Green Writing Challenge!

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"Green" Challenge for Writers

Like throngs of other concerned citizens of Mother Earth, I'm always looking for ways to minimize my impact on our overwhelmed planet. In so doing I turned at one point to a very big aspect of my life---my writing career...an area I soon realized could stand some greening.

I began the GREEN WRITING CHALLENGE to raise awareness...and in this lens I'll talk about how YOU can take that challenge, so we all win!

READERS: You can take the CHALLENGE, too! Visit my Green Reading Challenge lens!

Why We Need "GREEN" Writing 

Does writing really impact the environment? Absolutely! Here are just a few ways the publishing industry leaves a Bigfoot print on the planet:

*Carbon emissions from electronic devices: computers, monitors, printers, publishing presses, palm pilots, laptops, fax machines, and copier
*Trees used to make the thousands of sheets of paper, envelopes, pencils, and stamps needed to write, print, copy, produce, and mail submissions, books, and promotional materials
*Emissions from autos, trains, and airplanes used to ship books, submissions, and promotional materials...sometimes worldwide
*Emissions from same when traveling to book tours, writing conventions, and speaking engagements

...and so on.

In looking at the above, I realized there was much I could do to minimize these things, while still writing the stories I love. Thus I've developed the Green Writing Challenge, in the hope that this will raise awareness within the writing community.

HERE'S THE CHALLENGE! 

Commit to just ONE of the following this year:

*Submit your next manuscript electronically. (Less impact than printing/mailing hundreds of sheets of paper.)
*Reduce the number of mailings you send out
*Swap one regular promotional mass mailing in favor of an electronic mailing
*Skip one cross-country convention and do an online conference instead
*Switch from press kits and full-sized mailers to postcards
*Turn your computer and peripherals off when not in use
*Do late-night writing by candlelight, or use energy-saving bulbs
*Make one book appearance--or tour--a virtual tour online
*Use recycled paper, envelopes, and other materials whenever possible
*Do phone-in radio interviews instead of driving to the station
*If you have "white noise" in the background while you write--TV, DVD's, stereo...consider turning them off
*Use solar rechargers for equipment like your PDA, cell phone, MP3 player
*Reuse/recycle writing supplies/equipment through freecycle, thrift stores, etc. rather than buying new and trashing
*SPREAD THE WORD! Write about "Green" in your fiction or nonfiction, OR by telling people about the Green Writing Challenge!

Don't delay! Join my GREEN WRITING CHALLENGE today!

Are You a GREEN Winner? 

...Then Tell the World and Spread the Word!


Congratulations for being a winner!

Be sure to grab one of these graphics to post on your lens, site, or blog...and link back here!

What Would Nature Do? 

Or, biomimicry

Here's a bracelet for ya...WWND?

In the search for answers to our global crisis, scientists are turning to cutting edge technology. How a spider spins silk, ounce for ounce stronger than steel...or how a peacock produces such brilliant colors when in fact it only contains brown pigment.

The study and application of such genius to meet our own needs is called "biomimicry," and it may hold some of the answers we need to reduce our dependence on Earth-impacting methods of consumerism. Some of the shocking discoveries include:

1. Bacteria use chemicals to communicate
2. Leaves are self-cleaning by design
3. Brighter colors can be produced at the design level through layering (like peacocks do) than by using harmful lead paints.
4. Glass that is seven times stronger than our current glass can be produced--without heat
5. Termites can keep their habitat at a constant temperature without fans or air conditioning

Other organisms found in nature cannot mine and burn fossil fuels to manufacture their homes and sustain their existence, and by so doing humans are hastening the extinction of countless species--including their own. By looking to the ingenious designs already in place throughout nature, we can find vital clues for our own preservation.

For more information on Biomimicry, visit www.biomimicryinstitute.org
www.biomimicry.net
www.11thhouraction.com

The Latest Green News 

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Green Writing Poll 

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Other Ways to Be Green 

The Story of Stuff 

An Awesome Green Video

Here's a preview of one of the most entertaining, informative, and easy to follow explanations I've ever seen on how modern consumerism impacts the environment. You won't look at "stuff" the same way again! (The entire Story of Stuff presentation is available at http://storyofstuff.com.)
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Join The Green Writing Challenge! 

Post Your Commitment to Greener Writing

If we all make just ONE small change this year, we can make a difference! So Join the Challenge Today!
Writers: Post one thing you will do this year to write greener
Readers: Post your commitment to support a green writer
Merchants: Post how you are going green, or how you can support green writing efforts.

Lensmaster

Lin Waterhouse wrote

in reply to Iris Deurmyer

Iris, I have used both sides of paper for years. I thought I was thrifty (cheap). Now, I'm pleased to discover that I'm being "green." It's such an easy way to half my paper usage. When my children were small, I'd print color sheets on the back of used paper. I always save my draft sheets for reuse -- for additional drafts or to print out emails. Thanks for verbalizing this basic saving idea.

Reply Posted June 03, 2009

Lensmaster

FantasyDesigns wrote...

That's why I usually only buy used, I can reuse them and they're cheaper. :)
Plus the damage to the planet has already been done, so at least I'm not adding to it. I think.... 5 *'s

ReplyPosted May 28, 2009

Lensmaster

LisaLogan wrote...

in reply to Mortira Yes! Bookstores rip the covers off the books and trash them--it's a crime. Still more reasons to go eBook or buy POD titles--these are printed one at a time on demand, rather than tens of thousands of copies in advance that hit the landfill. And by all means, borrow books you don't plan to keep!

ReplyPosted April 11, 2009

Lensmaster

Mortira wrote...

Do writers know that thousands and thousands of paper backs are destroyed every year in bookstores, because it's cheaper for the publisher to print new ones than have unsold books shipped back to the warehouse? It's so much better to borrow, share or buy used!

Welcome to the Green Crusaders group!

ReplyPosted April 11, 2009

Lensmaster

LisaLogan wrote...

in reply to Iris Deurmyer Excellent suggestion Iris! We do this too--or else I give one-sided paper to my daughter for drawing or to practice writing her alphabet on. We use junk mail ads and envelopes this way, too.

ReplyPosted April 09, 2009

 
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