If you’re looking to do your part to save the world, then going green can be just the answer. Giving your home an environmentally friendly update is the perfect start for you and future generations to live a healthy and happy life. By making small changes (or even some big) you will be making a difference one step at a time. So let’s make the best out of this planet we live on and go green with these ten simple and helpful ways.
Carpool
If you drive to work or are going to an event, look into or start up a carpool. Gather up the local parents on the kids’ teams to make a carpool for practices and games. The fewer cars on the road will decrease the amount of gas and fumes going into the air that we all breathe. Plus, it’ll make for less traffic on the road! You’re killing two birds with one stone on this one.
Go Hybrid
If you’re in the market for a new car, look into a hybrid option. Hybrid cars are now far from concept cars and are great options whether you’re looking for generic or luxury. Or, if you’re not looking for a new car but are planning on a road trip, rent a hybrid car rather than the gas-guzzler.
Switch Your Bulbs
If you haven’t done so already, switch out all of the light bulbs in your house from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use 66% less energy than the old incandescent ones and can last up to thirteen times longer.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
We can’t say it enough! Recycling your paper, cans, and bottles makes a huge difference to our planet. By simply throwing these items in the blue trashcan, you can help save water, trees, and oil throughout the world. Plus, if you take them to a recycling center, you can make a little extra cash!
Rechargeable Batteries
If you’re constantly changing out batteries in your house, such as in your remotes, opt for some rechargeable batteries. This switch reduces waste and energy that is used to manufacture the new product every day. But, make sure you aren’t just throwing out your old batteries in the trash! These batteries can leak and contaminate our drinking water with lead and metal. Make sure you take them to a disposal place such as a recycling center or a store that accepts them such as Staples.
Reusable Water Bottles
Instead of buying bottled water every week at the store, invest in one nice reusable water bottle. By simply refilling your new water bottle daily instead of grabbing a new plastic bottle every time you drink, you will be saving the environment that much more.
Bring Your Own Cup
Just like your new reusable water bottle, you can do the same for your coffee. Think about the amount of times you may go to Starbucks for a cup of coffee or tea. The amount of paper cups you go through can be an outstanding number and contribute to the waste that our planet contains. Invest in a reusable travel mug to have them fill up at the coffee shop instead of another paper cup that’ll go to waste. Some places may even give you a discount if you bring your own cup.
Lights Off
Turn the lights off. It sounds so simple, right? Think of all of the wasted energy being used by lights being left on when you are not in the room. By simply turning the light off as you leave the room, you can save energy for our planet and reduce your electric bill.
Go Outside
This one goes for you and the kids. We encourage you to go outside and enjoy what there is outside of your home. This means get off of your phone or computer and go for a walk or hike. The least amount of energy you are using by charging your phone or laptop, the better. As for your kids, take them outside and play in the playground or start up a game of baseball. For one, these things are free compared to all of the video games and gadgets. Secondly, a little exercise is great for you and the kids.
Set Your Thermostat
If you are leaving the house for the day or night, turn off your air conditioner or heater while you are gone. There is no need to waste energy or money while you aren’t even in the house. Please note that if you do have pets, set your thermostat to 78 degrees if you are leaving them in the house.
Posted in Replenish Your Purpose and tagged