What Does "Go Green" Mean?

To "go green" does not imply jealousy or envy. To go green does not imply being grumpy like Oscar the Grouch. To go green does not imply to date only folks whom are Irish. It does not even mean to take a leap of faith and begin kissing all the Kermits in the world.

To "go green" means take care of where you live- Earth. Is that defined as chaining yourself to a tree in front of an impending massive bulldozer? No. Is it defined as using only products not tested on animals? No, again.

Going green means having the three R's become a part of your life. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In my home we have even added a fourth R- Research.

Reduce: watch what you waste. Are you all about convenience and little about preparation? Can you not see in it you to make even minute changes? You can? Then reduce the amount of wasted convenience you encounter every day. Go to Starbucks daily? Bring your own coffee mug rather than get a paper one daily. Drink several bottled waters a day? Rather than toss them out when empty, refill them for the next day. Reduce the amount of trash tossed out each month by adding a compost heap in your back yard. No back yard? Reduce the amount of trash by making sure items being tossed are trash.

This leads us to the second R: Reuse. Is there a second use out of that plastic water bottle? Yes. Is there a second use for that plastic bag from Wal Mart? Yes. As a cat litter filler or a small trash can bag. Even as packaging filler when mailing packages. Those empty glass pasta sauce jars can be created into candles. They can be decorated and dressed up to be pencil holders. Or filled with cocoa and presented as gifts.

The third R: Recycle is, of course, my favorite as we can see the difference immediately. If it is plastic, paper or cardboard, do not throw into the trash. Place in the recycle bin. Most major cities provide recycle bins to homeowners. If you do reside in a town that does not provide the convenient curbside service, reuse two or three trash cans in your garage and begin tossing plastic, aluminum cans, paper and cardboard in respective bins. Once a month take a trip to the recycling center and drop them off. Some centers will even pay for aluminum cans. Children can earn extra money this way.

The fourth R: Research. Get background data on companies before you begin to purchase products from them. Research alternate ways to reuse and recycle. The internet is a friend to a greenie! So many different ways exist to go green.

Do you really need that gas guzzling SUV? Of course, you do. But are there ways to ensure that is has the best mileage it is capable of having? Of course! Make sure to care for it properly. Keep it tuned up and with good tires.

Do you really need to drive a hundred miles a day? Really? Maybe there is a way to reduce the mileage amount by even a fraction.

Do you run your dishwasher at half full? Wait. Rinse off the dirty plates and wait until the next meal to run a full load. You are helping the environment that way.

Do you let the water run whilst you are brushing your teeth? Stop. That alone can save hundreds of gallons of water if everyone in your family ceases this one action. (It truly is a waste.)

Take baby steps in going green and soon you will be leaping and bounding to go green when you realize how simple it is to take the extra steps.