By Judy Herman, Foggy View Editor

Staying safer at home presents some challenges, but we’re adapting. Instead of our Sierra Club hikes we’re taking solitary walks to explore our own neighborhoods and using online conferencing for alternative exercise from aerobics to Zumba, as well as to reconnect with our hiking friends. Get Earth-friendly tips from our members and find out the most important thing you can do right now below.

We can’t employ all of our green-living practices right now. My Rubbermaid container is waiting for the day it can be deployed for take-out or restaurant leftovers. Some grocery stores won’t let you bring your own bags and they stick you with way too many heavy duty plastic bags (ugh!).  But some will let you use your own bags if you pack them yourself. Check with your store. Even with curbside pickup, sometimes you can get the clerk to put all the items unbagged into a cart and leave that by your car for you to pack.

Here are some pandemic-proof green strategies used by some PV-SB members:

Wait until you have a full load before running the washer, dryer or dishwasher. — Mitzi Shitanda

Use a rack to dry your clothes. — Kevin Schlunegger

“CAN WE TURN OFF HALF A DOZEN LIGHTS AROUND HERE PLEASE?!” — Brenda Chan, quoting her dad

Wash and reuse plastic sandwich and produce bags. — Janice Ling

Unplug your TV or turn it off at the power strip every night so you aren’t wasting energy keeping the instant-on on. — I learned that from Bill Lavoie.

If you’re thinking of getting an electric car, now may be the time. Sales are down and dealers are dealing. Some will bring the car to you to test drive. Here’s a list of available models.  Southern California Edison (SCE) customers who purchase or lease an electric vehicle can apply for a rebate of up to $1000 through the Clean Fuel Reward Program. You may be eligible for a tax credit, too.

Consider solar panels too. California declared installers essential workers.

Click the link to find the most important thing you can do now. Take action with the Sierra Club.