More and more of us are aware of the need to preserve Mother Earth, and more and more of us have gone green. Green can be a part of our daily lives, and each day when you take out your recycling bin, you do have the reward of saving the landfills from unnecessary waste.
According to Cleanair.org each year Americans throw away enough plastic and paper cups spoons, forks, to circle the equator 300 times. That is a tremendous amount of waste, and that is only a fraction of the trillions of items that go into our landfills.
Cleanair reports that disposable diapers are one of the nation’s highest contributors in landfills taking up about 4% of solid waste.
According to the EPA’s 2010 report, Americans generated 250 million tons of trash I 2010 with less than a third of that being recycled.
The reports are outrageous, and go on and on. The new trend is to reduce, reuse, and recycle- simply called living green. Honorable Americans across the nation are finding ways to practice green standards and not only help preserve to Mother Earth but cut down on household expenses.
Being green isn’t just about recycling. It is about extending the lives of things by repairing them. It is also about home grown foods and preserving home grown foods. Green living is a standard of living that is designed to save the planet and to save money.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Life Changes
Stop Buying the Disposables
We are a disposable society, and one of our greatest conveniences is bottled water. Taking the simple measure to not buy water is a green measure and one that doesn’t cost a single penny. Another disposable that is easy to replace is paper towels with hand towels.
Conserve Energy
During the winter months enjoy the comforts of warm, cozy socks and throw blankets by setting your thermostat down a few degrees. During the summer months do the opposite.
Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
When your appliances are not in use unplug them.
Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold water. Also when possible, hang dry your clothes.
Save Water
There are a number of ways to reduce your consumption of water.
Shorten your showers, which will not only lower your water bill but your heating bill too.
Plant native plants that require little water.
On each faucet install a faucet aerator.
Install a low flow showerhead.
Park the Car
When possible park the car and walk, bike or take the bus. This not only saves on your fuel costs and parking costs but it omits less emissions into the air. Walking and biking is also very good for cardiovascular health.
Eat Smart
Green standards are about eating local and organic foods and eating healthy. If you are a meat eater purchase locally raised, humane and organic meat as well as your fruits and vegetables. Try to have one meatless meal each week, which cuts down on cost and considered to be healthier for the environment.
Think before You Buy
There are a number of products that are eco-friendly; materials like bamboo are being used in sheets to make eco-friendly sheets, the wood in play swings has standards that most companies now follow, and more. There is also second hand shopping which is a great savings.
Visit the Library over the Bookstore
Visit the library over purchasing books at the bookstore. This saves money as well as ink and paper that goes into printing the books.
Buy Smart
When purchasing clothes look at the care instructions and avoid those that must be dry cleaned. Also purchase garments and household materials that are made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials.
Recycle
It is important to know what to recycle. Batteries for instance should never go in the trash. Electronics are another item that should not be thrown in the trash. With batteries, they can be recycled, and some electronics can be, as well. At the least, they can be donated.
Mae Your Own Cleaning Supplies
With a few household items you can have an effective cleaning solution. Vinegar, baking soda and lemon are all great ingredients to clean and disinfect surfaces.
