With the new year just around the corner, “going green” is not only a beneficial resolution for yourself but an excellent one for the earth. With this Top 10 List, becoming a green enthusiast is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Instead of purchasing bottled water, opt for a reusable bottle like Water Bobble. Nearly 1.4 million barrels of oil are used in the production of plastic water bottles. These bottles are eco-friendly, come in fun colors, and it’s recommended that you switch out the filter every 300 uses. On the other hand, you can buy a water filter system that attaches to your kitchen faucet. This is a simple decision that can help reduce the 60 million water bottles that are thrown out every day in the United States.
- Make it a habit of unplugging your phone charger, and other appliances that require plug-in power. Game consoles use the same amount of energy when they are idle, then when you’re actually playing a game.
- RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE! Recycling has become so easy now that most cities provide recycle pick up, and most packages are recyclable. You will be surprised with the longevity of your trash bags, when you’re recycling most of your discarded items.
- Wash your clothing in cold water, it cuts down on gas emissions, and still gets your dirty clothing squeaky clean! There are many laundry detergents that are specifically designed for cold water usage. Some companies also provide eco-friendly detergents, and high efficiency products.
- Create a compost bin. Many wastes can be placed in your compost bin, and you will gain a nutrient soil improver. You can place vegetable and fruit wastes, leaves, old flowers and plants, fresh cut grass, and weeds into your bin. This is great for anyone who has green thumb!
- Don’t blow yard clippings in the street, or down the gutter. Leave your yard clippings on the lawn, or throw them into your compost bin. First of all, if your grass contains fertilizers, and it’s blown into the drain system it can contaminate and pollute our lakes. Remember we get our drinking water from the lakes. Also blowing yard debris down into gutters can clog city drain systems, and is expensive to unclog.
- Go “paperless”. For many household bills, and bank statements you have the option of going paperless, if you choose this option you can save great deal of paper, which ultimately can help reduce cutting down trees. Also instead of carrying a day planner, an electronic planner helps save paper. Most cellular devices and PDA’s have a calendar/agenda function you can use.
- Get in the habit of turning off all your lights. Electricity bills can sometimes be quite high especially in summer and winter months. For every little bit you conserve, you will start seeing a reduction in your electricity bills.
- Hang your clothes on a drying rack. In warm seasons, take advantage of either hanging your clothing items up outside to dry, or even along your shower. You can also place a drying rack inside your home. A lot of energy goes into the process of drying your clothes.
- Opt out of using a blow dryer or other hair appliances. It’s much better for your hair to dry au natural. To create an effortless look, gather your hair and loosely twist it up into a moderately placed bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, or clips and mist with light hairspray. Once your hair is dried you will have gorgeous beach waves!
