by Rhonda Crone

Created on: August 04, 2008   Last Updated: December 22, 2008

Until recently, it seemed that "going green" was something done only by devoted environmentalists. But the fact is, going green should be a priority for everyone. It's simply a conscientious choice to conserve energy and resources, and our dollars. It doesn't have to mean buying generators, electric cars and solar panels, at least not yet. We're all beginning to realize that it's becoming a way of life now if we care anything about the future of our planet, and the truth is, being green and eco-conscious isn't really so tough.

At home, going green by recycling can be done on many levels:

Curbside Recycling: The most basic, and doable, is recycling at home. More and more cities are offering curbside programs, in which all paper products, most plastics, glass and aluminum can be recycled. All it takes is a bin.

Recycling on the outside: You can still take your cans and bottles, newspapers and other stuff to recycling centers, and even get some cash for your efforts.

Re-using: Things like plastic grocery bags can be re-used for small trash cans, dirty diapers, or trash bags for the car. Ziplock-like baggies can be rinsed and re-used several times to store stuff in the fridge. Buy used clothing, used furniture, Don't think "cheapskate," think Green!

Composting: The method to create a proper compost and what to put in it, can be found online - just google "composting," and you'll find tons of information. Or, bulky things like melon peels, corn husks, apples cores and such can be simply thrown into a pile, away from the house, and left to bio-degrade naturally. This leaves for a lot less trash in your bin. Go to www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/HomeCompost for more information.

Gardening: Simply growing and eating your own vegetables and fruit is not only good for you and the planet, it saves you money on your grocery bill.

Using Biodiesel fuel: The Next Big Thing, using biodiesel in place of petroleum, is becoming more and more popular and saving people big dollars. There are several ways to utilize used vegetable oil to create fuel. See www.biodiesel.org for information.

And, another big thing now and in the future: Use canvas bags for shopping. Soon, plastic and paper shopping bags will obsolete. Not only do canvas bags make perfect sense, they are easier to carry and they look better, too. Buy six to ten of these, and one insulated bag to keep frozen stuff cool, and you're showing the world you've gone green.

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