10 Simple Ways to Go Green
- By Sam Braidley
Climate change, pollution and rampant irresponsible
energy usage are all things that should concern every person on this
planet. Each of these major points can be influenced by the actions of
individuals, so it is in everyone's best interests to begin practicing
eco-friendly lifestyles. This is no longer something that we should
consider optional--it should be a necessity. Here are ten helpful hints
on green living that will make a positive effect on our natural
environment.
1. Save Water
Water is vital: without it, we can't survive on this planet. Potable
water must be conserved at all costs, and this can be done simply.
Check around your home to ensure that any of your faucets aren't
leaking, and practice saving water by developing good habits. Turn off
the tap whilst brushing teeth, make showers quicker, take fewer baths,
and install low-flow shower heads and toilet fixtures in every lavatory.
2. Reduce/Re-Use/Recycle
Our urban landfills are full of items that could have been re-used or
recycled. By recycling items such as tin cans, paper, cardboard, and
plastic bottles, we reduce the amount of rubbish in landfills and also
reduce the amount of materials being used to manufacture new things.
Make sure to keen a bin for recyclable materials handy in your home, so
you don't forget!
3. Cut Down on Energy Consumption
Everyone knows that fossil fuels emit the majority of the carbon
emissions, or greenhouse gases, and other pollutants. Fossil fuels
power our society, so by reducing the usage of these dirty fuels, we
reduce carbon and other emissions. Reduce your energy consumption by
engaging in energy-saving practices, such as switching to compact
fluorescent bulbs and setting your water heater, air conditioning and
heating units to more energy-efficient temperatures.
4. Reduce Driving
Our love for our cars has become one of our biggest environmental
problems: the carbon monoxide from the patrol burned by our vehicles
accounts for more than half of all emissions of this dangerous gas. By
taking public transport or carpooling, you can significantly reduce
your petrol consumption and, therefore, carbon monoxide contribution.
This also encourages more efficient fuel consumption, traffic, and less
waste than simply driving yourself.
5. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
Buying an Energy-Star rated appliance, such as a refrigerator or
washing machine, can dramatically reduce your home energy bill--and
thus decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned to manufacture that
energy. Not only do you do your pocketbook a favor, you do Mother Earth
one, as well.
6. No More Plastic Grocery Bags
Those plastic bags they give you at the market take years and years to
decompose in landfills, not to mention that some emit toxic chemicals
as they decay--if they decay at all! Choose a more eco-friendly option
by bringing your own canvas or net bag with you next time you go
shopping.
7. Stop the Paper Trail
One very simple way to behave in a more environmentally-conscious
manner is to reduce your "paper trail." Trees are one of the main ways
that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is reduced. Trees take CO2 and
make it into oxygen, effectively scrubbing the air. When you stop using
so much paper, you contribute less to the cutting down of these vital
natural carbon reducers. It can be as simple as paying your bills
online, rather than queuing up and getting a paper receipt.
8. Plant a Tree...Or Two!
As discussed in number 7, trees are extraordinarily important to a
healthy Earth. By planting a few you will help improve the air quality
and the aesthetic impact of your local environment.
9. Put Out the Butts...Permanently
Cigarettes are a source of pollution, one noxious puff at a time. Every
exhalation of cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals
which are not only bad for you, but are also bad for the environment.
Reduce your chances of serious health complications and reduce the
pollution of your immediate environs by quitting smoking, permanently.
You'll also save a lot of money!
10. Go Rechargeable
Those batteries in your torch, TV remote control or other household
appliances are horrible for the environment: they are full of toxic
acid and trace heavy elements that pollute the soil and water when they
decay. Switch to rechargeable batteries, which will also save some
change in your pocket.
It's
really not hard at all to become more environmentally-conscious. If we
all do our part, every day, you will find that our world will be a
cleaner, greener and safer place for us and us and future generations.