Eight Ways to Be Green

1. Unplug

Take a few minutes to turn off electrical devices. This can also help save you’re a couple bucks on your electric bill each month. When you are not in a room, turn the lights off or open blinds and allow the natural light from the sun (which is free) light your room.

2. Use less water

Turn your water heater down to 120°. You can wash full loads of laundry in cool water to save on using the water heater. If you have to use hot water, rinse with cold. Skip the bath and instead take a quick shower. If you have to let the shower run to warm up, a great idea to not waste the water is to catch it with a bucket and use it to water flowers later.

3. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

For tips on choosing the right light bulb for you check our www.energystar.gov .

4. Choose Products with Less Packaging

When possible, buy in bulk. Another suggestion is to buy product refills. These are usually a little cheaper too.

5. Buy Organic and Local Foods

Purchasing produce from local markets will conserve fuel, reduce pollution and support our community.

6. Drive Less

The daily car commute of 40 miles round trip can add up to more than $4,000 per year. With gas prices on the rise it makes sense economically to carpool when possible. Also combine errands and make an efficient route plan when possible.

7. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

The following items can be recycled: glass jars, bottles, newspapers, boxes, phone books, white office paper, all aluminum products, steel or tin food containers, and all plastics.
These items cannot be recycled: light bulbs, dishes, Pyrex, crystal and waxes, glued, plastic or foil coated paper.

8. Stop Adding to the Waste

Use a mug instead of a paper of plastic cup.

Simple Ways to Be Green

-Unplug electrical cords when not in use. 40% of electricity for your electronic devices comes when they are not in use.
-Open windows for fresh air instead of running the air-conditioner
-Close the fireplace damper when not in use
-Only wash full loads of dishes and clothing
-Remove lint from the dryer filter after every use
-Cover pots and pans when cooking
-Use filtered tap water instead of bottled water
-Buy nontoxic cleaning products
-Use rechargeable batteries
-Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle
-Use a programmable thermostat and cut your AC bill

Being Green at Work

1. Set computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day.
2. The more you do online, the less paper you need to use.
3. Buy recycled paper.
4. Carpool or bike
5. Bring your lunch to work. This cuts down on waste from takeout.
6. Get your co-worker involved.

Green Cleaning

There are plenty of natural products and methods to keep a house clean and fresh without using toxic products. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean almost anything. Just mix either with a little warm water and you have an all-purpose cleaner.

Keeping your windows open allows the toxins to flow out, especially when you are cleaning.

The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and cleansers do not work better than regular soap and water and should be avoided.

Keep any kind of broad green leaf plant in the house. They are good for filtering interior air.

Take your shoes off! Shoes track in everything you have stepped on throughout the day into your home.

Don’t Forget the Three R’s
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Information gathered from the following websites:
www.green.yahoo.com
www.everydayhealth.com