It is Easy Being Green

From purchasing hybrid cars to installing solar panels, there are many effective ways to help the environment. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money or make drastic changes to your lifestyle to live more greenly. In fact, simple changes to your everyday routine may help the planet more in the long run — especially by setting a green living example for your friends. So, if you can’t afford to buy all new energy-saving appliances or outfit your car with biodiesel capabilities, don’t worry! There are plenty of things you can do each day that add up to a greener lifestyle.

At Home:
While many efforts to live green in the home require time-consuming improvement projects, there are steps you can take today to make your home more environmentally friendly. The biggest way you can help is by reducing the use of harmful chemicals often found in cleaners and sprays. Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and dish soap should take care of most messes — or simply buy green alternatives at the store.

If pests are a problem, use a natural solution. Products like EcoSMART use natural botanical oils to kill bugs safely and effectively without leaving a harmful pesticide residue. Visit www.ecosmart.com/household today to learn more.

If you have toxic waste from paint, car fluids, or more, consult your local facilities for proper disposal — don’t just pour them down the drain. Try to find green alternatives to these products in the future.

In The Morning:
Your mother might have taught you to turn the water off while you’re brushing your teeth, but there are a number of other ways you can conserve water that are just as easy. If you have a leaky faucet or toilet, fix it as soon as possible. They’re usually easy to repair, and all that dripping water adds up fast! Similarly, make sure you turn your sinks and showers completely off to help the environment and your water bill. If you’d like to make a slightly larger impact, then take a few minutes to install a water-saving faucet or showerhead.

Check out www.wateruseitwisely.com for more tips on water conservation.

On Your Commute:
Carpooling and public transportation are some of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions on your way to work, but what if these options don’t work for you? Don’t worry – there are a number of ways to increase your gas efficiency to help the planet and your wallet.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure level (usually listed on the driver’s side door). Under inflated tires can significantly reduce your gas mileage. Driving in the city? Avoid jerky stop-and-start driving and sudden acceleration as much as possible to save gas. Also, turn your car off rather than idling if you anticipate a long wait (if you’re waiting for a long train to pass, for example). On the highway, driving around 60 mph and avoiding speeding will not only save you from unnecessary tickets – it will also save you on gas. The faster you go, the greater the aerodynamic drag on your car and the more fuel wasted.

Visit www.safeclimate.net/calculator to determine your CO2 output and how it compares to the average.

At The Office:
You might not think that you can impact the planet while in the office, but you’d be surprised at how many ways you can work green. Suggest that your office start a recycling program for all of the loose papers that accumulate in the workplace. Similarly, you can switch from standard white printer paper to partially recycled paper to add “reuse” to your office’s list of Earth-friendly “R”s.

Also, with all of the lighting an office requires, suggest compact florescent bulbs to your boss or office manager. One of the biggest changes you can make is to take a reusable dish set and mug into work. Think of how fast the paper plates, plastic flatware, and non-biodegradable Styrofoam add up!

Around The Table:
One of the biggest and most enjoyable ways you can reduce your carbon footprint is to buy locally grown foods. Not only do these products tend to be grown in healthier, organic environments but also by buying them, you help reduce the alarming amount of fuel used to transport food. Even some grocery stores have sections of locally grown foods. And, be sure to tote them around in reusable bags rather than conventional, plastic grocery bags. Many grocery stores are selling these now, or you can find them online at sites like www.reusablebags.com. Finally, don’t waste leftover food. Compost it in your backyard to create a free, nutrient rich fertilizer.