Need environmental topics for seniors

**lilyrose** · 04-14-2010, 09:19 AM

I am helping give a talk to fixed-income seniors at an outreach center. I was told that the average age is 78, and they all live in apartments.

I am trying to figure out topics and tips that would fit this group. I know turning off lights and using a CFL for a much used light is cost effective. If anyone has other ideas, that would be great! For some reason my mind is drawing a blank right now.

**McD** · 04-14-2010, 09:45 AM

How to recycle!!!

When our city switched to a large recycle bin the size of the trash can, we got so many complaints here at the water utility (billing agent for garbage) from old people. They told us they didn't need to recycle, they never had anything to recycle, etc.

**Russ** · 04-14-2010, 09:48 AM

What about a community magazine trade? To get a magazine you must donate a magazine so they don't end up in the recycle bin.

**lilyrose** · 04-14-2010, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

How to recycle!!!

That's right! I forgot. It takes 7 times more energy to make an aluminum can from the raw iron ore than it does to make the same can from recycled aluminum.

Originally Posted by Russ

What about a community magazine trade? To get a magazine you must donate a magazine so they don't end up in the recycle bin.

I could take this one further by including books in this!

**Russ** · 04-14-2010, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by lilyrose

That's right! I forgot. It takes 7 times more energy to make an aluminum can from the raw iron ore than it does to make the same can from recycled aluminum.

I could take this one further by including books in this!

Now you're thinking! :thinking:

**McD** · 04-14-2010, 10:27 AM

What about making their own cleaners or household products?

It's environmentally savvy as well helpful to their pocketbooks.

**Lady_V** · 04-14-2010, 10:33 AM

THEY can tell us a thing or two, everything they have been through in their lives... I am in awe when I think about everything they have been through.

Since they know the basics, they may need tweaking and reminders on how to do things at this stage in their lives.

~ container or windowsill gardening
~ healthy cooking for one (or two) with no waste

I also found this article, it may help you some.

**Rippin508** · 04-14-2010, 12:26 PM

How about:

* Using a power strip for things like tv and computers
* Just turning off things like lights, computers, tvs etc when not in use
* Using room darkening blinds/curtains for those hot, sunny days
* If they are allowed and have room, having a community garden

**Libby** · 04-14-2010, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

How to recycle!!!

When our city switched to a large recycle bin the size of the trash can, we got so many complaints here at the water utility (billing agent for garbage) from old people. They told us they didn't need to recycle, they never had anything to recycle, etc.

What about explaining the effects of recycling: ie how it reduces.

It was hard for my dad to see when the city offered us green bins for compost pick up, the cans, glass & paper in another bin and actual garbage. My dad is amazed at how lil garbage we actually produce now and our recycling is fuller then it used to be.

Tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle

Or how to buy things with less packaging vs convenience and individual portions ie Costco/Club Packs etc. Just buy it in bigger/bulk portions and use reuseable containers to portion it out?

Carpooling among friends - ie all agree to go to lunch together one day at the mall and shop/run their errands then meet up at designated time/spot to head back home in one car?

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 04-14-2010, 01:05 PM

I agree with Lady V get them into the use it up, wear it out and do without discussion and you'll hear all sorts of great stories.
I just learned from a lady that during the depression she would take old raincoats and rework them into snow pants for her kids.
Never know wht your gonna learn with seniors.

Laurie in Bradenton

**lilyrose** · 04-14-2010, 02:02 PM

These are really good ideas. It's getting my creative juices flowing.

**KeithBC** · 04-14-2010, 02:02 PM

I guess that your seniors are about 10 years too young to remember much of the 1930s. The folks who lived through the Great Depression could teach us a lot about reducing and reusing, if not recycling.

Your seniors probably learned a lot from their parents about the "how" of living environmentally, but they may be in the mind set of "Phew, I'm sure glad we don't have to do that any more!" So the biggest challenge may be in teaching the "why" rather than the "how".

**Russ** · 04-14-2010, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by KeithBC

I guess that your seniors are about 10 years too young to remember much of the 1930s. The folks who lived through the Great Depression could teach us a lot about reducing and reusing, if not recycling.

.

:thinking: Wasn't there a thread a while back about this?