by Jessica Steele

Created on: November 11, 2010   Last Updated: January 19, 2011

In today’s society of waste and over-indulgence, every little step we take in being more environmentally conscience is a step in the right direction. Technology being what it is today; going green is simply a matter of introducing small habits into your life. Introduce them slowly, so as not to overwhelm yourself. People are creatures of habit, and trying to change all of your habits at once will most likely lead to failure. It is best to introduce one new habit at a time and stick with it until it’s a habit that you perform without thinking about it, then add another. The simple ways in which we can change our daily habits are vastly numerous.

Water and energy conservation are obvious ones, so let's talk about those for a minute. Do you run the water when brushing your teeth, or when doing dishes? Turn the running water off until you actually need it. The same concept holds true with dishes. Do you run the water the entire time you wash? Turn the water off till you have a sinkful of dishes to rinse.  Does your faucet or tap drip? These are usually fairly inexpensive repairs that require little time and energy. Do you use bottled water? These consume plastic as well. Invest in a water purifier for your tap and a good recyclable water bottle.

Energy conservation is a huge factor in going green. How many times a day do you walk through the house and notice that every light is on and two people are home? Flip the switch. Turn off electronics when no one is utilizing them. Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffeemakers to conserve energy when not in use. If you have the resources to invest in solar power, you may find it actually pays you a monthly income in energy sold back to the power company. A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to regulate your household’s energy by adjusting the temperature for you at certain times of the day, but it is just as effective to turn your heat or air conditioning down when you go to bed or leave the house. You could also turn the heat down a notch when you are home, and put on a sweater and some slippers.

We as humans generate trash of ridiculous proportions! If you do just five minutes research on this subject you will be dumbfounded. Simple actions like buying a reusable water bottle and using Tupperware instead of disposable plastic baggies are simple steps you can take. Re-usable grocery bags are everywhere these days, for a nominal price, or you could find any bag you have lying around

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