How Do We Go Green?

Larger investments such as hybrid cars, green homes and energy saving appliances are not your only options when going green. You can go greener by making smaller changes to your lifestyle that reduce your carbon footprint, improve your health and save you money. From the food you eat to your driving habits, each small step you take toward green living reduces emissions and makes a difference.

At Home

Any steps you take at home to cut energy consumption contribute to the green initiative. Close blinds on hot days and open them on cool days, unplug idle appliances and electronics, switch to florescent light bulbs and wash clothes in cold water to lower energy usage. Weatherize your home by placing an insulation jacket around your hot water heater, adequately insulating walls and ceilings and by using caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows, which reduces carbon emissions, according to Earth Share.

Traveling

When on the road in your hometown or on vacation, you can go greener by adjusting a few driving habits. Turn your car off during extended waits at drive-throughs or in traffic stalls, since idling can consume up to one gallon of gas an hour, according to Florida's Department of Environmental Protection. Save gas and money by driving the speed limit and keeping your tires properly inflated.

Local Foods

Industrial agriculture "contributes to numerous forms of environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity and fish die-offs," according to Environmental Health Perspectives. To counter this effect and to reduce demand for industrial food products, eat locally grown foods as often as possible. Local Harvest's website provides contact information for farms in your area that can supply produce, eggs, grass-fed meats and other food products.

At the Supermarket

Make greener choices when shopping retail for groceries. When purchasing food items that you can't get from local farms, check the label for the origination of the product. Buy brands that have been shipped the least distance to get to your market. Change your menus to reduce the amount of processed food you serve. Choose foods in their most natural forms, with the least amount of additives, such as fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

Green Cleaning

Traditional cleaning products can pollute indoor and outdoor air, as well as cause health problems. Ammonia or chlorine-based cleaners can irritate your lungs and solvent-based products such as degreasers and furniture polishes can be toxic and flammable, according to the Washington Toxics Coalition. Switch to green cleaning products to avoid bringing toxins home with you from the store. You can tackle most cleaning jobs with common household items such as soap, vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda, according to the Worldwatch Institute.