Tips for Going Green
From LoveToKnow GreenLiving
The Internet is bursting with tips for going green, and more are added daily. You can find information on greening any and every part of your life, from the simplest modification to a full-scale lifestyle change. Because every bit counts, you can start small and gradually work your way up to making a big difference.
Basic Tips for Going Green
Greening one’s life can seem a bit daunting initially. Even if you haven’t done any comparison shopping, you’ve undoubtedly heard that a greener choice in anything, from clothing to electronics, is more expensive than the non-green version. This can be true, but the more important factor is that going green actually saves you green in time. In a tough economy, it can be hard to make some initial investments, but it’s important to consider the long-term effects.
So where to start? First, consider one of the tenets of living green: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Now, think about how to apply these to aspects of your life at home, at work, at play and on the go. It can be very easy.
- At home: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. These are far cheaper and more attractive than they used to be, so you can enjoy a soft, pleasing light while saving a lot on utilities.
- At work: Keep a ceramic or metal mug on hand for drinks, rather than opting for a disposable cup. A travel mug is best for grabbing coffee on the way to work. And ask the office manager to stock the kitchen with an eco-friendly dish soap!
- At play: While you’re buying a travel mug for coffee, get yourself a Sigg bottle or something similar to fill up on water for the gym or while out and about. Bottled water is implicated in a lot of environmental and economic concerns. For your own health and that of the planet, use a metal bottle and refill as you go.
- On the go: Instead of paper or plastic, you should always try for canvas or cotton. Reusable grocery bags are best for food shopping and cut down on household waste, too. Reusable bags come in all sizes and patterns and can be used for everything. Some fold up to the size of a wallet, so you can use them at the drug store, toy store, pet store and even when buying clothes.
Getting Greener
Tips for going green can extend into every aspect of your life, including internally. Meat production, especially beef, creates excessive pollutants. One vegetarian meal a week can help reduce these pollutants. There are so many great veggie options now, you might soon be compelled to have three or four meatless meals in a week. Going meatless is also cheaper and healthier.
Save water by installing a low-flow showerhead. These have improved to the point where you might find your shower is more powerful and refreshing, not less.
If you have kids, you buy a lot of batteries. Many places now offer battery recycling, but you can do even better and buy rechargeable batteries. They last considerably longer and are just as recyclable when they are finally spent.
Kids or no, you probably spend too much time cleaning. As you green your home, don’t counteract the effects with noxious products. You will save money and your eyes and lungs using baking soda, vinegar and castile soap for all your cleaning. And for other needs, look to green supplies like those made by Seventh Generation. From dish soap to diapers, these are excellent options.
While you’re shopping for green household items, include recycled paper products. Toilet paper made from recycled paper saves trees and water and is soft and pleasant to use.
Getting More Specific
As you probably already know, you can green everything in your life. For more specific tips for going green, take a look around the other articles here at LoveToKnow Green Living and visit websites like Planet Green, which divides its tips into a variety of categories. You’ll soon discover just how easy it is to be green!
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This page has been accessed 411 times. This page was last modified 15:10, 20 January 2009.
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