Why Is it Important to Go Green

From LoveToKnow GreenLiving

Going green, a popular catch phrase, has many of us asking why is it important to go green? Global warming, land and air pollution touch everyone’s lives. Things like alternative energy, nuclear power, and clean coal are our destiny if we want to protect how future generations will thrive on the Earth.

Project Your Planet!

Green Concerns

Green is everywhere these days from what we eat to what we wear. Both the Internet and the television feature tips on how to go green at home, work, and play. Manufacturing companies compete for the greenest and most energy efficient product. Solar and wind power are encouraged along with the purchase of renewable energy credits. Going off the power grid, Earth stewardship, and environmental awareness are the new guidelines for protecting our natural resources.

People judge what they see and for many of us, it’s difficult to see the reality of what environmental harm may do. Non-scientific individuals, who can’t see, touch or explain ozone dangers for example, are harder to convince that time is of the essence. As deserts become dryer and cities more polluted, more information has emerged from eco-friendly organizations, federal agencies, and classroom teachings on ways to save the planet. The importance of going green has evolved into a social justice that is hard to ignore.

Why Is It Important To Go Green

It Is Healthy

Choosing fresher foods is healthier than processed foods. Organic foods that are higher in Omega 3s are scientifically proven to keep hearts strong and cholesterol levels low. Farmers are growing greener crops with plant-based insecticides instead of ones that contain harmful chemicals. Farm animals eating a healthier diet produce foods that are rich in the vitamins we need. Body and skin care products free of parabens and toxins help keep our bodies hydrated with antioxidants. Green tea helps us feel good naturally and all sorts of lotions, potions, and alternative therapies heal us without harmful ingredients. People are reaping the rewards of natural vitamins and probiotics like acidophilus. Living a greener life is paying attention to what you eat and how you live and people are healthier for their efforts.

It Conserves Precious Energies

The impact of lowering ones’ carbon footprint by recycling, using energy efficient appliances or installing grey water systems to hydrate gardens is the popular thing to do. Going green is about conserving our resources, finding alternative energies, and innovative ways to keep our rivers and oceans cleaner and our landfills smaller. Carpooling in the seventies was all about saving at the gas pump but now it’s about keeping our air cleaner with fewer cars on the road. Auto manufacturers are challenged to make greener cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells or electricity. Industries once thought of as major polluters are finding ways to produce products with cleaner applications that are energy conscious and eco-friendly. Preserving energies of all kinds ensures future generations will be safe and we are inventing cleaner ways to fuel our homes, offices, and vehicles.

It Inspires

More people are inspired to go green by what they see around them. Green groups are helping natural wildlife habitats once in danger. Buying local foods and handcrafted items help communities stay strong and sustainable. Green inspiration gives us cleaner air, better water, and healthier foods. People feel better with smaller carbon footprints and challenge others to do the same. Protecting the planet is now part of many schools and taught to all ages. Going green means making a commitment and being more aware of the things that harm our environment and instead, making smarter choices that feel good.

How You Can Help

Ask yourself the question why is it important to go green and then try some of these tips:

At Home – Turn up the thermostat in the summer and down in the winter. Recycle everything including food waste and turn it into compost for your garden. Buy and use rainwater barrels for gardening. Pass on foods that contain harmful chemicals; buy local and organic. Unplug computers, video games, and other electrical devices when not in use. Replace light bulbs with energy saving CFL bulbs. Buy a Kill-A-Watt and measure the energy you use in your home and find ways to lower it. Use government tax incentives and buy a hybrid vehicle.
At Work – Install containers for recycling cans, glass, and paper. Buy and use recycled office equipment, paper, and furniture. Purchase energy credits from the power company. Use a green web hosting company whose servers are housed in solar or wind powered buildings. When constructing or remodeling, use green materials.
At Play – Throw a green birthday party for your child and encourage green gifts. Plant shade trees to keep your house cool. Grow a vegetable and herb garden. Suggest green neighborhood events at block party meetings. Share in recycling and offer to educate others. Take a hike instead of a car ride or use public transportation. Take family treks to the library to find more ways to go green.