You have probably heard it said before that little changes can make a big impact. One area where that statement is absolute fact is in environmental awareness. Today you hear terms like, ‘going green’ or becoming ‘eco-friendly’ and while they may seem large scale to you, there are many ways you and your family can help the environment with minimal effort that is sure to go a long way. The following are some great how-to tips for getting started.
One relatively easy way which is turning out to be quite chic, is to carry a reusable sack when you go grocery shopping and opt out of both plastic and paper selections. Purchase organic items at the grocery store. The term ‘organic,’ which used to seem eclectic and maybe even downright weird to some, has become the norm in our generation, as well it should. You can purchase anything from fruit, to vegetables, to cheese that is organic and not only will you be helping the environment, you will also be ridding the chance of pesticide residue going into your food..
Also when shopping, search for places that cater to environmentally friendly choices, either by specifically offering items that are good for the environment or by donating a percentage of their purchases to environmentally friendly activities or causes. If you do a little research, you will be surprised at just how easy these places are to find.
Driving less can be done as well. You can car pool to work, car pool with other parents for children’s activities, go to parties or shopping together, etc. You can also choose, if it is a possibility, to walk to places you need to go, or ride a bicycle. All of these will help to cut down on fuel emissions from automobiles.
Recycle, recycle, recycle. The most common answer people give when asked why they don’t recycle is that it takes too much time. Well, how much time does it really take to put paper, plastic or glass items in a different container than the garbage can? All it takes is a little effort to make the change and get used to it. In no time at all it will seem natural. There are some states who promote recycling by offering recycle bins that are put at the side of the road, much like garbage pickup, only they are taken in to be recycled. In other states you take your recycling to area pick-up spots. Either way, it really is not that much effort and you will be doing something little that will contribute to something very big.
If the weather permits, why not hang clothes out on the line instead of putting them in the dryer?
When packing school or work lunches, use non-breakable containers that can be used again and ditch items that use a lot of waste in their packaging materials (such as juice boxes, plastic trays, cellophane, etc.).
Turn the temperature up two degrees during the summer and down two degrees during the winter. The emissions saved by doing such a simple task can be quite significant. You can also purchase programmable thermostats if you choose to
If you have appliances, chargers or items plugged into outlets that are not being used, unplug them.
Changing your lightbulbs out for energy saving florescent ones is an easy and great idea. Finding out if you can get power from a renewable source is even better.
Use cleaners around your house or business that are natural and not full of toxic chemicals.
Start a program at your work, organization, or child’s school that helps people to focus on the importance of making environmentally friendly changes. Chances are that once people are aware of how easy it is to make a difference, they will make the slight effort it takes to do their part. If you have monthly meetings to incorporate new ideas or offer encouragement for what is being done and brainstorming for new ideas to try, it will help cement the ‘going green’ attitude even more. You might even want to make these meetings fun and enticing by introducing activities, sweepstakes, raffles, etc. into the mix.
Doing your part to help the environment be a better place for us now, in the future, and even more importantly in the next generation and past can be relatively easy and once you start, ideas just proliferate making your contributions even that much more significant. So, take a tip from the list, come up with one of your own, or take an idea from someone else you have seen behaving in a positive way towards the environment and jump on the green bandwagon. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
