Most people already know the answer to: Why Go Green? Global warming, increased lung disease due to air pollution, diseased fish that are then consumed by humans… and these are just a few of the many things that are happening. There are only so many natural resources, and with the population expected to grow to 9 Billion by 2050, that means there will be even less left. Human consumption of natural resources is currently too high and as the population increases, these resources will become increasingly difficult to obtain
10 ways to Go Green and Save Green
1). Save energy to save money.
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your old incandescent bulbs burn out.
Unplug equipment when you are not using it. Or, use a “smart” power strip that detects when equipment is off and cuts “ghost” or “vampire” energy use.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to wash clothes with a machine is used to heat the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save energy when not in use during machine drying
2). Save water to save money.
Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
Install a low flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay off your investment.
Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping the water pressure high.
Plant drought-resistant native plants in your garden. Many plants require minimal watering. Find out what occurs naturally in your area.
3). Less gas = more money (and better health!).
Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your heart health and reducing your risk of obesity.
Consider telecommuting if you live far from your job. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it can save you money in the long run.
Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike paths. For a small fee, these upgrades can pay huge dividends in improving your business
4). Eat smart.
If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat is prohibitively expensive in stores—and even more so when you consider the associated environmental and health costs.
Buy locally raised, humane and organic meat, eggs and dairy products whenever you can. Buying from local farmers saves money in the local economy.
5). Skip the bottled water.
Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Bottled water is not only expensive, but also creates large amounts of container waste.
Carry a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum over plastic, when traveling or at work
6). Think before you buy.
Go online to find new or used used products
Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment stores for clothing and other everyday items.
When making a purchase, make sure you know what the “Good Stuff” is and what it isn’t
7). Borrow instead of buy.
Borrow from the library instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper used to print new books.
Sharing power tools and other equipment. Get to know your neighbors while reducing the amount of stuff cluttering your closet or garage
8). Buy smart.
Buy in bulk. Buying food from the bulk bin can save money and packaging.
Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and reduces the use of toxic chemicals.
Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You may pay more now, but you’ll be glad you don’t have to replace items as often (and this means less waste!).
9). Keep electronics out of the trash.
Keep cell phones, computers and other electronics away as long as possible.
Donate or recycle responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxins and is a growing environmental problem.
Recycle your cell phone.
Ask your local government to host electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection events
10). Make your own cleaning supplies.
The big secret: You can make highly effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap.
Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging—not to mention the quality of your indoor air.
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