Talking About Green

So you’re considering “going green” but don’t know where to start. First, congratulations on making a responsible choice to help your planet and the generations to come. Here are some simple ways to make your life more green.

1. Lightbulbs: replace your home’s old incandescent bulbs with eco-friendly and efficient compact fluorescents.

2. Shop local. Find a nearby farmer’s market or food co-op. Buying local and organic supports small farms instead of large corporations, helping the local economy.

3. Buy used. Look into online auctions or local advertisements for products. By buying someone else’s gently used electronics, furniture and more, you keep them out of landfills.

4. Don’t throw out your old stuff. Look at #3 above and realize you should be on the other side of that transaction. Sell or donate you old computer, couch, clothes and more instead of filling the local dump.

5. No bottled water. Bottled water generates so much waste due to the containers it uses, and tap water is often just as good or better.

6. Recycle. It should be obvious, but don’t throw your bottles, cans, paper and other recyclable materials in the trash. They’ll just contribute to ever-growing landfills.

7. Buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Companies are cashing in on the green phenomena by offering wider ranges of cleaning supplies. These products have a far less harmful effect on the environment than their chemical-laden counterparts.

8. Plan your excursions. If you have a long day of shopping and other activities, take a few minutes to plan a circular, efficient route. This saves gas and causes less pollution.

9. Do dishes by hand. Your dishwasher uses a lot more power than your water heater uses when washing by hand. Less water, too.

10. Watch for “vampire loads”. Plugged in electronics like TVs, computers and game systems use power at all times, not just when you’re actively using them. Unplug them when not in use to conserve energy.

11. Go to the library. Buying books costs money and supports manufacturing, which usually isn’t green. Save a tree and your wallet by borrowing books from the library instead.

12. Green-up your commute. Fewer cars on the road means less pollution in the air. Check into your local options for public transportation, or consider biking or even walking to work if it’s not too far.

13. Eat at home more, order out less. Aside from the health benefits of freshly-prepared foods, consider all the packaging waste generated by takeout and fast food!

14. Volunteer. Find local environmental organizations like recycling programs and community cleanup groups.

15. Upgrade your thermostat. By installing a programmable thermostat in your home, you can schedule the times when the home is heated or cooled more, and less. Heating and cooling an empty house is a waste of money and energy.

There are many more ways to go green in your everyday life to contribute to the health of our planet, but these 15 tips are a great start. Good luck, and thanks!

Guest Contributer Valerie Spate writes for Fatwallet.com home of hp coupons. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, reading non-fiction, and making frozen yogurt.