The Power of ONE
Activate OKLAHOMA!
1. Planting trees, flowers, and shrubs helps to oxygenate and clean the environment, so don't forget to plant yours! Go to your local extension service to talk to them about getting a soil test so you can know what will grow best for you! http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/extension
2. To find out who's polluting your environment and get help, go to http://www.scorecard.org, plug in your zip code, and find out who to contact. they will help you contact companies too, so you won't be alone! Oklahoma is one of the least polluted states in the U.S.!
3. Recycle! In OKC, there a curbside recycling program. Go to http://www.okc.gov/trash/recycle/index.html to find out how to prepare and when your recycling pickup is. They also list the more difficult objects like tires and paint and what to do with those. If you live outside of OKC, go to http://www.ourearth.org, click on "recycle" and you can plug in your zip code to find out how it's done in your area.
4. Join the local food coop. Oklahoma has a fabulous statewide coop. You can select your items online and then pick up your delivery at a locatio nearest you. Go to: http://www.oklahomafood.coop/locations.php for locations and information.
5. Join Sustainable OKC. This is agrassroots organization devoted to working with businesses to help the environment and to make our communities beautiful, clean, and livable. http://www.sustainableokc.org/index.php
6. Everything you do--every choice you make, makes a difference, from shutting off the tap in the shower as you soap up, to shutting off certain rooms in the house when trying to save on electric and oil costs. Go to: http://www.lowimpactliving.com for other ideas.
7. Buy stuff made from recycled materials or recycle what you have. You can recycle your books by passing them on to friends or the library, or you can reuse greeting cards which is fun to do with kiddies.
8. Wear clothes made from natural materials like hemp, or use your local thrift store for certain items that can be dressed up, repaired, or used as specialty pieces.
9. Recycle your car by donating it to charity. Get a tax write off, and help somebody too! As for me, I just glue stuff to my car and keep on trucking.
In Texas, the state gives you a vouvher for for up to $3500 to turn in your smoking old car and get a new one!
In Oklahoma, here's the story: Oklahoma Statute §68-2357.22 states that until January 1, 2009, the state will provide a one-time income tax credit for 50 percent of the cost of converting a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel, or for 50 percent of the incremental cost of a new original equipment manufacturer alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) up to $2,000. The state will also provide a tax credit for 10 percent of the total vehicle cost, up to $1,500, if the incremental cost cannot be determined or when an AFV is resold, as long as a tax credit has not been previously taken on the vehicle. Additionally, the state will provide a tax credit for up to 50 percent of the cost of installing refueling infrastructure for AFVs. These tax credits may be carried forward for up to three years. This credit can be extended to hybrid electric vehicles only to the extent that the vehicle is propelled by electricity. Click here for more information. http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
10. Make sure your buildings are green. Oklahoma has these incentives too: In May 2005, Oklahoma created an income tax credit for certain expenditures incurred in the construction of energy efficient residential property of up to 2,000 square feet, starting in 2006. The credit is based on the energy efficiency of the property, with a maximum credit of $4,000. Click here for more information. http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/50th/2005/1R/SB/610.pdf
11. Become a Bioneer. Contact http://www.bioneers.org. They have a regular radio show on KOSU at 11am on Sundays.
12. Contact Yvonne Anderson at Clean Cities Coordinator of the Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition at 405-234-2264 to find out what else you can do.
13. Visit http://www.ase.org , the Alliance to save Energy.