turned off lights, TV and computer when finished.
#41. Reused the plain sides of paper for lists.
#42. Recycled food scraps in compost.
#43. Put leftovers away in reusable containers.
#44. Ran dishwasher late at night to use electricity at non-peak time.
#45. Recycled glass, plastic, steel and paper that couldn't be reused.
#46. Used cloth rags to clean floor and dust furniture.
#47. Used cloth napkins, bought at yard sales, for meals.
#48. Bought recycled content plastic bags to use for incinerable garbage, to avoid printed plastic bags that release heavy metals into air when burned.
#49. Closed drapes and shades at night to save heat.

#30. I ran two loads of laundry in succession to save energy heating water and dryer.
#31. Recycled coffee grounds and food scraps in compost.
#32. Bought locally produced organic milk to save transportation energy costs and reduce pollution from pesticides.
#33. Used cloth napkins at the table.
#34. Recycled glass, plastic, steel and paper.
#35. Collected good used clothes, books and toys to bring to rummage sale.
#36. Closed shades and drapes at dusk to save energy heating house.
#37. Turned off all electronic equipment before going to bed.

#23. Used cloth napkins instead of paper.
#24. Ran two loads of laundry in succession to save energy heating water and dryer.
#25. Recycled paper, plastic bottles, cardboard, steel and glass.
#26. Brought plastic bags back to store to be recycled.
#27. Used my own canvas bags at the store.
#28. Saved water:ran water into jugs until hot. Will use later to water houseplants.
#29. Recycled food scraps in compost.

#14. I recycled a supermarket food tray to display cookies for my granddaughter's class bake sale.
#15. I watered and took care of all my houseplants.
#16. Recycled food scraps in the compost.
#17. Sent my husband's lunch to work in reusable containers.
#18. Sent an e-mail to congress to call for a cut in the billions spent spaying herbicides over Columbia to kill coca plants.
#19. Closed insulating shades at dusk to prevent loss of heat.
#20. Turned off the computer and satellite before going to bed.
#21. Fed the worms.
#22. Recycled paper and plastic bottles.

#13. I sent an e-mail to the Department of Fish and Wildlife urging them to list the polar bear as an endangered species.

#9. Recycled paper; toilet paper roll, magazine and newspaper clippings.
#10. Rinsed out detergent bottles to use up last of detergent for clothes washing.
#11. Fed fire slowly during day to keep house from cooling too much and wasting wood to reheat.
#12. Recycled plastic detergent bottles.

#2. I recycled paper and cardboard from the mail.
#3. I closed the insulating shades on the windows at dusk to save heat.
#4. I saved water by running the water from the kitchen faucet into empty jugs until it was hot enough to wash dishes. The water will be used later for houseplants.
#5. I waited until the dishwasher was full before running it.
#6. I invited my students to help log 500 acts of environmental self-defense before April 14th. I offered a school patch for their participation.
#7. I turned off the lights and heat when I left the studio.
#8. I handed out animal stickers to students. They loved them, they actually were saved from environmental mailings.

Acts of Environmental self-defense

1. I turned off the lights in the room when I left.

How many martial artists does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer is coming soon, let's see what YOU can come up with!

This blog is about environmental self-defense and what each individual can do about it. Just as I believe everyone should know some self-defense like we teach at our martial arts studio, so should everyone know how to defend the earth. Why? Because martial arts isn't just about self-defense against physical violence from another human being. It is also about eating right, healthy habits, and avoiding violence if possible by developing character, integrity and self-control. The motto of our school is Honor, Integrity, Respect. Today we will talk about respect for the earth, because all the self-defense moves in the world won't help us unless we realize the full potential of martial arts to change ourselves AND our world...

Right now our earth is in a crisis caused by human carelessness and greed. Greenhouse gases are changing the earth's climate and weird weather is in the news everyday. For example, look at New York State, where because of unusually warm weather, the lakes didn't freeze. This caused freakish snowfall, up to 12 feet in some places. Meanwhile, the ice cap at the north pole is melting quickly and polar bears are drowning trying to swim between ice floes. How can we change the course of this impending disaster?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Confucius
You don't have to walk 1000 miles to end global warming, though if you walked instead of taking a car it would help. All everybody needs to do is examine the way they live and take steps to waste less of the earth's resources. Beginning today, I am asking my students to do just that, and enter whatever acts of kindness to the earth they have performed. It can be as simple as changing a light bulb or reusing a grocery bag. Every little bit counts.