When people started believing they could save money and help the earth at the same time, “going green” surged in popularity. Many folks new to this concept are wondering just what they can do to contribute and join the new way of living. Here are some helpful hints on getting you started with a greener life.
Use less water. This concept has been around for a long time, but people still fail to control their water usage.
- Use a faucet aerator on each of your faucets to conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high this can be very effective. These are cheap fixtures that can make a difference when used properly and throughout your entire home.
- Reduce your showering times. A simple concept that requires you reduce you and your family’s showering times. This can be accomplished simply by doing everything more quickly and reducing the time you just stand there with your water running. Another easy fix to help this is by installing low-flow shower heads, which reduce water usage.
Recycle. Approximately 8000 curbside recycling programs exist in the US alone, making recycling very easy for consumers to participate in. In the last few years over 50% of the paper products in this country have been recycled, and the importance of recycling as a whole is being greatly recognized.
- Recycle ALL of your bottles and cans. This simply means that even the bottles and cans you cannot return for a deposit–you are still recycling via your local town recycling programs. Programs vary from town to town but usually consist of using special bins to hold these plastics/glasses/metals and having them picked up by the appropriate service providers. Contact your local recycling or sanitation offices for more info.
- Recycling doesn’t stop with bottles and cans. Paper, cell phones, batteries, and even computers are some of the most commonly used, recyclable items found throughout a home. One of the most common ways to get involved in this type of recycling is by contacting your local government agencies and asking them what programs or events they have, that you can participate in. These items are highly hazardous and this makes a very big difference in the amount of waste our earth receives.
Transportation. The U.S. alone uses 430,000,000 gallons of gas a day. This is a staggering amount which is higher than any other country in the world, and there are many ways you can help. Alternate transportation not only helps the earth, but it helps your health.
- Carpooling can help save you money and go green. With the current prices of gas everyone should be carpooling as some time or another. Carpooling is an arrangement whereby several participants or their children travel together in one vehicle, the participants sharing. This can help with work, school activities, sporting events, church, and any other situation you can think of that involves automobiles and multiple passengers.
- Forget driving and use alternate transportation. This can be as simple as riding a bike down to the local store, or even walking there. The use of your body to provide transportation not only helps save you money and help the earth, but it also improves your own health.