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We cannot go a day without seeing an advertisement, a report on the news, an article in your favorite publication or hearing about it in a conversation; green, green, green. It's everywhere and it's part of our daily life. Being environmentally conscious is imperative considering the state of our planet and its inhabitants.
The ultimate goal is to live without harming ourselves, all living things, our earth and its precious resources. Being conscious about the things we buy; our food choices and how we consume has a huge effect on the environment and ultimately, our lives. Every person can do something positive to help reduce the threat of global warming along with all of its imminent dangers. Climate changes, erosions, the extinction of species and diseases are very real and not just fabricated tales. We only have one Earth and it's our responsibility as its citizens to take care of it.
Here are a few fresh and interesting ways to live green and do your part in helping the environment.
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These Go Without Saying:
* Purchase Energy Star Approved Goods
* Lower the thermostat setting for the night
* Use public transport and Car Pool
* Join your municipal recycling program
* Plant some tress and embellish your surroundings
* Go from incandescent to fluorescent light bulbs
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Bamboo Fiber Towels have natural anti-bacterial properties and are 100% biodegradable. Bamboo is a fast growing alternative crop that enhances the soil. Its fibers have a superior softness to cotton, are breathable, very absorbent and keep you cool. Why would you dry yourself with anything else? |
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Instead of refilling plastic water bottles when you get active, purchase a stainless steel option instead. It's hygienic, reusable easier on the wallet. |
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Don't utilize a bath carpet when you step out of the tub or shower, get yourself hooked up with a cork mat instead. It's a natural anti-fungal alternative that is soft, friendly to your toes and non slippery. |
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 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.
Incorporate organic products into your life. Organic everything is everywhere. From foods to linens and furniture, to clothing and accessories, you can find organic versions for all of them. By making organic purchases, everyone wins in the end.
Welcome air purifying potted plants into your home for cleaner and fresher air. Recommended plants include: Boston Fern (number 1 choice), Bamboo palm, Rubber plant, Ficus alii, Peace Lily, Spider plant and Weeping fig.
Recycle the ink from your printer. Find out where local ink drops-offs are located in your community. In most of North America, you can recycle your ink cartridges at Staples.
Recycle your batteries. When they run dry, discarding them in land fields isn't a great idea. Batteries contain harmful elements that are hazardous to nature and animals. Instead, find out where battery-recycling depots are available in your area and make a smarter choice. Contact your municipality and they will gladly assist you.
Use reusable, organic (if possible) cloth napkins instead of regular paper napkins. Instead of tossing into the trash, toss them into the laundry basket. You will save money and the environment.
Keep your home cool during the summer by closing your window dressings. Blocking out the sun during the peak hours can considerably reduce the amount of heat in your home, which in turn can greatly reduce your air conditioning use.
When purchasing new furniture make sure that you make the greener purchase. Don't buy furniture that is made of the following: any type of laminates (toxic), particleboard made with urea or formaldehyde glues, furniture made from PVC, nylon, and other petroleum-based plastics, foam and plastic-filled furniture, upholstered furniture (hard to clean), fireproofing that contains bromines, halogens, or formaldehyde and stain-resistance treatments.
Outdoor lights with motion sensors operate only when they detect movement, providing home security as well as energy savings.
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. 
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