Green Living

Where do we start? Is it complicated? What are the basics that we all need to know? Going green is the responsibility of everyone and all it takes is some good common sense, knowledge about our environment and some thoughtful planning. The green relationship between man and our planet is mans dependence on our natural resources for food, water and shelter. Making the right choices through knowledgeable decisions can be the most important aspect of going green. How reusable conscientious are you? Selecting durable items that will with stand time and do not have to be replaced is a great way to start the green process, it just makes sense. Furniture from salvaged wood products saves trees along with furniture that is made from wood that is responsibly harvested. Going vintage is in and helps promote the recycling process. Vintage furniture, lamps, dishes, and clothing you name it, reclaiming it keeps the green process going. Simple tasks like packing a lunch for work each day and using a canvas or cloth bag to carry it in. Select washable containers to put your food in rather than throw away zip top baggies. Plan ahead and take your canvas bags to the grocery store so you can carry your purchases home in them rather then using the store's non recyclable plastic bags. In fact some stores are now offering rebates at the check out counter if you are using tote bags. Get rid of throw away products like paper napkins, plastic plates and cups. Use cloth napkins, glass and silverware that can all be used over and over again. It's called recycling. Look for dishes that are made from recycled products. Did you know there are bowls that are made from recycled newspaper and dishes carved out of discarded agate and polished into beautiful serving pieces. Simple decisions, smart planning and good common sense will save money and help the green process. Buying products in bulk saves on excess packaging which clog up landfills plus you will have fewer trips to the store and that will save on gas. Along that same line, shopping and eating locally when possible will cut the ever increasing gas usage. Rethink driving, bicycle when you can and public transportation is a great choice for saving fuel energy and people energy, relax on your way to work read a book or take a nap. Search for products now on the market that can be recycled and are biodegradable, those that return safely to the earth. Consider the diaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposable, yes we all know the convenience of the disposable diaper but did you know that before a baby is potty trained it is estimated that the average baby will go through 5,000 diapers and 95% of the diapers are disposable which end up in landfills and contribute to millions of tons of waste that does not break down in landfills across the country? As you can see something as simple as diapering a baby is a very important decision that parents must make for the environment and their children. Cleaning products are going green and stores are offering a huge variety of goods. Clean your home without chemicals and toxins that hurt our environment and are not healthy to you and your family. Rather then buying the new green products, make your own. Simple household items such as Borax, white vinegar, white toothpaste, club soda, corn starch and salt are on the list of products in most pantries. These items offer inexpensive and natural solutions for a clean healthy home. Try washing windows with this natural cleaning recipe; one quart warm water, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/8 cup white vinegar for sparkling clean windows with no streaking, chemically free and healthy for you and the environment. Have you ever cleaned your homes windows with newspaper rather then paper towels? It works, your windows will shine and the newsprint adds a protective coating on the glass. Unplug electric appliances when they are not in use and look for appliances that reduce the use of energy. Replace light bulbs with ones that have earned the governments Energy Star rating. Energy Star lighting uses about 75% less energy, produces about 75% less heat and last up to about 10% longer then standard lighting. Energy Star CFL's (compact fluorescent lights) come in a variety of shapes and sizes so they will fit into almost any fixture you have whether it is indoors or outdoors. Fixtures that are used the most and for at least 15 minutes a day in the most frequently used rooms which are the kitchen, family room and bedrooms should be replaced with CFL's. The US Department of Energy says that if every home in America would replace just one light bulb with an Energy Star approved bulb we would save enough energy to light more then three million homes for one year and more then $600 million in energy costs for a year. Plus you will save about $30.00 or more on energy costs over the lifetime of just one CFL. Think solar vs. fossil fuel power sources. Turn down the thermostat in the winter and turn it up in the summer. For every degree that you lower it or raise it depending on the season you will save about 5% on heating and cooling costs. Collecting rain water in barrels for use during dry months of the year is not only environmentally smart but it is also financially wise. Xeriscaping your yard by using a plant selection that does not require a lot of water during the hot dry summer months will keep your water bill down. Turning the water off when you are brushing your teeth or shampooing your hair will save 4 gallons of water a minute. Find out what your city recycling program consists of and become a part of it. Just about all cities have curb pick up but if your town does not find out where the recyclable drop off center is and use it. If you don't have one, start one. If you are remodeling or building make it a point to check out the SmartGuide to Green Building Wood Source. This resource lists companies that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC audits environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices and provides information on green building materials, sustainable furniture and certified paper and printing services. Many cities have energy programs that give rebates for installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems, programmable thermostats, solar screens, proper attic insulation with an R-level of 30 to 38, low flush toilets and more. Have an energy audit/rating completed on your home and take advantage of the savings and options out there for you. By planning wisely and using common sense with the environment you will be well on your way to keeping America green.