Recycling is just one aspect of green living.
Americans waste energy every year, from electronics using too much power, leaking faucets, uneaten foods and many other preventable causes. Instituting green living techniques into your home and work will help the environment and make you feel good knowing that you are helping to make the earth a better place for the future. Does this Spark an idea?
In The Kitchen
You can easily save energy in the kitchen by changing the way you use appliances. First, the dishwasher. Forget the "Dry Cycle." Open the dishwasher door after the rinse cycle and allow dishes to air dry. Likewise, open the door to your oven to allow heat to warm the room as the oven cools down. Create an area to set aside bottles, cans, paper, and batteries for recycling. This will help save on the amount of energy that goes into creating a new item versus using the material from something recycled.
In The Bathroom
You may love your hot shower, but it is no good for the environment. Try taking baths instead of showers to conserve water. If you can't take a bath everyday, try to put it into your routine a couple days a week. Make it an event by adding bath salts or a rubber ducky. Turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving in order to keep from wasting the water. If you are remodeling your bathroom, install a dual flush toilet to conserve water when flushing.
In The Garden
Green living has no better place than in a green garden. Instead of watering your lawn with water you pay for, purchase a rain barrel to capture the natural falling, chlorine-free rain water. You can also save money by building a compost area. Composting will break down leftover vegetables and paper products and turn them into a usable, rich soil. The soil will come in handy when you start growing your own vegetables. A vegetable garden saves you money and the earthy harmful pollutants, since transporting vegetables to the local grocery store requires much gas.
At The Office
Green living does not have to stop when you go to work. Change your typical work routine by walking, carpooling, riding your bike, or taking public transportation to the workplace. While at work, conserve waste by bringing your own mug for coffee and your own bottle for water. Save paper by printing on both sides of each page and by using old paper as scrap paper for jotting down notes. Cap off an environmentally-friendly day by shutting down your computer before leaving for the night.
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