25 Easy Ways to Go Green at Home
by Wes Fessler |
August 14, 2010 |
When people talk about greening up, a room can immediately be divided into polar extremes with advocates on one side, and people who look at them with wrinkled and scornful expressions on the other. All the while, a few people remain, watching from the middle, wondering why there is suddenly so much tension in the air. In such a setting, I would like to present some simple ways that families can green up at home, and why on earth they should want to.
Seeing Both Sides
I’m not going to frighten you like some of the “sky is falling” lunatics out there who think that if you run your lawnmower, the earth will unleash its fury to produce some darkened state of nuclear winter. I am not among the polarized, but rather with those who have watched from the middle, trying to understand why the argument is so loud from both sides. There is passion about this issue, which can be a good thing, but when it divides people in anger, much of the common good of the subject is lost in emotion. The way I see it, there is sensibility to be found on both sides of argument, and if we can just bring cool heads together, we can all benefit from simple changes that will make things better for everyone…yes, even for our great green earth.
Benefits of Greening Up at Home
There are several benefits that can be obtained at home and in the world from simple changes around the home such as: saving money; reducing energy consumption; saving water; decreasing depletion of natural resources; creating a healthier home environment, having better tasting and frequently fresher food, having a smaller impact on landfills, and of course everyone’s favorite improving conditions in the world for everyone. The following table presents several ideas for changes that can be made with your family at home and the benefits of the actions. It is my hope that your family will choose several of these ideas and implement them into your family routiine to enjoy the benefits they offer to you and others.
25 Easy Ways to Go Green at Home
|
Changes |
Benefits |
1. Begin to replace old appliances with energy efficient models |
Save money on energy |
2. Buy a hybrid or electric car |
Save money on fuel; less carbon emissions |
3. Change incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (the twisty bulbs) |
Save money on energy; last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs |
4. Cut back on microwave dinners |
Reduce trash; avoid strange chemical additives |
5. Decrease temperature on water heater thermostat |
Save money on gas or electicity |
6. Insulate your home |
Save money on energy used for heating and cooling |
7. Only use the dishwasher, washer, or dryer with full loads |
Save money on energy use; reduce water waste |
8. Pay bills online |
Save money; reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for delivery |
9. Plant a vegetable and herb garden |
Save money on grocery bill; enjoy the freshest possible produce |
10. Plant trees and bushes |
Beautify your yard; turn CO2 into oxygen |
11. Recycle aluminum, glass, plastic, and paper |
Make a little money; less trash to pile up in landfills |
12. Repair dripping faucets |
Save money; save water |
13. Reusable grocercy bags |
Less paper and plastic waste |
14. Save used printer paper that has blank sides and use for scratch paper |
Save money on purchasing paper; less environmental impact on trees |
15. Select organic produce when shopping for food |
Sometimes cheaper; better tasting (you be the judge) |
16. Shut off lights, appliances, and computers when not in use |
Save money on electricity or gas |
17. Take advantage of natural light from windows in day hours |
Save money on electricity |
18. Take shorter showers |
Save money on gas and water bills |
19. Throw grass clipping and leaves into a composter at home |
Less trash; produce organic fertilizer for plants and garden |
20. Unplug battery chargers when not in use |
Save money and energy |
21. Use a clothesline to dry laundry |
Save money and energy |
22. Use a programmable thermostat |
Save on energy bills; set higher in summer and lower in winter and off when away. |
23. Use green cleaning products |
Avoid toxic or otherwise harmful chemicals |
24. Use organic beauty products |
Avoid petroleum-based products |
| 25. Watch less TV |
Save money on electricity; free up more quality time with your family. |
Too Much, Too Soon?
The ideas presented in the table are very simple, but some are more practical than others to take advantage of at home depending on individual needs. Nearly all of these ideas offer substantial tangible benefits that families can enjoy, without the need of dramatic modification to normal daily routines. While it may be difficult and frustrating to try all of these changes at once, it is very manageable to begin with five or ten. Additional changes may be added as time and circumstances allow. The idea is to select changes that offer the greatest amount of benefit to family life, while also allowing family members to feel satisifed and happy about. It is best not to take on too much, too soon, but to add changes in a practical and sensible manner.
While the objectives of greening up are ultimately to protect the environment and make the world a better place for the future, there are also significant benefits that can enhance the quality of life for families at home. An article called "Green Living for Home, Fashion, and Accessories" by Lisa Hernandez explains how some of these benefits can be enjoyed and how easily they can be implemented at home. She has found that she has been able to save energy, enjoy the superb taste of organic food, and to select beauty products and perfume that are natural and organic. These activities have given her family pleasure and saved them significant amounts of money, while also healing the world through simple means. I hope these ideas will help you and your family to enjoy the benefits of greening up at home as much as they have helped Mrs. Hernandez and her family, as well as many others who have seen the rewards of going green at home.
References:
40 Ways to go greener at home (besides just recycling), Tsh Oxenreider, Accessed August 14, 2010
http://simplemom.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/
Green Living for Home, Fashion, & Accessories, Lisa Hernandez, Accessed August 14, 2010
http://www.thirdeco.com/1/post/2010/08/5-reasons-why-green-living-does-not-have-to-be-more-expensive.html
100 Ways to go green right now, CL Staff, Accessed August 14, 2010
http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/100_ways_to_go_green_right_now/Content?oid=430704
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