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When a family decides to "go green," they are making a conscious decision to live their lives while lessoning the physical impact they have on the world and maybe save a little cash.

You don't have to torture your family to go green. Every little bit helps. Try some of these simple things.

1. Shut of lights and other electrical appliances when you're not using them. It saves on the power bill. Replacing light bulbs and appliances when they wear out with energy efficient ones also helps a great deal.

2. Close your curtains and doors during the summer and open them in the winter. This keeps the heat out in the summer and allows in light and warmth from the sun in the winter.

3. Plant trees on the south side of your home. Not only do the trees help with pollution and give your family a great place to relax and play, it keeps the sun off the house in the summer. In the winter, it will have lost its leaves allowing the sun to warm and light your home.

4. Recycle, but save items such as plastic containers, egg cartons, and toilet paper rolls. Schools and daycares are always happy to have these items for various crafts and projects.

5. Plant grass and gardens that are appropriate for your area. If you live in an area susceptible to drought plant species that thrive in that area. It saves water, cost, and time not to mention that you will be much happier with a yard of thriving plants.

6. Stay away from chemicals and pesticides. Household items such as vinegar, lemon juice, cola, and baking soda often work better than their commercial counterparts at a reduced cost. They are also much healthier for your family.

Keep in mind that your children and neighborhood are watching. Most people learn from example and the longer and more widespread these simple practices become the faster they become a normal way of life. Sit down with your family and brainstorm. Often you kids have heard or observed things that we often miss in our busy lives. If you are going to the corner store for an ice cream, it would be healthier and more fun to walk. My son loves to see the earth worms and how things change in our new compost heap. The most important thing to remember about going green is to make it fun or interesting and implement things gradually. If you make it more like a chore, your family is less likely to stick with it.

Learn more about this author, Angie Haggstrom.
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