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Going green is easier than you think. Use these simple tips to go green, one day at a time.
Say No to Paper or Plastic
You don't have to wait till grocery bags are banned. Say no to plastic or paper ones now. Instead, bring your own reusable shopping bags.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Water conservation is easy with a low-flow showerhead. You'll save water, and still maintain good shower pressure. Water is a precious resource, and much of the world is in drought.
Let the Pros Wash Your Car
It may surprise you, but getting a commercial car wash is greener than doing it yourself in your driveway. That's smart water conservation.
Fix That Water Leak
Got a leaky faucet, sink, toilet or plumbing? Fix it, and cut down on waste of water, the precious resource.
Buzzworthy Plants That Attract Bees
There is a wide array of common plants that support honey bees, from annual flowers to popular perennials, garden vegetables, shrubs and even trees.
Reupholster Your Way to Style
Instead of tossing out old and worn furniture, reupholster it to bring new life, and cut down on waste and further resource use.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Hot water accounts for 13% of a typical utility bill, so improving efficiency goes a long way. By insulating your water heater, you'll see a good boost in energy conservation and savings.
Plant a Shade Tree
Spring is a good time to plant many trees, which boost property value and have numerous benefits. Trees boost energy conservation through passive solar cooling.
Try a Great "Green" Nail Polish
More natural alternatives to conventional nail polish are gorgeous and fun, as well as safer for you and the planet. Try corn-, soy- and water-based nail polishes, and avoid pthalates, formaldeheyde and other toxic chemicals.
Mulch Is Magnificent for Trees
Save water and promote healthy trees with a quick sprinkle of wood chips, sawdust or other mulch material.
Put a Cactus in Front of Your Computer
Some research suggests having cacti indoors makes for better health. Some researchers have suggested placing a cactus near a computer, to counter the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields.
Save Gas When You Drive
Because every gallon of gasoline burned produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide, 25 pounds when you count the energy that went into making and distributing it, every gallon really does make a difference.
Offset Your Carbs
Okay, so you've figured out how to Calculate Your Carbon Footprint. And once you've reduced it as much as possible, you can ease your conscience by purchasing CO2 offsets.
Iron Less, but Stay Wrinkle Free
Follow a few simple steps to cut down on your ironing time, while still keeping clothes and other fabrics looking their best. Typical portable irons draw a whopping 1,000 to 1,800 watts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Switch Out Petunias for Tomatoes
Instead of just flowers, discover the joys of edible landscaping. To start organic gardening, consider a one-to-one substitution. For instance, plant a fruit tree instead of a shade tree.
Look for the WaterSense Label
The EPA's WaterSense label for fixtures, toilets and so on promotes water conservation because it denotes high water efficiency. Save water, and therefore money.
Mow Your Grass Long
Mow your grass long. Longer blades discourage weeds and pests, retain moisture and promote healthy roots.
Put in a Small Rain Garden
Homeowners and businesses can stem the tide of polluted runoff threatening our waterways by setting up a simple "rain garden," which is beautiful as well as beneficial. Home water conservation made easy.
Say Nyet to Junk Mail
We use 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water to produce junk mail for just one year. Get off junk mail lists and save paper.
Avoid Antibacterial Products
Most of the plethora of consumer goods with antibacterial properties available these days are unnecessary, and may even contribute to antibiotic-resistant super germs.
Power Shower
Concerned about saving water? Start your day with a power shower.
Fill the Fridge
Help your refrigerator run most efficiently by keeping it full but not overstuffed. That's smart kitchen appliance energy conservation.
Drive 55 (MPH)
On the highway, try not to exceed driving 55 mph, after which your car will burn gas much less efficiently. Your gas mileage and fuel economy will be better if you drive 55 miles per hour.
Pay Bills Online
Here's a very simple way to cut down on energy and paper use, while saving you money on stamps at the same time.
Hang Some Laundry Out to Dry
Why spend good money on artificial laundry products when you can have naturally fresh clothes and linens kissed by the breezes? And save energy and money.
Print Both Sides Now
Sometimes, even the most ardent eco-activist can''t rely on digital-only documents and has to use the printer.
Inflate Your Car's Tires (And Your E-go)
It's really simple: make sure your car tires are inflated to the proper pressure, or you will have decreased fuel economy. Boost that gas mileage.
Choose LCD Over CRT
Instead of a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitor, get a greener, more eye-friendly liquid crystal display (lcds).
Get Green Power Now
It's getting easier all the time to run your home on green energy. More than half of all electricity consumers in the U.S. have the option of purchasing some kind of green power product from their electricity provider.
Walk Up Instead of Drive Thru
When you are picking up food, going to the bank or even filling a prescription, park your vehicle and walk inside instead of using the drive-through. It will cut down on unnecessary fuel use as well as carbon emissions.
Plant an Heirloom
Gorgeous, delicious heirloom plants preserve biodiversity and help counter industrial agriculture. So plant some heirloom vegetables, and get your organic gardening on.
Steam Instead of Dry Clean
Save money, fuel and chemicals by steaming clean your clothes at home. Steam cleaning is greener than taking your clothes to the dry cleaners.
Put On a Sweater
Save money on your utility bills, and reduce your carbon footprint, by turning down your thermostat during heating season. Put on a sweater instead.
Use a Manual Can Opener
Old-fashioned can openers save energy and money, and newer models are ergonomic and easy to use.
Be a Post-Consumer Consumer
By thinking a little about the products you choose, you can promote recycling and make a big difference for the environment.
Insulate Your Pipes
Reduce energy loss and protect pipes from freezing or sweating, which can encourage mold.
Tweak Your Settings Before Hitting Print
To save paper and ink, preview your documents before you print, make sure you have the correct number of copies and destination, and use such handy functions as print selection and print manager.
Turn Off the Tap
Check out these no-brainer suggestions to cut back on water waste around the house. Water conservation is easy, starting with turning off the tap when you brush your teeth.
Reuse Resealable Plastic Bags
By now you've probably heard how important it is to reduce the number of plastic bags that we all take home from stores, but it's also a good idea to keep gently used sandwich bags in service.
Adjust Your Water Heater
It's simple to improve your water heater's energy efficiency, and the money savings can be substantial. Try adjusting the temperature down to 120 degrees or less.
Skip (Unneeded) Photo Doubles
Even with digital photography, people are producing high numbers of glossies.
Use Voice Mail Instead of Answering Machines
Chances are you never thought about it, but opting for voice mail provides several green benefits over traditional answering machines. Voice mail is more energy efficient and produces less e-waste.
Use a Refillable Mug
Cut down on waste, as well as toxic chemicals in the environment, with a reusable mug.
Reuse Paper Bags
Paper bags have scores of useful applications around the house. Get creative!
Download Your Software
It's faster, easier and saves on materials as well as shipping and transportation.
Travel Light
Whether you are jet-setting to Tahiti or driving to your grandma's house in the next county, packing light will cut down on fuel use, as well as wear and tear on luggage.
Get a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Front-loading washing machines use a third less energy, water and detergent than top-loading models. So upgrade today, and make sure you get one that is Energy Star certified.
Recycle Your Inkjet Cartridges
If you've been chucking your inkjet and toner cartridges in the garbage, you're not alone. But recycling cartridges is easy, and saves resources.
Choose Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries save money, as well as valuable resources. An innovative new battery from Moixa Energy, USBCell, makes charging easier than ever: plug them into your computer's USB port.
Buy an Energy Star Refrigerator
Save money on energy bills and reduce emissions with an energy star refrigerator. They are now widely available and cost competitive.
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