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Her Alameda Global Warming Checklist and Resource List document ,which contains many no to low cost methods to reduce vehicle gasoline consumption; decrease electricity, natural gas and water usage; and help family budgets through Alameda Freecycle (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlamedaFreecycle/) and other programs. The checklist is meant to be posted on the fridge, and items checked off as you complete projects and change habits. The document also provides a wide range of resources available to help residents accomplish the items on the Global Warming Checklist.
The big event was held on Saturday December 6th, at the Food Bank Warehouse where volunteers handed out the light bulbs and Global Warming Checklists, in addition to healthy groceries. Food Bank clients were empowered to reduce their energy consumption, thereby helping not only their family budgets, but help the environment as well. |
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A Bright Idea – AP&T Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Giveaway at Food Bank by Joyce Mercado
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Green Tips |
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Reducing Paper Waste
Tip #1 Get rid of your junk mail Are you tired of all that junk mail clogging your mailbox? There’s an easy way to clear out your box and help reduce paper waste!
Do it yourself :Stop Junk Mail Kit (http://www.stopjunkmail.org/kit.htm)
Or use a for fee service like these:
Tip #2 Save Money on Printer Paper Instead of tossing printer paper used only on one side into the blue bin, use it in your home office printer. Figure out which way to insert it to print on the other side (you've got a 50/50 shot here). Save flyers from school, mail, printouts for school projects, anything that isn't confidential, and use that as printer stock to print recipes, driving directions, coupons, sudoku puzzles, everything except formal documents. We rarely buy printer paper at home with this trick.
Tip #3 Creative Wrapping Paper The paper from flower bouquets is great for wrapping gifts. Reuse those colorful shopping bas. Cut along the fold, cut out the bottom, and you've got nice colorful wrapping paper! Buy gift bags which can be used over and over again. My friend Gail and I have been passing the same gift bag back and forth for birthdays and pick me up gifts for a over a year now. Wrap kitchen gifts in pretty dish towels or cloth napkins. Save cute boxes for future gift giving. Get creative! |
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In these difficult economic times the number of Food Bank clients is growing, and more families are having difficulty paying their utility bills in addition to needing food assistance. With that in mind Alameda resident Joyce Mercado contacted Food Bank Director Paul Russell to see if he’d be willing to distribute compact fluorescent light bulbs, which consume 75% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, if Alameda Power and Telecom provided the bulbs. Paul was delighted to facilitate the distribution, and Joyce contacted Meredith Owens of AP&T to request the donation of 600 compact fluorescent light bulbs. AP&T generously arranged delivery of the light bulbs to be distributed along with the December food distribution. AP&T encourages all customers to use electricity efficiently and offers customers rebate programs and services to help (www.alamedapt.com/).
Joyce also donated 600 copies of |
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CASA |
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Lukas Pecson helps distribute light bulbs at the Alameda Food Bank |