Top 10 Tips to Go Green
1.
Alternative modes of transportation.
When possible, take public transit, bike, or walk to get where you need to go and reduce your carbon footprint.
If walking or biking you have the added bonus of getting healthy exercise.
When you do drive, drive wisely.
2.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
We all know we're supposed to it, but are you? Set up a home recycling station to make it easier to stick too and start helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Once you get the hang of this, consider upcycling and composting, too.
And don't forget to properly recycle your old electronics! 3.
Reduce home energy consumption.
There are many ways to do this, from simple behavioral changes to green building practices: - unplug and turn off your electronic devices - turn off the lights when you leave the room (and switch to CFLs) - hang laundry out to dry - switch to energy-efficient appliances and learn use them in the most efficient way - learn ways to reduce home heating and cooling costs - properly seal and insulate your home 4.
Reduce water waste at home: - take shorter showers (and fewer baths) - turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving (never let the tap run) - use energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers (and use them efficiently, i.
e.
, full loads) - fix leaky toilets and faucets - install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators - learn how to water lawns and gardens efficiently 5.
Green your diet.
Making some of these dietary changes are not only better for the environment, they're generally healthier for you, too: - cook and eat at home - buy local and eat in season - buy organic - buy in bulk (less packaging) - buy less junk food and packaged food and opt for fresh, real food - eat more vegetables and reduce consumption of meat - choose sustainable fish and seafood - consider growing some of your own food, even if it's just a few potted herbs 6.
Green cleaning is easy: - switch to less toxic household cleaners - learn to make your own household cleaners - use reusable sponges and cloths instead of disposables 7.
Opt for safer, healthier personal care and beauty products.
Some solutions might be found in your kitchen, while other products can be replaced by less toxic versions, such as switching to water-based nail polishes.
8.
Buy reusable products: - use reusable shopping bags - use cloths and sponges instead of napkins and paper towels - buy a reusable coffee mug and water bottle and bring it with you - avoid disposable paper dishes and cutlery - buy rechargeable batteries - try reusable menstrual products 9.
Look for and buy recycled products: - paper products - packaging - plastic products - home furnishing - garden tools - make sure the product is recyclable, too! 10.
Reduce overall consumption: - by used and second hand - get crafty and learn to DIY - ask yourself if you really need it - avoid items with excess packaging - share and borrow
Alternative modes of transportation.
When possible, take public transit, bike, or walk to get where you need to go and reduce your carbon footprint.
If walking or biking you have the added bonus of getting healthy exercise.
When you do drive, drive wisely.
2.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
We all know we're supposed to it, but are you? Set up a home recycling station to make it easier to stick too and start helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Once you get the hang of this, consider upcycling and composting, too.
And don't forget to properly recycle your old electronics! 3.
Reduce home energy consumption.
There are many ways to do this, from simple behavioral changes to green building practices: - unplug and turn off your electronic devices - turn off the lights when you leave the room (and switch to CFLs) - hang laundry out to dry - switch to energy-efficient appliances and learn use them in the most efficient way - learn ways to reduce home heating and cooling costs - properly seal and insulate your home 4.
Reduce water waste at home: - take shorter showers (and fewer baths) - turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving (never let the tap run) - use energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers (and use them efficiently, i.
e.
, full loads) - fix leaky toilets and faucets - install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators - learn how to water lawns and gardens efficiently 5.
Green your diet.
Making some of these dietary changes are not only better for the environment, they're generally healthier for you, too: - cook and eat at home - buy local and eat in season - buy organic - buy in bulk (less packaging) - buy less junk food and packaged food and opt for fresh, real food - eat more vegetables and reduce consumption of meat - choose sustainable fish and seafood - consider growing some of your own food, even if it's just a few potted herbs 6.
Green cleaning is easy: - switch to less toxic household cleaners - learn to make your own household cleaners - use reusable sponges and cloths instead of disposables 7.
Opt for safer, healthier personal care and beauty products.
Some solutions might be found in your kitchen, while other products can be replaced by less toxic versions, such as switching to water-based nail polishes.
8.
Buy reusable products: - use reusable shopping bags - use cloths and sponges instead of napkins and paper towels - buy a reusable coffee mug and water bottle and bring it with you - avoid disposable paper dishes and cutlery - buy rechargeable batteries - try reusable menstrual products 9.
Look for and buy recycled products: - paper products - packaging - plastic products - home furnishing - garden tools - make sure the product is recyclable, too! 10.
Reduce overall consumption: - by used and second hand - get crafty and learn to DIY - ask yourself if you really need it - avoid items with excess packaging - share and borrow
