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diet."A meat free diet is gentler not only to the human body, but also to the animal kingdom, and the earth. Instead of using large amounts of water and crops to feed one animal that yields a few servings of meat, the water is instead used to nourish the crops which, in turn, can feed many more people than a single cow. You don't need to change completely, just incorporate a few vegetarian meals into your week. Bonus: you'll save money, too!

8. Mind your energy and water usage.
I'm as guilty as anyone else. There are those times when I'll get distracted, leave a room, and return 10 minutes later to discover that I had left an overhead light on the entire time I was out of the room. Showers and baths also trip me up as I find myself basking in a long, steamy shower or lounging luxuriously in a deep tub. It's impossible (at least for me) to be perfect at remembering to take shorter showers, run shallower baths, and turn off the lights even when I am distracted. Being mindful of the waste, though, usually helps me keep a better eye on where I am wasting energy or water. I'll try to switch off the lights even if I think I may be back in the room in less than a minute; and I have found that playing a song or two as I shower will help me gauge how long I have been in the water. We also try to collect rainwater, turn off all appliances when we're not using them, and unplug those appliances and electronics that sap energy as they sit in standby mode (usually the ones with the wall transformers that get warm to the touch or those devices that have clocks or led lights).

9. Grow native.
Native plants can be a functional, and beautiful, alternative to a traditional grass lawn. Typically, native plants in your area will use less water, be better adapted to the soil conditions (i.e. use less soil additives), and provide shelter and food for indigenous wildlife. Plus, you will not have to go outside every weekend and use gas or electricity mowing a lawn.

10. Rethink transportation to save gas.
Walking and cycling are great exercise and can be a fun way to get from one place to the next. If you are lucky enough to have functional public transportation in your region, try taking a subway, train, or bus to your desired location. Carpool if you have a group of people all going in the same direction. None of these an option for your situation? Then modify the way you drive so that you use less gas - accelerate smoothly, travel during off peak hours, get the heavy cargo out of the trunk, and try not to speed. When using a car, it is also important to perform a regular oil changes and filter changes. Also, make sure to monitor your tire pressure and rotation; all of these minor things can add up to big gas savings if you remember to maintain your vehicle regularly.

There you have it! A quick list of 10 easy ways to start going green today. Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Grace Foster.
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