Talking About Green

There’s a lot of talk these days about going green but many people have no idea where to even begin. Some are under the assumption that this means walking or riding their bike to work or only buying cleaning products that are labeled environmentally-friendly. If this sounds like you, rest-assured, there are much easier ways to lower your carbon footprint and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break your bank account to do so.

1. Stop Wasting Paper Towels – How many paper towels do you use cleaning your house or simply wiping up little spills? Nearly everyone has old t-shirts, tank tops and towels that haven’t been worn or used in years. Cut these into convenient sizes and use them for cleaning and then toss them in the laundry pile when you’re done.
2. Turn the Faucet Off – According to the EPA, if everyone in the country turned the water off while they brushed their teeth, a substantial amount of water could be saved. How much? Their estimate is 875 billion gallons annually!
3. Weather-proof Your House – Spending a few dollars on weather-stripping, caulk and spray foam will seal your home. This in return will keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer which will lower your energy bill.
4. Stock up on Vegetables and Grains – A diet that is filled with vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes is proven better for your health. Not to mention, 18 percent of global greenhouse gases are a result of farming livestock. Cut back a little on the dairy and meat. Even one day a week will make a huge difference.
5. Read Labels on Soap – You may have been brain-washed into believing that you need antibacterial soaps but you don’t! It is proven that these actually contribute to increased levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
6. Evaluate Your Energy Consumption – How many lights and appliances do you have operating or plugged in right now? Do you know that electronics still use power when they are plugged in even if they’re not turned on?
7. Be a Smart Gardener – If you don’t have a rain barrel, you should think about getting one. In the meantime, don’t put grass clippings in plastic bags and if you must water your lawn and flowers, do so in the early morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
8. Driving Habits – There is no reason to leave your car running for 20 minutes to warm it up before you leave the house. If you drive the speed limit you’ll get better gas mileage and believe it or not, you’ll save money if you run your air and shut the windows on the highway because your vehicle becomes more aerodynamic.
9. Choose the Right Baby Products – If you’re not buying BPA-free bottles already, you should be. Not only are they safe for the environment but they are better for your baby as well. If you have older children who use sippy cups, choose those that are made from stainless steel. They may cost a bit more but they’re far more durable.
10. Use Microwave-safe Containers – Sure, many plastic products claim to be microwave-safe but there are chemicals that can leach out of them when heated. Use glass or other similar products for these purposes.

This is a guest post from My Garden Hammock A site dedicated to the humble hammock with some great tips on choosing the best hammock for your lifestyle