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When making environmentally conscious lifestyle changes, it is important to take small steps rather than drastic leaps. These small steps will lay the groundwork for success. You can live an eco-friendly lifestyle by choosing some of following ways to go green.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are one of the easiest changes a person can make to go green. Initially the energy efficient light bulbs cost more, but will last 10-15 times longer than regular bulbs. Over time they will save money through efficiency and through lowered energy as well.

Carpooling
Carpooling is one way a person can go green while saving money. This change not only saves on gas consumption, it also helps lower air pollution and improves air quality.

Turn It Off
Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Phantom energy consumers, like cell phone chargers, quietly contribute to our over spending of energy resources. Turn off lights when you leave a room and install strip plugs that will allow you to turn off appliances with the push of a button.

Plastic Bags
Say good-bye to plastic bags and hello to canvas. Even plastic bags that carry the recycle emblem may not be recycled. Less than 10% of plastic bags make it through the process. Throw some canvas bags in your car so you always have grocery bags. Some stores will even offer monetary rewards for bringing your own bags.

Shorter Showers
If you enjoy long showers, simply shorten them in small increments over time. Don't go cold turkey. Like any addiction, water consumption is a hard habit to break. Set a timer and gradually shorten the time of your showers down to ten minutes.

Buy Local and Organic
The benefits of buying from local farmers includes less energy required for shipping and helping your local economy. Because of no middle man, small businesses win. Most small farms are organic, so your health benefits by not being exposed to harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Turn Off the Water
When brushing your teeth or washing your face, turn off the faucet. This can save up to a gallon of water per use. Some women even turn off the shower water while they shave their legs. Now that is commitment and actually has the benefit of allowing lathered legs to stay lathered instead of being rinsed away before you are done.

Eat In
Eating at home is one of the healthiest was to enjoy meals. Menu items tend to be made from healthy ingredients and are not served in frivolous packaging. People tend to eat more slowly at home and are able to throughly enjoy each other's company.

It is important to make changes that can accommodate your lifestyle and that you feel strongly about. Going green is going to be successful if you understand and stand behind the modifications you have made.

Learn more about this author, Vivian Nelson Melle.
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