Top 8 Ways to Go Green

There are always reasons for not doing something. Maybe you are concerned with the costs. Or perhaps you have heard negative reviews on it. And there's always the possibility that you've never even heard of it. But the environment and its instability is a topic nearly everyone has heard of, and there are easy ways to help take part in this global effort.

1. Save energy, save money. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to significantly cut your bill. Unplug unused appliances and wash clothes in cold water. Did you know that 85% of energy used to wash clothes accounts to heating the water!
2. Save water, save money. Take shorter showers to reduce water usage and use a low-flow showerhead. Most plants require minimal watering, so take it easy on the sprinklers!
3. Less gas, more money. Rather than taking the car to the local park, exercise and use a bike or walk. Take public transportation when possible; the buses and trains are making their trips whether you board or not.
4. Don't fall for bottled water. Besides the fact that bottles generate lots of waste, it's expensive! Use a water filter and purify tap water for a cost effective method.
5. Think before you buy. Don't be so American! Instead of buying books, get them online and sync them to your iPhone or Kindle, or even go to the library to check it out! Buy refurbished products and keep an eye on local garage sales.
6. Recycle. Though this may seem like the obvious one, but about 25% of Americans still don't recycle. Awareness is highest in the Northeast and West due to the higher standards of living. Did you know that recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. Enough said!
7. Eat local. Aside from the fact that purchasing locally keeps money in the local economy, the quality is often considered greater and fewer pesticides and chemicals are used.
8. Be creative and have fun! One of the best ways to go green is to be creative and come up with your own ways. One of my own creative ideas is to use scrap paper or paper in the recycle bin to make a CD cover.

   Leave some of your creative ideas in the comment box below and thank you for reading!