Going green means making lifestyle changes that will help reduce your carbon footprint on the earth. It also means taking small steps in order to help reduce waste and recycle items you normally would throw away. Reducing waste and using items that are more energy efficient will help you keep the environment around you clean and free of excess waste. Going green is a New Year's resolution that you can use to help yourself adjust to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Step 1
Recycle all of the items you normally would throw out. Create recycle containers for glass, paper, plastics and aluminum or metal. Separate these items from food stuffs that could be placed in a compost bin. Clothes, shoes, toys, books and electronics can be sold at a rummage sale to make extra cash. Donate used items such as household goods or furniture to your local charity or thrift store.
Step 2
Reuse items in different ways. Glass jars such as pasta jars, pickle jars and condiment jars can be reused to store homemade mixes and liquids. Dog or cat food bags can be used as sturdy trash bags.
Step 3
Compost food items that otherwise would get thrown away. Egg shells, coffee grounds and food leftovers are examples of some items that can go into the compost bin. If you are an apartment dweller, consider a worm composting kit that utilizes worms in an isolated container to absorb and turn scraps into compost.
Step 4
Volunteer to help clean up your neighborhood. Locate organizations such as Adopt A Highway or your township office, and ask about a cleanup day. Pick up trash and recyclables along the roadside. Clean up areas such as parks, parking lots, rivers and area beaches.
Step 5
Save on your utility bills. Unplug electronics and other items in your home that draw electricity unnecessarily when you are not using them. Items include televisions, radios, cell phone chargers, lamps, stoves and microwaves. Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs such as a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). A CFL will use around 75 percent less energy than the average incandescent light bulb. It also lasts 10 times longer--saving you money. Cut back on water usage by shutting off the water when you are lathering in the shower. Avoid flushing the toilet every time. Install an Energy Star thermostat to keep your home at a consistent temperature year-round.
Tips and Warnings
- Commit to making one small change each month so the tasks are not overwhelming. Get your entire family or household involved--teach them how to be more eco-friendly.
Things You'll Need
- Recycle bins
- Compost bin
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs
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