Tips on Becoming Eco-Friendly

Not everyone can change their entire living situation to where they use no energy at all. And not everyone can have solar powered homes either. Majority of us, including me, don't want to live without electric, gas, and water, but there are ways to reduce the uses of each of these. Reducing will help our environment in the long run and save on our resources. Just think if the world would reduce, reuse, and recycle, there would be alot less trash in the streets, more energy to last, and a much happier world. And all it takes is just a few simple, easy, everyday steps. Remember, every little bit helps, and everything counts. Make the time to Go Green.

A few of these tips that you can do everyday that take a little to no effort at all, include:

1. Turn off when not in use. Lights, TV, computers, stereos, anything that you can turn off when not using and turn back on when you need to. When you leave the room, turn the lights off. If you are not in there, you don't really have to see in there, right? Watching TV or listening to music is a nice way to pass the time, but don't forget to turn them off when not in use.

2. Use less water. Instead of having the water running the entire time you are brushing your teeth, try turning it on only when you need to rinse and clean your brush. And it's best while washing dishes to fill up the sink with a stopper, add soap, and then soak the dishes. It will help to get the dishes cleaner, it's faster, and you can even fill up the other side of the sink with just water, and use that side to rinse the dishes. Doing both these actions will save gallons and gallons of water.

3. Lowering the temperature of your water heater. If you lower the temperature this will not only save on resources, gas and electric, but it will also save you on your monthly bill. Reduce the temperature to 120 degrees F, or maybe even a little lower. There will still be plenty of hot water for the dishes, laundry, and everyone's baths.

4. Make your own cleaning supplies. There is a non-toxic way to cleaning your house. You can make these supplies all in your own home, and with ingredients that you already have stored in your kitchen. Like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Not only will this save you money and reduce the amount of packaging, but it is a very effective way to getting your home clean. That includes your indoor air quality, which some cleaners can pollute with harmful fumes.

5. Wear a sweater. Instead of cranking up the heat, just try on a sweater. It's comfortable, warm, and will save you on your heating bill. Getting out the winter clothes isn't just for going outside. Most of us don't think to put on an extra layer of clothes when we get cold, we just turn up the heat so we don't get chilly. But turning down the heating system a few degrees can save big on energy and money. And there is several different kinds of sweaters, thin or thick, knit or cotton, you'll be sure to stay warm.

6. Raking rather than blowing. Leaf blowers use energy and are highly polluting. In one year's time this machine can give out as much pollution equal to 80 cars. While raking is a simple task that you can do yourself or share with the family. It's a great way to get exercise and enjoy being outside during the fall season.

7. Shopping for Green. There are plenty of Eco friendly and recycled/recyclable items that you can find at your local stores. They are considered Green Eco-Friendly products for a reason. Just by switching to these from your normal products will be helping the environment.

8. Don't keep the car running. Sometimes you might find yourself in a hurry, already in your car and ready to leave, and then remember you forgot something inside. Instead of leaving the car running while you run inside to retrieve what you needed, turn the car off. There is no guarantee how long you will be inside, or if the car will be stolen while the keys are left in it. And those quick trips to the store for little errands, it's a good idea to turn the car off there too. Cars cause pollution, and the more they are left running, the more it pollutes. Also, smog is not a healthy alternative to air.

9. Walk or ride a bike. Not only are these options great for exercise, but they also save on gas and less pollution. And gas prices can get very high and unpredictable. If using a bike to get to work, chat with your co-workers, and try to make a group thing out of it. The more people out of their cars and into exercising, the better.

10. Recycle. There are several ways you can recycle, and each way will help the environment in a massive way. Instead of throwing away your items, either take them to a recycling center, use them in crafts, or donate them to a charity. There are some stores that have recycling bins out front that you can easily toss your items into. It's convenient while running errands or just passing by.