Going Green: Simple Changes for a Greener Life
Thursday, November 29th, 2012Have you ever thought about making a green change in your lifestyle? We have all heard of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Well, we are going to show you some quick ways to use these three in your daily routine. With these few changes, you are sure to be on the green track!
1) Shop with reusable bags
Nowadays, it’s routine for a grocery store clerk to put your groceries into a thin bag or two as you’re on your way out. However, have you ever thought about how much of a negative effect those plastic bags make on earth? Plastic bags are not biodegradable, and cause harm to animals. If you are someone who has been using plastic bags for all of your life, do not fret! With one simple change, you can be on your way towards a greener life –swap those plastics out for canvas or cloth tote bags. Such bags are reasonably priced, stylish, and can be reused again and again. The use of tote bags can save you, and our environment, approximately 20,000 plastic bags a lifetime.
2) Light up your home!
Ever get tired of those increasing energy bills? Well, there is good news. Switching to fluorescent light bulbs (known as CFLs) not only lowers your light bills, but CFLs are also more efficient than regular light bulbs (known as incandescent light bulbs) that many people use in their homes currently. Fluorescent light bulbs also have 10 times the lifespan than incandescent light bulbs. This means that instead of purchasing ten regular light bulbs, you will one fluorescent bulb. Now that is a cheap way to get your life on a greener track!
3) Keep those switches off.
Sunlight is not useful for plants, but it is also a great way to become more planet-friendly. If you are at home and it is very bright outside, then turn off that light switch and open up some blinds. Letting the natural sunlight illuminate your home during the morning and afternoon is a great way to cut down on the amount of electricity you use. Remember this one rule: If it’s bright, then turn off that light!
4) Bye-bye bottled water!
Bottled water is very convenient these days for people who are always on the go. However, the effects of these plastic bottles are quite harmful to our planet. It may take around 450 to 1,000 years for one water bottle to fully decompose! Plus, the quality of water in bottles is not actually as pure as we may think. Most of the time, there are more impurities in bottled water than there is regular tap water. If you do not like the idea of contaminants in your water, than there is a solution. Use reusable water bottles and fill them up with tap water.
5) Buddy up.
Carpooling with a fellow friend, classmate, or colleague is probably one of the most efficient ways to get going on the green path. Cars release harmful emissions that can lead to smog and even health problems. With the use of carpooling, you are cutting down on the number of cars on the road, and therefore the toxins released into the air. Plus, carpooling is also beneficial to those who take part in the act! Not only are you saving money on gas, but by carpooling, you are allowed to use the carpool lane, getting you to where you have to be in a shorter amount of time. Carpooling is a “win-win” for both you and the environment!
This article comes to you from NerdWallet.com, an unbiased, quantitative decision website.