Easy Ways To Go Green

Happy Earth Day! We only have one planet, and we can all do our part in keeping her safe for generations to come. Take the time to change some of your non-eco-friendly habits not just today, but every day. Here are a few simple ways that you can help out and have an impact.

Give up bottled water. There will undoubtedly be some moments where there is no other option, but your day-to-day fluid intact should not rely on fresh bottles of water. If your tap water is not safe to drink as is, invest in a Brita filter to reduce your carbon footprint. Overtime, the filter will pay for itself. 

Ditch plastic bags. Plan your shopping trips in advance, and bring reusable bags instead of taking the cheap ones stores provide. They make the load easier to carry and limit landfill waste. 

Stop junk mail. Having an overstuffed mailbox isn’t just annoying, it’s wasteful too. Put an end to unsolicited letters by opting-out of the mail service, and remove your name from the list of credit card offers. 

Buy local. Fresh, local foods not only taste better, but they have a much less harmful impact on the environment as well. Most food at your grocery store is frozen and shipped thousands of miles, contributing to air and water pollution. 

Weather-proof your home. Hate feeling that cool draft on fall afternoons? Your home may not be properly weatherized, which means you’re throwing heat, fuel, and even your hard-earned money right out the window. Before the next winter rolls around, remove your air-conditioning units from the windows and seal up windows and doorframes with caulk and insulation. 

Use power strips. Even if your electronics are turned off, having them plugged in still drains energy from the outlets. Since no one wants to go around and unplug every lamp, computer, and charger, take the easy way out – put them all on one power strip, so you only have to flip the switch!

Drive smart. The summer months mean there are plenty of road trips ahead. Being mindful of your speed and driving pattern can add up over time. Just going 10 miles over 60mph decreases your fuel efficiency, as does stop-and-go driving in traffic. 

Visit Pinterest. It’s amazing how much of an impact a craft site can have. Visit the page to find ways to reuse and recycle common household products, and how to create your own homemade cleaning products, minus the harmful chemicals. 

–Lindsay Putnam