10 Easy Ways to Go Green

We can thank some pioneers in the environmentalist movement for raising the awareness, but what does the average person do now?

Starting to "go green" can seem a bit daunting if you're new to it. Some areas of this country aren't completely on board yet, so it can be a bit difficult. But, anyone can start with just a few simple changes. Here are 10 easy ways to green up your life.

1. Change your lightbulbs. Instead of using standard light bulbs, change them out for the compact fluorescent bulbs. They last longer and use less energy. Not only are they good for the environment, they are good for your wallet.

2. Don't buy products that are individually wrapped. Those little juice boxes are so convenient for your little ones, but so bad for the environment. Why not buy the large bottles and fill their sippy cups instead?

3. Buy products with recycled packaging. More and more companies are doing it these days, so it makes this one much easier. Check for the recycle symbol. Everyone has heard by now the buzz about going green. It has taken many years, but I think we are all starting to understand the importance of it. It's not just the latest trend or another fad, this is the future of our world. n the package.

4. Don't use plastic utensils. Try to keep a set of "real" utensils (the non-disposable kind) with you or where you normally eat. Your locker, car, purse or briefcase are all good places. A little soap and water and you've got clean utensils again, plus you've kept more plastic out of the landfills.

5. Walk instead of drive whenever possible. For shorter distances, it just makes more sense to walk. You save the gas, the wear and tear on your vehicle, plus you eliminate emissions in the environment. It makes for a good workout, too.

6. Create a compost pile. If you have a yard, this is a great way to eliminate more garbage from your home to the landfill. Find an out of the way spot in your yard. Every day, take your kitchen scraps (egg shells, fruits or veggies, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc) and put them in your compost pile. You'll need to mix them in with some dirt. Keep adding to it, and every week or so you'll need to turn the pile. Just take a shovel and dig in to get more air to the pile as it decomposes. Within weeks you will have a wonderful, rich compost to put in your gardens and flowerbeds, that otherwise would have been in the landfill.

7. Buy organic and grow organic. Organic fruits and veggies are grown without the use of chemicals - no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The reason to go organic is two-fold. First, it is not good for you. The chemicals build up in your liver and can cause many toxic conditions. Second, it is not good for the environment. When it is used on plants, it is leeched from the plants into the soil, and as a result, into the water system. As a general rule of thumb, if you don't want it on your food or your lawn.

8. Conserve water. It's better for your budget and the environment. Try turning the faucet off when you brush your teeth instead of letting in run. Take showers instead of baths. Don't take 30 minute showers, either. This is just as wasteful. Save rainwater when you can to water your garden.

9. Conserve energy. This is easily done. Caulk around windows in your home. Make sure there is proper weatherstripping around your doors. Keep your thermostat at a constant level. This can give you big savings on your energy bills, too.

10. Recycle. Items that can be recycled include plastic bottles, plastic bags, paper, aluminum, and other metals, just to name a few. A lot of cities have curbside pickup for these. Others, like mine, have drop off centers that your can bring them to. If your community doesn't have one, urge your city council to implement one.