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 In past years I think a lot of us had turned a paler shade of green when it came to making a positive contribution to the environment. While saving the environment might seem a daunting task to take up on your own, a little bit goes a long way. And being conscious of what kind of ecological footprints you are making is a sure way to start. The first green rule of thumb is to reduce, reuse or recycle whenever possible. The second is to buy eco-friendly products or use natural products. And the third is to reduce energy whenever possible. These steps may be small but they do make a difference.
Essentially everyone should look to make basic alterations to their lifestyle that go toward saving our environment. Here are a few tips:
At home
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Avoid using electrical appliances for things you can do by hand, such as opening cans.
• Use cold water in the washer whenever possible.
• Re-use bags from grocery stores and other shopping trips.
• Save wire coat hangers and return them to the dry cleaners.
• Try to flush the toilet less often. (If you cut flushing in half, you'll save up to 16.5 gallons of water a day.)
• Buy compact fluorescent bulbs. CFL's are more expensive but one bulb saves $30 or more in electricity over its life span.
• Clean your house with low-toxic cleansers or use natural cleaners you make yourself.
• Plant a garden and don't use pesticides on your lawn.
On the road
• Carpool, if possible - find out who in your neighborhood works in the same area and organize a carpool schedule.
• Stop idling in your car.
• Recycle your engine oil.
• Keep your tires properly inflated to save gas.
• Walk or ride a bike. It's good for the environment and your health.
In the office
• Recycle office and computer paper, cardboard, etc.
• Shut your computer down at the end of the day.
• Use scrap paper for informal notes to yourself and others.
• Re-use manila envelopes and file folders.
While shopping
• Buy paper products instead of plastic or Styrofoam if you must buy "disposables." They break down better in the environment and don't deplete the ozone layer as much.
• Buy locally grown food and locally made products.
• Don't buy products made from endangered animals.
• Organize a closet swap with friends after a spring-cleaning session.
• Buy eco-friendly apparel, beauty and home products.
These are just a few things you can do on a daily basis. Look for other tips throughout this issue. And finally, remember to lead by example. Teach your children to respect the environment by taking the lead from your new 'green' habits. |
