Install programmable thermostats throughout your home. You can save up to 2% on your heating bill for every 1°C (2°F) you lower the temperature.
Switch to natural household cleaners. Most household cleaning products used on the market today contain synthetic chemicals that are extremely toxic to all living things. If your product has a warning, poison, caution or danger sign, stay away from it. If you pay close attention to the variety of cleaning products you use, you will notice that you are exposing yourself and your loved ones to a poisonous cocktail mix.
Paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contains fewer solvents than regular paint, so fewer environmental pollutants are emitted into the air. Do some research and choose a paint low in VOCs. A lot of companies offer them now.
Eat meatless dishes as often as possible. Studies upon studies demonstrate that raising animals for food is a primary cause of land degradation, pollution, water shortage, loss of biodiversity, and especially global warming. There are a variety of delicious and healthy non-animal food selections, ingredients and recipes on the market. More and more vegetarian meals are popping up in restaurants. With the heightened health risks related to being a meat eater, reducing your meat intake could be the greatest decision you will ever make. Start with one meal at a time. It's good for you and your planet. "The livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." - United Nations Report on Livestock and the Environment
Go carbon neutral. If you drive a car, watch television, surf the web, or take the plane, then your responsibility is to go carbon neutral. It's quite simple. All you have to do is purchase carbon offsets. "Carbon offsets are simply credits for emission reductions achieved by projects elsewhere, such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency projects. By purchasing these credits, you can apply them to your own emissions and reduce your net climate impact." - David Suzuki Foundation
A low-flow shower head saves as much as 60% of the water used by a conventional fixture. You get to enjoy a relaxing shower without wasting so much water.
Replace your washer and dryer to save on energy consumption. Your best bet would be to consider a front-loading washer. Most of them use about 40 percent less water per load and 50 percent less energy than top-loading models. With styles galore, you are sure to find one that suits your design.
The reason you see all those refrigerators with the freezers on the bottom is because the design just makes sense. Chest freezers are more energy efficient than upright models. Cold air stays in better when the door is opened. It's the smartest purchase.
Self-cleaning ovens generally have more insulation than regular ovens. This means energy savings every time you cook. Reduce energy consumption and save yourself some elbow grease.
A central vacuum cleaner expels air and fine particles outside the home, contributing to better, healthier air quality inside. Allergy sufferers in particular benefit from a central vacuum system. Cleaning is also much quieter as the main power unit is mounted away from the living area.
Consider recycling your unwanted furniture, accessories and electronics. Collective Good International, HP Global Citizenship and Habitat for Humanity are just a few of the wonderful organizations you can find with innovative and socially responsible recycling programs. You can also contact your local charities to extend the life of your goods.
If you adopt just one of the green ideas mentioned above, you are making a significant change and contributing to the global green movement. The time to act is now.
It will do some good to our planet.