How to Go Green In Your Life

Study after study has confirmed that global warming is already occurring.  While global warming is a world wide problem, we as individuals can do something about it one household at a time. 

There are many uncertainties regarding how soon and what the disruption to our human existence will be.  Scientist predict extremes such as flooding, drought, storms, and even disease.  We already face sever air and water pollution that is adversely affecting our health.  Environmental pollution today is so sever that it has adverse affects on our unborn children. 

The good news is there is still time to act.  By taking action today the generations of tomorrow will thank us.  In addition, many of the steps we can take today to go green or become eco friendly will improve our quality of life and save money.

 Go Green...Buy used.

• If you to do any home improvement job around the house, check Craigslist for cabinets, rugs, appliances, furniture, or even used tools. 
• Try checking out a few garage sales to help in that home remodeling job.
• There are tons of resale and consignment shops today that sell everything from furniture to rugs.  You’ll find great pricing and many times gently used items.
• We found these site on the Internet that give ideas for home made and creative gift giving as well as Green gift ideas.

Go Green...Farmers Market.

• Shop at your local farmers’ market.  You may find that the costs are slightly higher, but it’s worth it.  You will find higher quality produce and  the dollars you spend will go to the farmer!  You’re buying locally and that will save energy by reducing fossil fuels used in transporting the food across the country. 

Go Green...Commuting can mean "Getting Fit"

• Some employers will allow you to telecommute to work.  Talk with your boss about the benefits of working from home at least 2 or 3 days a week.   If that doesn’t work you could move closer—even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
• Walk, skate, or bike to work and save money on gas and parking while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
• Check on public transportation in your area.  Taking the bus or car pooling can save money and produces less pollution in the long run.

Go Green...Reset the thermostat

• Open windows in the summer and turn on the fans.  You’ll be amazed at the savings.  Investigate installing ceiling fans and attic fan to help ventilation.  Close the drapes during the day to block out the hot sun in the middle of summer.
• Setting your thermostat 2 or 3 degrees lower in the winter can translate to substantial savings on your utility bills plus it saves energy.
• Install low-flow showerheads, set your water heater lower, and take shorter showers to save water and the energy used to heat it. Consider installing a solar hot water heater.
• When washing clothes always wash in cold water and use a drying rack or clothesline. 

More Ideas

E-waste from discarded cell phones and computers is a growing environmental problem. Mounds of electronic refuse are being shipped abroad illegally for ‘disassembly’ by workers with little protection against the mercury and other toxic substances they contain.

Eco Friendly...Think twice about buying new electronics.

• Keep your electronics as long as possible and dispose of them responsibly
• Recycle your cell phone and computers.
• Ask your local government to set up a responsible recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
• Buy rebuilt computers.  You’ll save money and the earth.

Eco Friendly...Use your local library and other public amenities.

• Borrowing from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies will save money and printing resources.

Eco Friendly...Buy concentrates.

• Buy products that are concentrates and ad your own water.  You’ll save money and it’s less to recycle.

Eco Friendly...Diapers.

• Use cloth not disposable!

Eco Friendly...Compost.

• Composting helps reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill and it’s a great fertilizer. 

Go Green...Water on the go.

• Filter your own tap water for drinking rather than using bottled water. Bottled water is expensive and it produces large amounts of container waste.
• Check out this recent update and life cycle analysis for the latest on bottled water trends.