You don't need to install rows of solar panels in your back yard (although it would be very cool) or sell the SUV sitting in your driveway to start becoming more environmentally conscious (a.k.a going green).
Commit to adding one "green" act a day to your routine, and before you know it, you'll have a long list of things you do to help take care of our planet. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cloth towels & napkins. We said goodbye to both last year and have not missed them.
- Unplug the coffee pot. That little digital clock on the coffee pot uses more energy than you think. Check out this site that allows you to calculate how much electricity your household items use.
- Water pitcher with filter. One of the best things we've done is to stop buying bottled water. Love my water pitcher!
- Turn off the lights. Obvious I know. But look around your house. How many lights are on right now that could be turned off.
- Plant something. Whether you have a large veggie garden or a simple window box with herbs, you'll love the satisfaction of growing your own. Good for you, good for the planet.
- Go organic. Not sure why, start here
- Teach your kids. Don't just tell your kids to turn off the lights or to turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Tell them why it's important. Pretty soon they'll be reminding you to unplug the coffee pot.
- Put on a sweater. Before reaching for the thermostat, head to your closet. The planet and your wallet with thank you.
- Learn how to clean green. Vinegar, kosher salt, baking soda are just a few examples of products that can help keep your house sparkling.
- Support the arts. You might be asking how supporting the arts is helping the planet. Believe me, we do not want to live in a world void of artistic expression. Support the museums and local artists in your community.
- Support open land. These organizations (click here and here) are a great place to start.
- Reusable shopping bags. Again, obvious I realize. However I recently had a man come up to me in the grocery store when he saw me with my bags and said {true story}, "You know, those things grow mold!" I assured him my bags were mold free. I occasionally throw them in the wash and I'm good to go. Have had the same set of six bags for two years.
Unfortunately the word "green" has become a buzzword, quickly adopted by marketers hoping to take advantage of the green bandwagon they feel their customers are on. Look closely before grabbing a bottle of cleaner simply because it has the word green on it. Yes companies -- you know who you are.
This is just a short (very short) list of some basic ideas, but we all have to start somewhere. Would love to hear your ideas. Please share!
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