So You Want to Start Going Green? Tips to Get You Started

Going green can seem like an intimidating and difficult task. It may seem very overwhelming at times and you might question whether or not it's really worth it. But let me assure you, it is. Going green means you are making a choice to help the environment, not just for the time you are living it in, but also for the future generations to come.

There are many, many things you can do to go green. There are little and big things alike. But starting small and working your way up is always the best way to start and also the easiest. You could buy some canvas bags and outlaw plastic. This is easy and simple. It's also very good for the environment. Many people are starting to use the reusable canvas bags versus plastic or paper when shopping. You'll find these bags for sale at most grocery stores and even at some major discount shopping stores.

Another way to go green, gently, is to buy and use energy saving light bulbs. According to energy star, "If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars." If this isn't enough motivation to buy an energy saving light bulb, than I am not sure what is. These light bulbs are readily available and probably one of the most simple ways to go green. Initially they cost a bit more, but in the long run they save you money through efficiency and energy use and they last years longer than the old energy eating light bulbs.

When it's not absolutely necessary, turn off your lights. Turning off your lights saves energy and it also saves you money. Open up your blinds and curtains to let the natural light in. Not only is natural light good for you, it's a free way to light your home.

Make sure you are unplugging all and any appliances when they aren't in use. They do consume energy even when they are plugged in and turned off. If your toaster is plugged in and not in use, it's using energy. Unplug that toaster and start going green. You'll find your bills will start shrinking and you'll feel better knowing that you are using less energy and going green!

If you and a coworker live close by, why not carpool? This is another great way to go green. Carpooling is a great way to, not only share each others company, but to go green. You are saving gallons of gas by carpooling and getting a free ride to work (when it's not your turn to drive). If you live close enough to work or wherever you are traveling to, why not walk? Walking is also a great way to stay healthy and get into shape. You could also ride a bike. There are so many positive benefits to going green, both for the earth and for our bodies.

You could grow a garden. Growing a garden just takes a small bit of room and you can grow what you like and what you will use. You can freeze what you can't use for use later or you could give your fresh vegetables or fruits away to friends and neighbors. It's another little thing you can do to go green and also stay healthy at the same time.

There are so many little things you can do to go green. You don't have to spend a ton of money to do it either. You don't need to go out and buy an electric car or go solar powered. You don't have to live without electricity or without modern conveniences. You can start by doing little things. If we all took the time to do little things, it would add up to be a great amount. Start going green and making a difference today. You'll not only feel better for protecting the earth, you'll also find you are saving money and getting healthier at the same time.