124 of 319

Write now Article Tools

Go Green or Go Home!

I think I'm like most people in this country, I want to help out and make the world a better place and yet, I just don't know where to startI thought I would do some research on easy ways to transform my lifestyle into a green machine. I found that it's not really hard that hard to be eco-friendly and still have the conveniences you love.

Save some green on energy - The easiest thing that I did was change my light bulbs over to compact fluorescent lights bulbs of CFLs. They are slightly more expensive than regular light bulbs but, my electric bill is much less and the CFLs last about 10 times longer! So, even though I initially spent more I won't be buying light bulbs for a long time! Another great way to cut energy costs is to install timers and dimmer switches on your lights. You can even install them on your outdoor fixtures. The timers have been wonderful! I hate walking into a dark house and now I don't have too; I wish I would have thought of this sooner.

It ain't easy being green thumbs that is. I have never had a green thumb but, adding some indoor plants to your home is a super easy way to get rid of indoor pollutants. If you happen to be like me and have no talent growing things peace lilies, they are pretty easy to grow, don't require much maintenance and they are beautiful to look at.

Adjust your attitude - Adjust fridge and freezer temperatures Refrigerators are the biggest energy zappers in your household and if you keep the fridge at 37 degrees F and the freezer at 0 degrees F you will maximize their efficiency

Get Rid of your dinosaur That big old desktop computer is just zapping energy from your home. Upgrade it and get a sleek laptop instead. I'm sure you really needed an excuse to get a new computer. Laptops don't require nearly as much energy as the computer and they are so much more convenient. You knew you could be green and have convenience,

The Wheels on the bus go round and round - You can also try carpooling or maybe your company would let you telecommute.

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold! - Buying used items and selling your old stuff is a great way to recycle and cut down on the amount of trash in landfills. Checkout sites like www.craigslist.com

Have a "Homespun Holiday" - This holiday season maybe try giving out homemade gifts or you could make donations to charities you support.

Kick that bad habit Drinking bottled water is all the rage and while I think it's great that people are consuming a lot more water they are also consuming millions of water bottles. Install a water filter and drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water. Those water bottles are filling up landfills and we need to do something about it!

Clean it up in the bathroom - Did you know that a family of four can save 280 gallons of water a month by using low flow shower heads? There really isn't much difference in water pressure either. If you're feeling really gutsy you could install a solar hot water heater on your property too!

6 degrees of Separation - Change the thermostat in your house a couple degrees cooler in the winter and a few degrees warmer in the summer can really add up throughout the year.

Be Charitable - Recycle your old cell phone and donate it to a worthwhile charity. I know in my city The Ronald McDonald house collects old cell phones.

Get a Green Machine - And last but not least purchase a hybrid vehicle.

I hope that you and your family can incorporate some of these ideas into your daily lives. If everyone just makes a few minor changes it would have a HUGE impact on the environment.

Learn more about this author, Tessa Parker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Easy ways your family can "go green"?
We want to hear your view. Write now!