Here are some easy tips to help green up your routine…and not one of them requires an investment in anything new.
- Use reusable bags. Remembering to use reusable bags is a simple way to make a difference. You don’t have to invest in the fancy bags sold in the checkout line. Use bags you have at home-old totes work just fine! Use reusable bags for your lunch box and trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, mall, bookstore or any other store.
- Fill the dishwasher and washing machine before running. Reduce the amount of water you use by squeezing in that last dish or adding a few extra socks to your load of laundry.
- Wash your laundry in cold water. 80-90 percent of the washing machines energy is used to heat the water. Your clothes will be just as clean in cold water-honest!
- Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. You will save water, money and preserve water supplies for future generations.
- Unplug. Gadgets, electronic devices and appliances draw power if they’re plugged in-even when they’re switched off or not in use.
- Recycle. Reuse paper whenever possible before recycling it. Recycling saves landfill space, saves natural resources and energy, creates jobs, saves money and creates less pollution.
- Walk, bike, skate or use public transportation. Anytime you choose to walk, bike or use public transportation you reduce the carbon dioxide emissions created by driving a car. You will also save on gas and parking costs.
- Celebrate Meatless Monday. By choosing to have one meatless meal each week you can improve your health and improve the health of the planet.
- Don’t buy bottled water. Filter your water or drink straight from the tap. You can find out how safe your tap water is by clicking HERE.
- Use Freecycle, Cragislist and other sites to get/give free stuff. These sites are great for promoting the reuse and exchange of free unwanted items through local groups.
Green living means making daily changes-big and small-that help protect the world we live in. There are so many simple ways to be green without spending.
Do you have any more green tips to add to the list?
[Photo used under Creative Commons from Metro Cincinnati/Flickr]
