5 Simple Ways to Live Green
Many of us, especially in the US, are currently aware that we face astronomical oil prices that are rising everyday. The price of gasoline seems higher every time you go to the pump. Food prices are rising, and the cost of travel and transportation are continuing to escalate. The situation has made us much more aware of things like energy consumption and environmental conservation. And, you've probably thought at some point or other about doing something to help, but really don't know what to do or how to make a difference. Here are five simple suggestions of ways to live a “greener” life.
1. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs in your home – Using compact florescent lamp bulbs (CFLs) reduces your energy use by 75% compared to using traditional incandescent bulbs.
2. Buy reusable shopping bags – disposable paper and plastics make up more than 40% of municipal solid waste every year. By purchasing and using reusable shopping bags, you can save nearly 700 bags during the lifetime of each reusable bag.
3. Use washable cloth rags instead of paper towels – Using cloth towels and washable cloths for spills and cleanups around the house helps to save on the use of disposable paper towels that only add to the volume of paper waste each year.
4. Repurpose used water – Saving dish water or bath water and reusing it to water plants or complete additional chores is an easy way to conserve water, and make the most out of the water you do use.
5. Use rechargeable batteries – Using rechargeable batteries extends the use of the batteries you purchase and helps reduce the amount of waste that is toxic to the environment.
These are just a few very quick and easy ways to help conserve and protect our environment. Being “green” doesn't have to be complicated, and small actions can greatly contribute to overall solutions.