Living Green: Everyone Can Do It!

Everyday we hear about the dangers of global warming, but the problem seems so big we may wonder what we can do. For many people the answer is in “living green.” But what does that mean?

Most basically it means living in a way that your impact on the environment is as minimal – and as positive – as possible. This means hundreds of small and big changes in our daily lives. It can mean driving less to reduce pollution that contributes to global warming. Or using a more fuel-efficient car, carpooling, riding a bike, or even walking. It can mean recycling, so there’s less waste in the landfills or that ends up in our oceans. It can mean building new homes using recycled materials and solar panels.

But many people are dependent on their cars to get to work and cannot afford to buy a new Prius or hybrid (car that runs partially on electricity and uses less fuel). In fact, you don’t have to own a house or a car to go green.

Here are some more simple things we can all do:

• Reduce -- Use re-usable products instead of disposable ones. One example is to use a refillable water bottle instead of buying bottled water in plastic bottles. (Plus there’s evidence that plastic is bad for your health.) Or bring a canvas bag with you to the market so you don’t have to use plastic bags.
• Recycle -- bottles, cans and plastics as much as possible.
• Reuse – containers and plastic bags when possible.
• If you must drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. Every gallon of gas you save keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
• Turn off the lights or the TV when you’re not watching. It saves electricity and reduces global warming.
• Buy local. According to the National Resources Defense Council, “most produce grown in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before it gets sold. Trucking, shipping and flying in food from around the country and the globe takes a toll on the environment.”

If we all do our part it can add up to a global change for a cooler planet.

Here's a few sources for more ideas:

National Resources Defense Council

Green Living

The Green Guide