Going green means different things to different people, but at its simplest it involves finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of everyday activities. Reducing waste, using fewer resources and finding alternate methods for activities that have a large carbon footprint offer numerous benefits both to your bottom line and the health of the planet.
Clean Air
Half of all Americans live where there are unsafe levels of air pollution, reports Environment America. Emissions from landfills, vehicles and power plants create pollutants that take a toll on the atmosphere. Recycling, reducing energy use and using alternative energy sources help create cleaner air.
Clean Land
Whether disposed of in landfills or tossed on the side of the road, too much trash is a bad thing. Not only is it an eyesore, contaminants can seep into the ground from hazardous waste and electronic equipment that's been improperly disposed of.
Clean Water
Lakes, streams and oceans all suffer from the effects of pollution. National Geographic suggests that by 2050, a third of people on Earth may lack a clean and secure source of water. Switching to green energy sources and ensuring trash is recycled rather than tossed away helps the world's waterways stay clean and contaminant free.
Conserve Resources
To meet their basic needs, every American will need 37,687 lbs. of new metals, minerals and fuels each year, reports the Mineral Information Institute. These are all non-renewable resources that can be conserved through the use of alternatives, such as copper recovered from recycled electronic devices, bauxite recycled from aluminum cans, or solar and wind energy.
Protect Animals
Animals are often the victims of humans' lack of environmental awareness. When habitats are destroyed for mining or logging, entire species may be wiped out. Marine life suffers from pollution in the oceans, and toxins in the water supply can lead to illness in many types of wildlife.
Better Physical Health
By walking or riding a bike instead of driving, you'll save a pound of carbon for every mile, says the Nature Conservancy. You'll also get into much better shape. Eating less red meat, which takes more energy and natural resources to produce than vegetables, also benefits physical health.
Better Mental Health
The exercise you get when you use more physical energy to get around is good for your mental health, too. Decreasing exposure to heavy traffic and long commutes by walking or biking can contribute to mental well-being, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plus, knowing you're doing something positive by going green just feels good.
Save Money
Making energy-efficient, environmentally friendly changes in your lifestyle can be good for your wallet, too. Reducing electrical and water usage in your house lessen the burden on the energy grid, and also lower your utility bills. Driving less means having to put less gas in your car, and with high fuel prices, this can be a significant savings.
Make Money
When you make an effort to keep items out of landfills, you may find new means of disposal that bring in a little extra cash. Depending on where you live, recycling bottles and cans may bring in a few extra pennies. Instead of dumping an old computer, consider selling it--what's obsolete to you might be valuable to someone else. At the very least, donating items may be good for a tax write-off.
Support the Local Economy
Merchandise that has to be shipped a long way has a much larger carbon footprint because of the amount of fuel needed to transport it. Food purchased from a supermarket may be shipped by plane from the other side of the world, using a lot of fossil fuels, says the Nature Conservancy. Buying items that are locally grown and produced lowers carbon emissions and boosts the local economy.
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