The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

A toad rests in a rain garden. Terri Hammond/The Nature Conservancy

The passing of another Earth Day offers a terrific opportunity to consider changes you can make to help foster a healthier planet. For advice, we turned to our staff members in New Hampshire.

From the folks who spend their days working for conservation, we present our favorite 10 tips for keeping it green at home.

Megan Latour, who manages our marketing, loves Community Supported Agriculture.  “For those of us who don’t have the time or space for a garden but still want to eat locally grown, healthy vegetables, purchasing a CSA share from a local farm is a must.  We pay into the farm at the beginning of the season and enjoy organic vegetables, beef and chicken all summer long.  Meanwhile, the farmers receive invaluable funding to support their livelihood.  And the food tastes so much better.  It’s win-win!  Find the CSA that’s perfect for you at Seacoast Eat Local. 

Sydney Wall, our administrative assistant, has a great suggestion: “Go thrifting! One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Thrifting cuts down the amount of manmade products and keeps green in your wallet.”  Looking to shop? Thriftstorelistings.com reviews second-hand stores across the state!

Director of marine science Ray Konisky is all about oysters.  “Whenever I go out to dinner and order oysters, I always get a doggie bag for my shells.  I contribute them to a local oyster shell recycling center for rebuilding oyster reefs.” You can do the same! Recycle your shells today.

Jim O’Brien, director of external affairs, is a dad to four kids and knows his way around diapers.  “Use cloth diapers.  There are lots of new, no hassle brands on the market to save money and the environment.”  Not quite ready to go all out?  Check out Conservancy Green Gift partner gdiapers. Feeling especially ambitious?  Try sewing your own!

Director of protection, Duane Hyde, has a tip for those quick store runs. “Rather than hop in my car to pick up a few items I need at the grocery, I hop on my bike.  I can get to the store in about the same amount of time, especially with all the neat shortcuts I’ve found on my bike, get some exercise, and all with zero emissions.”  Looking to explore some of the best biking in southeastern NH? Check out some popular peddling paths on Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes.

Gardening is one of operations manager Terri Hammond’s favorite pastimes.  “I built a rain garden at the end of my driveway to stop the flow of water from rushing down our hilly street. It makes a pretty spot in the yard that I don’t have to water, provides habitat for various creatures and keeps pesticides and other junk from flowing into the nearby wetlands.” Check out 5 more ways to ‘green’ your lawn and garden care.

Time to talk coffee with associate director of philanthropy, Marne Perreault. “This time of year I like my caffeine on the rocks.  I recently purchased a reusable BPA-free cold beverage container complete with straw so I can still enjoy my favorite beverage, without the plastic waste.“  Even better? Fill that cup with sustainable, shade grown coffee.

GIS guru Pete Steckler is a big fan of ridesharing.  “If you can, try a carpool: reduce emissions, fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, traffic…. and save money!  Why not give it a try?” To find a commuting buddy here in the granite state, visit NH Rideshare.
 
Doug Bechtel, director of conservation science, tips us off about trash.  “My wife and I have become maniac composters and recyclers.  We live in a town where you “pay as you throw,” so garbage collection is no longer as “free” as it used to be.  By composting coffee grounds, egg shells, and all organics (we eat mostly vegetarian) and recycling everything we can, we now only have to put out our other garbage for collection once a month instead of once a week.   While it takes extra effort, it feels good to know the land fill is a little less full, and our waste is less wasted.”  Want to get started? Here’s a few tips!

Krista Helmboldt, our easement stewardship specialist, talks storage. ”I love glass food storage containers and ball jars.  They are great for storing foods, leftovers, and beverages without generating waste and without using plastic; leftovers can be eaten from them.  I also use ball jars to store nuts, grains, flours in the pantry as well as to make smoothies or drinks for ‘on-the-go’.” 

Are you green? Share your eco-tip with our community!