Going Slightly Green

Going Green can seem oh so complicated; but what if you just went slightly Green instead. Isn't that far better than doing nothing at all? Green advocates make going Green sound so easy. Reduce your garbage. Reuse what you have. Recycle instead of throwing away.

Those Green tasks sound simple enough, but there's so much more to it. Going Green can overwhelm you. Going slightly Green is a simpler idea; and when you help save the Earth's resources one Green baby step at a time, you might actually want to do more.

First understand why living slightly Green is important

Older adults never studied going Green in school; but younger generations are learning Green habits even in elementary school classrooms. There are Green living books for children of all ages. School fundraisers are going Green, as well. They're earning money by recycling paper and working with resources like Terracycle.net. Children have a lot to teach you about living Green. Just ask. If you're too embarrassed to ask a child, explore these links to learn a few Green facts on your own.

Scientists have verified what our non-Green habits are doing to our Earth. This EPA link explores the science of climate change.

There is a connection between emissions, greenhouse gases and climate change. Emissions from cars and factories and even cows increase the greenhouse effect that raises the earth's temperature. Learn more at this EPA emissions link.

The Polar ice caps are melting. Global waters are rising. Click this EPA climate change link for information.

There's a lot of talk about UV rays causing an increase in skin cancer. It's true. See this EPA uv-radiation link to learn more.

To understand why plastic is a problem, check out Greatgarbagepatch.org.

Why use energy saving bulbs? They use less energy. As power plants produce more energy they release greenhouse emissions into the air. Have a light bulb moment at Energystar.gov.

Now that you know a little more, get slightly Green

You don't have to do everything Green, but do something. Here are a few ideas to help you go slightly Green:

Cut back on unnecessary plastic

-Instead of plastic bags, buy reusable shopping bags and use them.

-If you must use plastic, try corn-based biodegradable "plastic" products instead of chemically based plastic.

-Instead of buying water bottled in plastic, filter your water and carry it in a reusable container.

-Try using cloth diapers instead of disposables with plastic outer shells.

-Use your commuter mug for coffee purchases instead of a Styrofoam cup.

Minimize your driving

-Try public transportation.

-Walk if your destination is close enough.

-Combine trips instead of going back and forth.

-Car pool with neighbors.

-Start a garden to save on the emissions of trucks delivering food to your grocer.

-Let your teenagers walk for a change

-Buy a Hybrid or electric car if you can afford it.

-Stay home.

Recycle whatever you can.

-Pass it on. Someone else might need what you throw away.

-Donate it. Used item outlets like Goodwill put people to work reselling your cast offs.

-Take it to a recycling center. You might make a little bit of money.

-Ship it to Terracycle.net. They can make new items out of your old garbage

-Compost organic wastes for your garden.

-Upcycle old things into new things to make great jewelry, clothing and art.

-Use a curbside recycling bin.

-See if your grocer has a Bag 2 Bag plastic bag recycling program

Save Energy

-Unplug unused appliances

-Use energy saving bulbs

-Buy energy saving appliances

-Add solar panels to your home

-Insulate your home to save heat.

Make a decision and get slightly Green

You know you'll never compost your coffee grounds, add solar panels to your home or take yourself off the electrical grid like Ed Begley, Jr. You may never go all the way Green; but you can do Green in a small way. Go slightly Green by committing yourself to one Green lifestyle change. That one change could lead to a whole new Green life.

Source:
http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/index.html)
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/coastal/index.html
http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/climatechange/uv-radiation.htm
www.greatgarbagepatch.org/
http://www.terracycle.net/
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=LB