How to Live Green For Real

Although we all may not have lots of money to spend on organic products at Whole Foods or to retrofit our homes with solar panels, there are some small things that even those on a tight budget can do to reduce energy output and make the world a healthier place to live.

Turn it Off

Even if you have an energy-saving computer, printer and light bulbs, more energy and money can be saved when unused machinery and lights are turned off. Whenever you leave a room, turn the lights off, especially if you are not going to return for several hours. Also, turn the computer and printer off when you are through using them. Follow this same rule for all other appliances.

Recycle Everything-or At Least as Much as Possible

Recycling is not just about placing newspapers in the recycling bin in your apartment complex or an empty soda can in the recycling container at work. Giving old clothing away to a charity, a family member, friend or neighbor is another good form of recycling. Investigate where other items may be recycled as well. Glasses may be can be recycled at local places like libraries, in an effort to support the Lion's Club. Athletic shoes stores may take old tennis shoes to give to those in need. Plato's Closet is a national retailer that sells used clothing and shoes. What's more, you get money back from the donations you give them, as long as the clothing is in good condition and is somewhat trendy.

Drive Responsibly

When driving accomplish all of your errands on the same trip. It has been shown that cars are more energy efficient when their engines are warm. This means that going to the grocery store, a friend's house, and the mall is a better use of energy than doing each errand on a separate day.

According to Ecodrivingusa.com, you should drive the speed limit or and go no more than 60 mph on the highway. Eco-driving has become popular in Europe, and is becoming increasingly supported here in the U.S. Driving this way, saves money by reducing the amount of fuel you are burning, therefore, making it last longer in your car. (It also saves you money by eliminating your chances of getting a speeding ticket.)

Buy Responsibly

Whenever possible, buy locally produced foods. This helps the environment since the amount of energy that it took to get that food to market is less than if it had been shipped across the country or from around the world, as indicated by Sustainabletable.org. This is because the transportation costs, including the amount of fuel burned and the preservatives that may have been used on the product to keep it fresh, are most likely going to be low for a product that only had to be shipped in state, as opposed to one shipped from farther away.

Another green thing to buy are re-usable shopping bags. These can be purchased at many major retailers like Kroger, Walgreens and CVS. The bags usually cost about a dollar and can be used to carry groceries in place of the plastic bags often used. Though recyclable, plastic bags may easily enter the environment where they do not break down. Furthermore, they can endanger the wildlife which often get tangled up in them.

Constantly Learn

By watching the news for new green living tips, you can further reduce your negative impact on the environment.

Perhaps now more than ever it is important to be more thoughtful as a society about the resources we use. One ancient Native American proverb helps to articulate the paradigm shift that the Green Movement is instilling.

"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children."