Making a difference

Family believes in the power of positive actions

Can one person really make a difference in this world?

Like a pebble tossed into a calm lake, one person’s action can have an amazing ripple effect.

Andrea Evelsizer believes that each of us can have an impact on the environment, whether it’s by helping with the Earth Days community 

cleanup or recycling or using non-toxic products in their household.  

“If you talk with just one friend or neighbor about taking positive action, then maybe they will start making small changes with their families,” she said.  “Hopefully, that next person will talk with someone and then they will talk with someone and so on, resulting in noticeable improvements.”  

“And you can’t expect children to do things unless you lead by example,” the mother of two said with a big smile. “However, you must also learn from your children. Many schools now have strong programs which focus on environmental issues and conservation, so when they are excited about it from school then it’s the perfect time to start trying new things at home.” 

Reduce, reuse and recycle is a good mantra for all of us to follow, as well as a great way to save money and help the planet, she noted. Buying products in bulk can save on the pocketbook as well as reducing the packaging consumed with purchasing smaller items more often. Many bulk items use very little packaging because you can reuse storage or dispensing containers that you already have at home.

Reusing items can also be a great money-saver for families. Why pay for fire starters when you can make your own with dryer lint, cardboard egg cartons and old candle stubs, for example!  Evelsizer collects items throughout the year to make personal, unique Christmas presents for friends and family. There are endless ideas on the Internet, Evelsizer said, noting that she especially enjoys Pinterest. “Repurposing” items has gotten to be quite popular across the country, with numerous TV shows showcasing them.

Sometimes it’s just a simple matter of returning containers to the providers, such as egg cartons or produce boxes to farmers. Also, many grocery stores provide a discount when a customer has a reusable shopping bag. 

Andrea’s family including Ethan, 7, Alana, 5, and husband Vince, expect to recycle things and not just discard them.  “It’s good for the kids, it’s good for the environment,” she said.  “And it’s just the right thing to do. It’s just a matter of deciding what you are going to do, making - Read More Via e-Edition