Ten Ways to Know If You're Eco-Friendly

It really doesn't take a lot of effort to be eco -friendly and as we get better at it we are not only helping the environment we are saving money as well. It may take a little effort at first but it pays in the long run and the benefits outweigh any inconvenience we might experience in the beginning. It isn't rocket science and like any other project, the hardest part is getting started.

The following are 10 examples of how to be eco-friendly.

#1 Using a clothesline rather than a dryer

Weather doesn't always permit the use of a clothesline and a lot of people have no room for one. Then there are those who live in apartments or condos with strict guidelines. Nevertheless, those who are able to put up a clothesline should consider it. Having a clothes line doesn't mean the clothes must be hung out every time. But once it goes up it's always there when it's convenient. Besides, they come in handy for many things like airing out pillows and blankets. Each time it is used to dry laundry rather than using the dryer it helps the environment and eventually pays for itself by saving money on the power bill.

#2 Keeping the car maintained

Regular tune ups produce better performance which allows better gas mileage and thus saves energy. Having regular tune ups will also extend the life of the car, even older models.

#3 Turning off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use

Many of us are guilty of leaving lights on when not needed. Indoor lights are usually left on due to habit but habits can be reversed. Outdoor lights are easily set to a timer. Computers are often left on for convenience so if turning off the computer is simply not an option, use a screen saver to conserve energy. Fans are often left running unnecessarily. These are certainly necessary but shouldn't be allowed to run longer than needed.

#4 Using cold or warm water rather than hot when possible

In most cases, hot water is not necessary when doing the laundry. There are a number of cold water detergents available on the market today but frankly speaking, all laundry detergents work in cold water. If hot water must be used for washing clothes, use cold for the rinse cycle. Every little bit helps and it really does reflect on the power bill.

#5 Walking or riding a bike instead of driving when convenient

Walking is considered a form of aerobic exercise which is heart-healthy and good for all over circulation. Bike riding is also a good form of exercise. Therefore, weather permitting, rather than take the car, walk or bike to places close by.

#6 Conserving water in the shower and installing low-flow toilets and shower heads

Several gallons of water are wasted daily during showers. Most of this water can be saved by simply turning the water off while bathing. Installing a low-flow shower head saves an incredible amount of water without sacrificing a lot of water pressure. They are designed to maximize pressure while using less water and are relatively inexpensive.

Older toilets use far more water than is usually necessary. Of course, ripping out a perfectly good toilet and replacing it with a low-flow toilet is a bit silly, but when it comes time to replace it, low-flow is the way to go.

#7 Using environmentally safe products

There are a number of eco -friendly products on the market today which are completely safe for the environment. Look for labels that say "green" or "environmentally safe" which contain natural ingredients.

#8 Buying used items when possible

Thrift stores such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill have clothes of all shapes, sizes and styles which cost only a fraction of what they cost new. Some people buy clothes without trying them on and are disappointed when they get them home. Rather than return them to the store they donate them. Some of these clothes still have original tags on them. Buying used items saves energy required to produce new products such as furniture, dishes, pots and pans, books and more. Many of these items are found in thrift stores and the quality is often comparable to new.

#9 Recycling

When it comes to being eco -friendly, recycling is one of the best things one can do to help preserve and protect the environment. Nearly 50 million newspapers end up in landfills daily. Aluminum cans remain in landfills for more than 200 years. Recycling can reduce the size of your garbage by more than half which goes a long way toward reducing our landfills.

#10 Saving rainwater and pot liquor for gardening and plants

Rain catchers are an absolutely necessity in areas prone to severe drought. Gutter pipes can be adjusted to direct runoff into containers for storage. Also, fifty-gallon drums make good rain catchers when cut in half.

Pot liquor is a term used for water that is left after boiling vegetables. This liquid contains vitamins and minerals which can be used in soups and stews or poured over bread or biscuits. Some people let it cool and drink it. This nutritious liquid also makes excellent plant food as long as it contains no salt.

In conclusion, we should endeavor to be more eco -friendly for the sake of the environment. Getting started is the hardest part but it truly pays off in the long run. Considering the severe climate changes the world has been experiencing along with so many dire predictions, we should begin learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle.