Who says environmentalism has to cost a lot of money? The problems of pollution, landfills and environmental destruction are often problems of excess.
Supersize suburban homes require an equally large amount of energy to heat, cool and power. Long commutes in pricey SUVs have huge fuel costs. The newest gadgets are blanketed in packaging that's not easily recycled.
The debt we accumulate encourages us to work longer hours, drive further and rely on fast food to maintain a lifestyle that most of us can't really afford. Who needs it?
You can break the cycle by downsizing your life and getting help from local debt counselors. Consumer Credit Counseling Service is one local nonprofit that works to help people stay on a budget and pay off their debt (800-355-2227, www.cccservices.com).
You can also start reading personal finance books and blogs. The Simple Dollar (www.thesimpledollar.com) is an engaging, funny and instructive personal finance blog that tells it like it is: You need to spend less than you earn and make the gap between what you earn and what you spend as large as possible.
Wasteful habits like eating out all the time, driving more than you need and buying the newest toys serve only to empty your wallet and degrade the planet. If you work at it, you can even get completely out of debt and build your savings. Building wealth is a slow process and can be a green one, too.
Environmental Preservation
Cincinnati Health Department
Works toward a healthier Cincinnati and offers assistance in identifying and removing toxins from homes and neighborhoods. 3101 Burnet Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-357-7300
Environmental Community Organization
ECO’s mission is to hold industry accountable for community concerns about corporate pollution. 513-761-6140.
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Dedicated to cleaning up Cincinnati and making the city a more livable place through public-private partnerships.
Ohio Citizen Action
A network of citizens and organizations working with industries to protect families, the environment and the quality of life. 2330 Victory Pkwy., Walnut Hills, 513-221-2100.
The Sierra Club
A national conservation organization encouraging protection of the environment. Weekly activities include hiking, backpacking, biking and canoeing/ kayaking. Meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Raymond Walters College, 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash, 513-841-0111.
- Stephen Carter-Novotni
This originally ran as part of the story Unplug, Rethink and Simplify Your Life in our Green Issue.
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