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It’s Not Easy Being Green. -Kermit the Frog
We would all like to live a more environmentally friendly
life these days. However, it was only when I worked out my carbon footprint and
nearly fell over in shock. I did some
research and found out how easy it is to live a green life. Anyone can make these
changes I have done, and a few I am working on soon.
Many of the tips in this book will not only make you or
your business green, but save you money too.
1. Think Green Before You Act
We all know deep down what is harmful to the planet and
what isn’t. Our stressful modern lives sometimes make it difficult to pay
enough attention to this. The rest will follow naturally. Think about the
amount of what you use when you shower.
Do you turn the water off when you brush your teeth? Where does the
trash go after the garbage truck picks it up?
Start to think about being green.
2. Make It Fun
There are many fun ideas which can make your life more
interesting and more environmentally friendly.
I have found that going green is more entertaining now I have a child to
teach. We can compost, garden, and save
water in the bath tub together. She
enjoys the challenge.
3. Live
In a Newer House with Good Insulation
Living in a house with more insulation with lower your
electric bill and save the earth. The
insulation may also soundproof each room better. The noise pollution in and out of your house
may go down with good insulation. If
your home isn’t well insulated then the heat you produce in winter time is probably
leaking out all over the place.
Try to save
electricity and money off your electric bill by unplugging devices when you are
done with them. For example your cell
phone. These strips will turn off the other
electronics when the main one is turned off. For example, if you turn off
your television, the dvd player, cable box, and wii will also turn all the way
off. We have one on our main television, and one on my husbands
"high power use" computer.
5.
Change Your Bulbs
If you don’t already have energy efficient light bulbs in
your house then now would be a good time to change them. These light bulbs need
to be changed less often. Research the color
lights to buy before you purchase them at the store. Some give off a bluish or white tint that you
may not like.
6. Upgrade
Your Appliances
This is a bit of an expensive one but it could be a money
saver in the long run. Old appliances such as dishwashers, freezers and boilers
tend to be very energy inefficient. Modern ones will stop you wasting so much
energy and this could mean that they pay for themselves over time.
Before we moved in to the house we
currently live, we donated our old appliances, and got a new refrigerator,
oven, and microwave. These are more efficient than the old ones. Luckily,
my husbands Uncle took the old stove and fixed it up for this cabin.
This means the temperature of our houses
changes for when we wake up, when we leave for work, when we come home, and
when we go to bed. You can change the thermostat in your house by just
changing a couple wires. We bought our
new thermostat at Lowes for about $30.
We then got a rebate for the full $30 from our electric company. Check on your electric company website for
rebates.
8.
Buy a Reusable Bottle for Drinking
Just think of all those millions of empty plastic bottles
all across the world from plastic drinking water bottles. Only a small amount of bottles get
recycled. You could either use a
reusable bottle or filter your own drinking water. I think
these bottles look nice too. You can
choose from many different materials.
9. Acquire
A Bike
This is an incredibly interesting way to get around. Bicycling will keep you fit. Wish a bicycle you will save expensive
gas. As you pedal along you will see
more of your surroundings and feel more in contact with the world. If you bicycle to work you may want to bring
an extra pair of clothes.
10.
Walk More Often
If you live within walking distance of your work then
leaving the car at home even just one day a week can make a difference. I love
walking and if you can go through a park or choose alternative routes each time
it will be even better. You can walk to
get ice cream with your family or the local park.
11. Stop
Unwanted Mail
All that junk mail which gets delivered each day is a
real pain but also bad for the environment.
When you do get junk mail make sure to recycle. You can stop these
unwanted letters from hassling you and cut down on paper wastage by getting
your name taken off mailing lists.
12. Recycle
Just About Anything
These days there are recycling options for just about
everything. My first step before throwing something out is to work out if I can
adapt the object for another purpose. If I you can’t then understand how I can
get it recycled locally. View the local recycle website. Understand what number plastics you can
recycle.
13.
Grow Your Own Food
You do not need a farm or be a farmer to grow your own
food. Start a window box or a small
garden outside. When children view the
vegetable and fruit growing them will be more interested in eating the food
too. You will know what soil the food
grew in and that you did not use pesticides in your own garden.
14.
Buy Locally Produce
This food has less of an environmental impact because
there is less travel time and less gas used.
Our house now has lights that turn off
and on automatically in the kitchen and bathrooms. We also have a dimmer
on our kitchen light. These definitely save electricity, and are nice to
have too.
16.
Start a Compost Pile
Get a plastic container for outside.
Poke some holes in it. Add dirt until about 1/8 or more full.
Get a plastic container inside that seals so your kitchen does not
smell. Put that one under your sink. Add contents to the container
in the kitchen. If you are unsure what to add check online. This
has helped me be more aware of what I eat.
17. Use
Cold Water in Washing Machine
If you always wash your clothes in warm water then you
should stop to consider whether this is necessary. The majority of clothes can
be cleaned just as well in a washing machine with cool water, which makes for a
significant energy saving over time.
When we moved into our house we needed a shed
light to illuminate the back yard. We choose a solar powered one.
For less than $30 we did not need to wire the light or use electricity.
I do admit, we did loose the solar panel in a hail storm, but our home
insurance company helped pay for a new one.
19. Collect Rainwater
By collecting rainwater you can water your plants. You can also wash your car with this water
that probably has less mineral than your tap water. Then you will not have hard water spots on
your car. Put any kind of bucket under
your downspouts. The larger the barrel
the more you will collect.
20.
Re-Use Paper
Start using paper more efficiently and write or print on both
sides. If you have a recycling box at your home or office you can reuse the
paper before you recycle.
To read all 50 tips view 50 Things to Know About Going Green eBook. A great book for someone who would like to take steps to saving the planet and money. I ENCOURAGE YOU to borrow the book for free from the Kindle Lending Library for Amazon Prime Members. If you would like to share these tips please email me at lbrennec@gmail.com.
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