5 Small Steps to Go Green Easily

Knowing how chemicals, carbon and processing affect the environment has caused thousands of people to make changes to their lifestyle and choices. But sometimes figuring out those changes can be overwhelming and more challenging than most want to take on. In fact, in the face of all of the information and choices, many people are paralyzed and make no changes.

Here are 15 simple steps that can be incorporated into your daily routine that will make a significant difference to the environment.

1. Recycle, recycle, recycle. According to the Annenberg Foundation the average American produces 4 pounds of solid waste per day. This amounts to over 1400 pounds of trash per year. By recycling aluminum cans, bottles, paper, recyclable plastic, aluminum foil, paper bags, cardboard boxes, phone books, mail and magazines and empty aerosol cans that number can be drastically reduced. And the great part about recycling is that it requires little to no extra energy. You literally move your garbage from one can to another.

2. Conserve water. The average American will use between 80 and 100 gallons of water per day. That water is used in the sink, doing dishes, drinking, toilets, showers and baths. By shortening the time taken in the shower, reducing the amount of water used at the faucets and decreasing the amount of water used in the toilet the average American can save hundreds of gallons each month. Multiplied by hundreds of people this number can make a significant change in amount of water available.

Sink: don’t run the water while brushing your teeth; don’t run the water while washing the dishes; don’t run the dishwasher until it’s full; skip the bottled water and purchase a water purifier – you’ll reduce your use of plastic and save money.

Toilet: don’t use the toilet to flush garbage; add a brick or water bottle that has about an inch of sand and then filled with water, seal the lid and place it away from the guts of the toilet (this will displace some of the water in the tank and result in less water usage).

3. Energy conservation. Producing most energy requires the use of fossil fuels which will create a negative carbon footprint on our environment. By decreasing the amount of energy used in the home you’ll save money and help to save our environment.

Turn off lights, music or appliances when you aren’t in the room; unplug appliances when they aren’t being used; turn the thermostat down on the water heater; turn the air conditioner up in the summer and heat down in the winter by only 2 or 3 degrees; use solar power by opening up the draperies in the winter and keeping them closed (where the house gets the most sun) during the summer; and wash your clothes in cold water.

4. Drive your car conservatively. It may not be possible for you to buy a hybrid car to reduce gas usage but it is possible to use some of the principles of hypermiling. Hypermiling is the process of getting the most miles to the gallon from your vehicle. By maintaining an even speed, riding in one lane, reducing the use of the air conditioner and maintaining tire pressure and oil changes you’ll be able to eek out every mile per gallon. Combine your trips and errands to reduce the miles you drive and you’re well on your way to reducing your gas consumption.

5. Eat lower on the food chain. Add one meatless meal a week to your menu. Meat costs more – not just the cost at the store but also the related environmental and health costs. Look for locally grown and raised meats, eggs, dairy and vegetables. This keeps money in the local economy and reduces energy costs. Eating lower on the food chain, i.e. vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, will improve your health, decrease your costs and reduce health costs.

Making only one or two of these changes in each of the five categories will make a large difference on the environment. And, by incorporating one or two different changes each month you’ll gradually move toward a greener and more cost efficient way of living.