By now most people are aware of the environmental issues effecting us globally, not just in our own “backyard”. When I hear statistics about the accelerated rate of deterioration our planet is experiencing it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Yet many people, companies and even nations still have not got “on board” with “going Green” in order to save the Earth.
Some people are under the asumption that “Going Green” requires them to buy special products and that it’s a lot of work to do. That is not the case. Becoming more Earth-friendly is very easy, and in most cases doesn’t even cost a dime. There are simple things you can do starting TODAY (why wait until 2012?). One or two people might not make much of a difference, but if we can ban together and encourage our friends, family, neighbors, place of employment and people we know online in our social networks, we can make a massive impact.
Here are twelve simple steps anyone can do. If you have anymore tips please feel free to leave a comment to share it with me and other readers.
1. Eat less meat. I’m not suggesting that you become a Vegetarian. By simply omitting meat from at least once meal a week you can actually help the environment. Why? Because livestock is responsible for 18% of Greenhouse gas emissions. Simply put, cows “pass gas” a lot. And believe it or not that gas they produce ultimately effects the Ozone and feeds into the Green House effect that causes global warming.
Livestock also consumes almost 25% of the water used in farming and agriculture. Farmers need to make sure their livestock has plenty to drink to stay healthy so that they can be slaughtered to be someone’s hamburger one day.
Make one day a week a “meatless” day. Perhaps you can do a Meatless Monday? There are so many delicious things you can prepare that do not involve meat of any kind. If you don’t have cookbooks you can always Google recipes. Meatless Monday (www.MeatlessMonday.com) is a great source of recipes.
Too much meat is not good for your health either. So consider going meatless at least once a week (more if you can) to improve YOUR health as well as the health of our planet.
2. Turn off your lights. I’m always telling me kids to turn the lights off. Even if it’s in the middle of the day they will turn the bathroom light on. Why? There is more then enough light coming through the window.
Having your lights on when they are not really necessary is just wasting electricity. It irks me when I see people leave all their homes lights on when they go out for the evening. One or two lights is more then enough to convey th message that someone is home. You don’t need every light on.
Rather then leave your outdoor lights on all night long consider replacing them with motion sensored lights. That way the lights are on only when you need them, and they will frighten away intruders because they wouldn’t want anyone to know they are outside.
Only put lights on in the rooms that you are in.
If possible replace your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. They cost a bit more then traditional light bulbs but they last longer and save on electricity, so in the long run they actually save you money.
3. Recycle. Need I say more? I know it’s a bit inconvenient to have to separate your papers from your plastics, but in the long run it really makes a huge difference.
We keep two small garbage cans in our home. One for paper and the other for metal and glass. Our condo complex has recycling bins. My husband has made it a habit to take the recyclables with him every day when he leaves for work and drops them off. If I get any boxes during the day I take them with me when I pick the kids up at the bus stop. Once you make it a habit it’s not that big of a deal to recycle.
4. Turn on your tap, and take quick showers. Did you know that the energy required to produce and transport water bottles could easily fuel 1.5 million cars for a year. Think about that for a moment. The production and transportation of bottled water could fuel YOUR car and 1.5 million other cars for a YEAR. That is like getting free gas for an entire year. WOW! That just boggles my mind.
Nearly 1 MILLION TONS of water bottles end up in landfills, in the ocean, on the roadside and just about anywhere else. That is horrible!
Public water has strict guidelines to ensure that the water you drink is healthy and free from harmful elements. Bottled water is NOT regulated. Nearly 10% of bottled water contain pollutant matter including fertilizer, pharmaceuticals (drugs!) and get this – even ARSENIC!
Makes you think twice about drinking bottled water doesn’t it?
Drink tap water – not bottled water. Reusable water bottles are available pretty much every where you go. If you don’t like the taste of your town’s water or well water use a water filtration system like BRITA.
Another thing we need to focus on is the use of water and why you shouldn’t waste it. Of all the water in the world, only 3% of it can be used for human use. Of that 3% we only have access to 1% of it. That is because the remaining water if found in the polar ice caps or in places where it cannot be reached.
Think about that the next time you take a long shower. It’s kind of a scary thought when you think about it.
Here are a few things you can do.
- Take quick showers. Five minute showers are ideal, but no more then 15 minutes. Turn off the water when you are lathering up or washing your hair. You only need the water to wet your body and hair and to rinse. There is no need to keep it on while you are lathering up or washing your hair.
- Install water saving appliances such as low flow shower heads and toilets that require little water to flush.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving. Again, you only need the water to wet and rinse your toothbrush. You do no need it running the entire time. When shaving fill up the sink with water to rinse out your razor instead of letting the water continually run.
- Gather rain water to water your plants.
5. Buy Local. When you buy locally grown produce and other products you are making a huge environmental impact, as well as an economical impact.
When you purchase products that are not locally produced it requires the use (and waste) of fuel, not to mention the environmental impact of the manufacturing of the products. For example, if you purchase apples that were harvested in Oregon, and you live in New York, it takes a lot of fuel to have the apples driven by a truck across the country, or flown by air. It makes perfect sense to buy locally grown apples that only have to travel a few miles to get to you.
Most products you find in the grocery stories are products that were purchased elsewhere, including overseas. Even the apples, pears, cherries, cucumbers and lettuce they sell (for example) are NOT locally grown but rather come from places like Chile or Mexico. A LOT of fuel was wasted to get those products to you on the store shelf.
When you buy locally made products and goods you are supporting your local economy and invest in your community. Purchasing locally made goods and products can also create more jobs within your community. There are even tax implications which are beneficial to you simply by purchasing things locally like eggs, milk, meat, fruits and vegetables.
Local farms are also more accountable for their actions, leave a small environmental footprint and provide you with personalize customer service.
6. Ditch the car keys and take a walk (or a bike). I know this option is not feasible for everyone, but if you live in a large city, or not too far from where you work or “play”, consider walking or riding a bike instead of driving or taking mass transit. As you know walking is a great form of exercise (it’s great for the heart too!). It’s an easy way to lose weight and stay in shape (with a nutritious diet of course). Walking doesn’t cause any kind of an environmental impact.
If you have to go a bit further consider riding a bike. It’s also a great form of exercise and doesn’t harm the environment. Some cities even have special bike programs set up to encourage people to ride bikes rather then drive. Riding a bike is fun too!
Tips 7-12 can be found on this post, http://www.shescribes.com/2011/12/12-easy-ways-to-go-green-in-2012-part-ii.html.
If you have any additional tips I would love to hear from you.
Kimberly
