How to Be Green

10 Easy Ways to Be Green Today!

Do you find yourself wondering how to be green? You can make simple life-style changes starting right now that will help reduce your carbon footprint and get you moving toward a green way of living.

1. Recycle plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, and paper products. This extends far beyond the kitchen to other rooms in the house, including the bathroom. Also, bring recyclable materials home if you are in a place that does not recycle.
2. Reduce the amount of waste you produce. Purchase items that come in less packaging or have recyclable packaging. Consider if you really need a new item before making a purchase. This is not only green, but it can save you some greenbacks too!
3. Reuse and repurpose old items. Browse the internet and peruse library books for new ideas on old items. Shop at flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales to find “new” items for your home.
4. Sell or donate household items, clothes, and toys that your family no longer uses.
5. Bring your own reusable bags whenever you are shopping. Environsax and Flip and Tumble are small enough to fit in a purse or pocket and they are sturdy and washable.
6. Replace your light bulbs with CFL bulbs to save energy.  Not only do they save electricity but they emit a lot less heat.
7. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products and beauty supplies. Look for items that are organic and biodegradable. Choose products that are sulfate free, phosphate free, paraben free. Also, choose items that do not test on animals and support businesses that participate in green practices. Some great businesses include Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
8. Compost your green food wastes and yard trimmings. Not only is this a great way to reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill, but it also produces nutrient-rich soil to help your gardens grow!
9. Buy local products when possible. Not only does this support your local economy and community, but it also reduces the amount of fuel and pollutants that result from transporting items across the country.
10. Combine your trips and errands to save gas and reduce the amount of fossil fuels you use. Walk or bike when possible. If you can, choose to work from home, even one day a week would save a lot of gas in a year!

These are just a few examples of steps how to be green.