Sometimes the idea of going green can seem overwhelming, like you have to save the whole world. But in truth, you can start with a few simple steps that, together, will make a big difference.
HERE ARE SOME EASY WAYS YOU CAN START TO LIVE GREENER:
Products
– Buy locally produced goods as much as possible. This cuts down on carbon emissions and helps support your local economy.
– Are you in the market for a new car? Consider a slightly used car with efficient fuel economy.
– Support companies that are trying to make a difference environmentally.
– Consider purchasing more products sold in metal or glass containers.
– Reuse containers and reduce consumption waste. Ask yourself, “Does that product that I want to buy really need to be packaged in all that plastic?” and “Do I really need it?”
Food
– Buy organic food and other organic products as much as you can.
– Buy organic or shade grown coffee whenever possible. The production of this coffee is much better for the eco system and better for you.
– Reuse cloth or other strong bags at the grocery and other retail stores. Keep bags in the trunk of the car. If you forgot your bags, ask for paper bags whenever possible.
H2O
– Reuse a non-bacterial metal or plastic drinking bottle. Refill with a larger plastic water container that you can refill or at the filtered tap.
– Wrap your water heater in a special made blanket that you can find at your local hardware store to insulate. Save energy and save money on the electric bill.
– Take shorter showers and conserve water use in the kitchen and garden whenever possible.
– Use cold water and biodegradable, phosphate and petrochemical free soap for laundry.
Household
– Use more natural, biodegradable cleaning products. Try this: In the microwave, heat one to two ounces of lemon juice and two cups of water in a microwave safe bowl for two to three minutes. Wait ten minutes, open the door and dunk a cloth in bowl and wipe out microwave. Amazing, non-toxic results!
– Use more natural soaps for hands, hair and body. Antibacterial soaps aren’t as good as you may think. They contain pesticide based chemicals which can eliminate beneficial bacteria on the skin and are not healthy for the human body or the environment.
– Unplug chargers and small appliances that aren’t being used. They drain electricity from the wall sockets as they drain money from your bank account.
– Keep the thermostat between 65-68 degrees and wear layers in the winter months.
Tips provided by Saatchi & Saatchi S.