Are you interested in doing your part to save the environment? Here are seven of the best eco-friendly changes you can make to “go green” in your home.
The clock is ticking on how long fossil fuels will last. Some estimates guess that oil, coal, and gas will only be around for 35, 107 and 37 years. To save the environment, we’ve got to make some changes in the way we live.
We all need to do our part to save our resources. There are many ways you can be part of the solution. And it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, either.
You can live a greener lifestyle if you try these 7 things.
How to Save the Environment: Go Green!
Do these 7 things, and you’ll make a difference in the lives of everyone on the planet.
1. Conserve Energy
This tip costs you nothing. In fact, it can save you a ton of money and benefit the environment at the same time!
- Turn Off Lights – Leaving the room? Turn off the light!
- Use Low Wattage Bulbs – Replace light bulbs with energy-conscious bulbs. They may cost a little more up front, but they last 10 times as long.
- Plug Into Power Strips – Use power strips to turn on and off power to many electronics or appliances at once.
- Use Less Heating & Cooling – You can use the sun to heat in the winter by opening the blinds. Keep your house cooler in the summer by closing them up. Block any drafty windows or doors during all seasons. Energy efficient windows and curtains can help reduce heating and cooling use, too.
Another energy conservation option is to go solar! Since solar installation is an investment up front, it may take a little longer to see savings. But, the benefit to the environment is instant!
2. Save Water
This is a responsible choice that benefits everyone. Water may not be a fossil fuel, but we all need to conserve it.
Use water responsibly by following these tips.
- Take Shorter Showers – Set a timer and finish your shower in 10 minutes or less! You can conserve a lot of water if you keep your showers short.
- Install Low Flow Shower Heads – Low Flow shower heads reduce the amount of water that comes out of your shower head. You can use up to 50% less water if you install one.
- Repair Leaky Faucets – That drip is costing you money and wasting water. Get it repaired to conserve water.
- Drink From The Tap – Most people have treated water and it’s safe and healthy to drink! Stop buying bottled water and use what you’ve already got.
- Water Lawns Less – Reduce the time you water, and do it early in the morning or late at night. It will be more likely to soak into the soil with less run-off. Consider Zeroscaping for low maintenance, low water lawn options!
3. Drive Less
Controlling the amount of fuel you use is a fantastic way to save the environment.
There are three immediate benefits to using this tip:
- It reduces harmful chemicals that pollute our environment.
- It conserves fossil fuels.
- Less gas for your car means those resources last longer. Third, you could get more exercise and connect with people!
Here are some great alternatives to driving:
- Carpool – Find a coworker or a friend going in the same direction. Take turns driving to conserve fuel use and costs.
- Walk or Bike – If you’re close enough, consider walking or biking to work. You’ll save money and fuel and get some exercise, too.
- Mass Transit – Live and work close to the city? Skip the car altogether! Use the mass transit options your city has in place.
- Combine Errands – Run all your errands on a single day instead of spreading out in several mini trips all week.
4. Cut Out Disposable Products
Reduce the number of disposable products you use. Here are some ways to do this, now!
- Use Your Own Bags – Plastic bags are a terrible use of resources! Do your part to reduce them. Take reusable bags to the grocery store, farmers market and anywhere else you shop.
- No More Disposable Cups – Buy a reusable coffee cup and take it with you to the coffee shop. Better yet, make your coffee at home!
- Wash Your Dishes – Quit using paper plates, cups and napkins. Use the dishes in your cabinet to eliminate these wasteful products.
- Switch to Cloth Napkins – You’re doing laundry, anyway. Buy several cloth napkins and toss used ones in with your towels on laundry day.
- Quit Paper Towels – Microfiber cloths and dish towels are a great alternative to paper towels. You won’t need to waste paper with this option!
- Try Unique Reusable Products – Look for some creative green living products that are coming on the market. Many are environmentally friendly and reusable, like these reusable sandwich bags!
5. Recycle
If you don’t have a recycling service it’s time to get one! Many containers and paper products can be recycled. Glass, plastic, and aluminum are all recyclable!
Recycling not offered in your neighborhood? Most grocery stores have recycled bins you might be able to use.
6. Grow Your Own Food
Thinking about starting a garden? It can save you money, bring in fresh, organic produce and conserve resources, too!
The more food you grow for yourself, the fewer resources are used to get food to you. It’s healthier, too!
Here are some gardening ideas to help you live green.
- Patio Gardens – You don’t need a big yard to grow vegetables. Pick out some pots and start a garden right on your patio.
- Vegetable Landscaping – Looking for a way to make your yard do double duty? Consider landscaping with vegetables. You can eat them and even share with your neighbors.
- Produce Sharing Programs – Speaking of sharing with your neighbors, why not be a trend starter? Consider starting a produce sharing program. Trade vegetables to help each other save the environment, save money and eat healthy, too!
- Community Gardens – Connect with people and share food through community gardens. Everyone plants and tends the garden, then enjoy the rewards of their labor.
7. Go Paperless
Stop receiving paper copies of bank statements, utility bills, and credit card statements. In fact, look at every way you can possibly stop receiving mail.
Here are some options to reduce the amount of mail you receive:
- Use Electronic Bill Pay – No more stamps, no more envelopes, no more bill coupons! Send those bills through the electronic bill pay system to save those resources.
- Sign Up for E-Bills – Receive your statements via email to cut out paper and postal costs.
- Use Couponing Apps – Sign up for electronic coupons with your grocery store and favorite shops.
- Take Your Name Off Mailing Lists – Don’t let companies send you catalogs or magazines. Look at them online, instead.
Traditional mail uses up fuel, wastes labor resources and kills trees. Conserve them by cutting out all but the necessary mail.
Don’t Wait Till It’s Too Late
The clock is ticking. The time to change to a greener lifestyle is now.
Do your part to save the environment by making even a few of these changes in the way you live. We can’t wait any longer to make the move to a greener, more responsible lifestyle.
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