The catchphrase “Going Green” is everywhere these days and with good reason. With over 7 billion people on Earth, we need to start focusing on what we can do to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy a healthy, thriving planet.
In addition to simply trying to do the right thing, there are many ways to save money by being more environmentally conscious. The Worldwide Institute published a list of simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life a few years ago that we believe are still relevant today.
Recycle
- There is little excuse these days. Most local municipalities offer some type of pick-up or drop off service.
- Check for specific items including plastics, paper, glass, aluminum at the minimum.
- Keep electronics out of the trash as well, such as cell phones, computers, and other E-waste. These products contain mercury and other toxins which are a growing environmental danger. Donate them or find a recycling center.
Eat and drink smarter
- Buy local, organic meat, eggs, dairy and produce. Visit your local farmers’ markets.
- Eat “low” on the food chain so as to not deplete resources. Seafood, for example, has become highly overfished leading to a dangerously low supply of certain species.
- Don’t buy bottled water when there are so many water filtration alternatives that allow you to save money and reduce container waste. Visit Filtersfast.com for a variety of choices from filtered pitchers and water bottles, refrigerator water filters, faucet mount filters to whole house filtration systems.
Make your own cleaning supplies
- By using a few simple sustainable ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and olive oil, to name a few, you can make your own non-toxic cleaning supplies. There are recipes available online.
- By making your own, you will reduce environmental pollution created by the manufacturing and disposal of chemically, mass-produced cleaning supplies.
Save energy
- Invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Switch to CFL light bulbs.
- Wash laundry in cold water (heating water uses 85% more energy). Air dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
- Unplug appliances when not using them or use a smart power strip. Appliances can drain energy even when turned off!
Save water
- Take shorter showers and use a low-flow showerhead.
- Use a faucet aerator on each faucet. This will keep pressure high while conserving heat and water.
- Consider landscaping with drought-tolerant plants – reducing the amount of water needed.
Save gas
- Enjoy the health benefits of walking or biking – this reduces the cost of gas and parking
- Telecommute if possible
- Car-pool
Going Green is a great way to help the environment and to save money! And there are so many small things we can do that will have a positive impact. Each time you make a choice to do one of the tips listed above, remind yourself that you are not only bettering yourself, but also bettering the world we live in.
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on FiltersFast.com
