We can all do our part to preserve the environment, while still maintaining our quality of life. The most successful "green" people change their lifestyle by adjusting their everyday habits.
A few months ago, I made a conscious choice to live a more green lifestyle. Changing my habits wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I decided that I would make an effort to remove as much energy and material waste from my daily routine as possible. Now, my green thoughts have become habits, which have integrated easily into my new environmentally-friendly life. Here's what I do:
1. I recycle.
I used to dread recycling, only dropping items into the blue bins because it was required by law. Then I saw an ad on the subway that said New Yorkers throw away enough paper waste every year to fill the Empire State Building. I asked myself how much effort it would actually take to drop my paper, plastic and metal products in a separate bin instead of the trash can? It's turning out to be little effort at all. I keep a recycle bin right next to the trash bin in my apartment, which makes it easy to just tie and drop the separated trash and recyclables on the curb on trash day. It's become routine for me to check the bottom of bottles and cans for their recyclability.2. I opt for electronic billing.
Checking the mailbox can be such a downer, especially when it's filled with the cable bill, the cell bill, the gas bill, and every other bill imaginable. After clogging up my box, these paper-wasters often end up in the recycle bin or trash once I pay them. Most billing companies, however, offer electronic billing options. Regular statements sent via email or text message alert me of specific bill due dates and amounts. I immediately log the information into my calendar and then schedule my online bill payments.3. I use online bill pay.
I write—maybe—a handful of checks a year. I use my check card to pay for purchases whenever possible (which is easy to do now that most retailers are bank card focused). I've also set up online bill payment at my bank to pay monthly bills. This saves paper, envelopes and stamps. The only draw back is that in some cases the bank actually sends a paper check instead of me (which defeats my green purpose), but in most instances the bank is able to transfer funds electronically, saving a few trees.
4. I swap/re-use old magazines.
Most of my magazines end up in the recycle bin; others get recycled person-to-person—especially if I think a friend would be interested in the features. Think of it as a subscription share program. I also save a few fashion and style magazines to use as gift wrap. My gift boxes not only looks cool lined in high fashion ads, but they usually stand out from the rest. This way, I'm able to deliver a good gift and save paper.5. I energy star.
I look for the "star," as they say, on any home appliance that I purchase. This lets me know that they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy, using less energy. Learn more on the
Energy Star Program website.
6. I cover my A/C and windows in the winter.
Why bother heating a house or apartment when there is cold air leaking through the air conditioning vents and window panes? I significantly reduced my energy bills by lining my windows with plastic sealing kits (sold at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's). I also bought an air conditioning cover that keep the cold air outside.7. I use public transportation.
I love
cars, but I hate the brown layer of afternoon smog that I'm forced to inhale. I opt for public transportation. This is an easier option for me because I live in a city with a great public transportation system. I'm very much aware that this is not the case in most places. If you can't train or bus it, try ride-sharing to work.
8. I go hybrid.
When driving is the only option, go hybrid. Hybrids trump traditional gasoline engines by delivering higher miles per gallon and less emissions. With gas at record prices, you'll save money and save the environment from those dangerous CO2's. Learn more about hybrids at
http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/hybridvehicles/a/hybridhub.htm9. I use my own bags.
Single or double bag, sir? I'm sure you recognize this standard inquiry from grocery store cashiers everywhere. I take pride in my response: "Neither, I have my own." I keep a few re-usable bags on me at all times just in case I drop by the grocery store or any other outlet. The double and triple plastic and paper bags add up to a lot of waste. By using (and re-using) my own bags, I save landfill space and I feel good about making a difference.10. I use natural cleaning products.
Tough dirt, germs and grime call for tough cleaning products. The only problem is that those potent chemicals wash down the drain along with the dirt. These chemicals then swirl into our water supply. One remedy is to raid your cupboard for natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda
(learn more), or you can buy natural versions of over-the-counter supplies, like I do. Many commercial brands, like Clorox, now make natural surface and bathroom cleaning products that pack a punch on germs, but ease up on our environment.
11. I turn off the water.
I had a bad habit of leaving the water running while I brushed my teeth. A couple of minutes can waste a lot of water. The solution? A few flicks of my wrist—turning the water on only when I need it.
