Go Green and Save Green – Few suggestions:

Go Green and Save Green – Few suggestions:

To go green and save green is nothing but ways to live lightly on the Earth and at the same time, save money. Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone is interested to think about going green. It is good news. As discussed earlier, many of the steps can be taken to stop climate change that can make our lives better. Younger generation would thank us for living more sustainable way. We should start making positive action now. Followings are few steps discussed:

1. Save energy to save money –

(a) Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

(b) Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

(c) Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts unnecessary energy use.

(d) Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

(e) Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

2. Save water to save money –

(a) Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

(b) Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

(c) Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

(d) Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

3. Less gas consumption is more money (and better health!) –

(a) Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

(b) Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.

(c) Try to convince your local authority to create sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

4. Eat smart –

(a) If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

(b) Try to buy locally raised organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

(c) Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood.

5. Skip the bottled water –

(a) Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

(b) Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

6. Think before you buy (better to buy reusable articles) –

(a) Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products as far as possible.

(b) Check out garage sales, thrift stores and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

7. Borrow instead of buying –

(a) Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

(b) Share power tools and other appliances.

8. Buy smart –

(a) Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

(b) Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

(c) Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (i.e., less waste generation).

9. Keep electronics out of the trash –

(a) Keep and use your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

(b) Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. Electronic waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

(c) Recycle your cell phone.

(d) Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

10. Make your own cleaning supplies –

(a) Try to learn to make non-toxic cleaning products Tips are available in internet. Whenever you need them try to prepare for your own. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

(b) Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging etc. Your indoor air quality also improves.

11. Stay informed about going green –

(a) Lots of information in internet of environment journals is available regarding ways to go green. Try to follow them.

(b) Inform others on ways to go and keep green. Sharing information on environment issues with neighbors and colleagues are good habit in order promote saving our Earth from deterioration.