The number one, most important and easiest tip for going green is to REDUCE your consumption as much as possible. There are tradeoffs for every conservation effort (i.e., paying bills online consumes energy but protects trees) Using less of whatever is the most eco-friendly and obviously saves money too!
Here are some more simple tips for Green Living:
1. Avoid using plastic bags. Carry out items without a bag when you can conveniently hold them in your hands. Bring your own reusable canvas or cloth bags shopping with you.
2. Switch to compact florescent light bulbs when your incandescents burn out. You will save money on your electric bill and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Be careful of disposal however, these light bulbs contain hazardous materials. See below for more info.
3. Recycle. Most people now recycle their cans, bottles and paper but many other items should avoid landfills too. Curb side waste management companies may not except plastic bags, batteries, cell phones, motor oil, light bulbs, etc. However it is important to properly dispose of them because they may contain hazardous materials (for example compact light bulbs contain mercury which can leak and contaminate soil and water). You can find out where to recycle just about anything by going to Earth 911 and entering your zip code for a list of locations near you.
4. Buy only what you need and shop locally for food items. Shopping locally helps support sustainable agriculture and reduces fuel consumption required for transporting food from distant locations.
5. Conserve water by turning it off when you are brushing your teeth, doing only full loads of laundry and dishes, and installing efficient shower heads and faucets. Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees.
6. Stop buying bottled water. Instead use gallon or larger jugs and fill sturdy reusable bottles from them. Better yet install a water filter in your faucet to avoid purchasing plastic containers all together. You should not use disposable water bottles over again since the chemicals in the plastic begin to contaminate your water after repeated use.
7. Make your own non-toxic cleaning products that are safe enough to eat. Many items you already have will do amazing jobs cleaning. Keep the following items handy and see how to make your own cleaning products for instructions: baking soda borax, lemons, olive oil, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and washing soda.
8. Find good homes for your unwanted things. Donate old but wearable clothes to charities and keep those that are to worn or stained for rags. Animal shelters often need blankets, sheets and towels regardless of their condition. Donate toys to children's homes, hospitals or preschools. Have a yard sale or sell on Ebay to make some extra money.
9. Pay your bills online and cancel paper statements. You will save trees and postage. Also cancel your junk mail. Visit newdream.org to begin the simple process.
10. Unplug appliances and electronics that are used infrequently. These things use electricity even when they are turned off. To make this more convenient, use power strips so that you only have to unplug one cord. For more information about saving electricity in your home stop by Green Energey Efficient Homes |
