What is "going green"? We are hearing all this talk about green products, green living, or going green. But what does it mean? To me, going green is living a more natural state of life. Using products that aren't harmful to the environment or my family, friends, and pets. The web dictionary says "Taking steps to reduce one's negative effects on the environment." Well, when you put it that way, sign me up. I mean I do have to live here, why not make it nice? But what can YOU do? Are you saying to yourself, "I'm just one person."? Well, what you do in your home might just inspire another to make a few changes as well. And what about your children? Teaching them to make better choices means even more people in the future will make a difference. And you are doing all that while making decisions that are safer for all these people as well! Check out the column to the right to find easy and cheap ways to go green in your home! Why Go Green? So you're still undecided about going green. Have you ever stopped to consider why its a good idea to "go green"? Has an older child ever wanted to help mom with the chores? Maybe you would love to have the kids help, but you just want to keep them safe. These are all wonderful reasons to use non commercial cleaning products. But what should you do first? Well, perhaps you should know why going green is such a good choice. In my opinion, there are three major reasons that I believe going green is a wonderful idea. First and foremost, of course is safety of family and home. How many chemicals have you kept under the cabinet and just prayed that your children or pets didn't somehow find their way to them? Have you ever scrubbed your showers with bleach or another noxious chemicals only to feel nauseated and dizzy afterward? The industrial chemicals used in home cleaning today are not only dangerous, but unnecessary as well! Secondly, going green is, of course, good for the environment! But why? The chemicals you use to clean don't only effect your children, pets, and air you breathe, but also the flora and fauna all around you. Do you really want to use something that is so harmful? I'm sure you don't. And what about your budget? You could easily blow half your grocery budget on cleaning supplies. But in truth, all you need are a few simple, safe, and inexpensive items to keep your home clean. Its as simple as bottled lemon juice, salt, olive oil, baking soda, yeast and vinegar.... things you might already be purchasing or have in your home. Also, by re-using the spray bottles and packages that you mix your cleansers in you are saving thousands of dollars worth of plastic from going into landfills. Its easy to see why going green is a wonderful choice. It takes a little getting used to, but you will soon see that these products work as well as expensive harmful cleansers do. Its so easy to go green, you will wonder why you didn't do it long ago. Click HERE for cleanser recipes. | Tips for going green: Reduce, Recycle, Re-use. These are some of the easiest things you can do. Reduce the amount of waste your family creates. Buy in bulk and store beans, flour, and spices in glass jars of all sizes and plastic bins, sew canvas bags for shopping, replace unnecessary items like plastic bags, plastic wrap, and paper towels with re-usable items like bowls with lids, cloth napkins and dish towels. Recycle the items that you do use. Tin cans, newspapers, plastic bags and other recyclable items. You can find a list of recyclable items online here. And search your local area for more information about recycling centers in your town. Re-use items that you purchase like pickle and other size glass jars, butter tubs, and plastic shopping bags. These are all simple and helpful things you can do to keep your part of the world green! I hope I have inspired you to ask yourself "What else can I do?". Well, keep reading! There are so many easy little things you can so. These ideas are very inexpensive, and in fact might save you money in the long run! Ways to save energy (and money): Turn the lights off! When you leave a room, turn out the lights. Every time! Open the windows. What better way to brighten up a room than to let in the natural sunlight! During the day open the curtains and blinds. This can save money and of course is so easy. Wash your clothes in Cold water. This saves a lot of energy because more than half of the energy used in washing clothes comes from heating the water! A benefit of this is colors in clothes last longer when washed in cold, so you are also saving money on having to replace worn out clothing. Line dry when possible. Of course, this saves a lot of energy! Unplug appliances when you aren't using them. Even when they aren't in use, appliances are pulling what people call "vampire power" from the electrical units. Saving Water: Take shorter showers! This is simple, but needs to be stated. A quick shower can save our water bills from getting too high, and conserves water! Place aerators on your faucets! They are very inexpensive, and save a lot of water. FORGET BOTTLED WATER! Place a water purifying system on your kitchen faucet. Plastic waste from water bottles is accumulated so quickly, its easy to see how this could soon become a huge problem! Purchasing a reusable thermos and a water purifier is less expensive than one months supply of bottled water. And these items can be re-used over and over again! Smart Eating: Eat less meat. This is not only better for the environment, but better for your body as well! Choose the smaller cuts of flavorful meat and think of using meat as more of a seasoning than the main course. Buy locally grown and butchered foods. The quality and flavor are superior. Find farmers that treat animals humanely and don't used unnecessary antibiotics and pesticides. If its better for you, its better for the world. Buy Smart: Check yard sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops before going to the department stores. This falls into the "re-use" category. The more we re-use and re-purpose our items the less they end up in landfills, and of course the more money we save! Buy in bulk. Find a local store that offers grains, beans, pasta, and spices in bulk. This cuts down on packaging waste and buying in bulk saves a lot of money. |
