When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Green

What Everyone Can Do to Help

We are not powerless. Even though we have wasted time in which we should have been making huge strides, we can still make a difference. Although some of our tips are harder to accomplish, like installing solar panels onto the roof of your house if you're a teenager living with your parents, there are certain things that can be done only by YOU as an individual. When we add up all these small efforts together, they will make a huge difference. Here are some steps that ANYBODY can put into their lifestyle and follow every single day:

25 Easy Ways to Help the Environment:

 

  1. Use light from windows (natural light) as opposed to artificial light.
  2. Always turn off lights when you're not using them.
  3. When you're not using an outlet, unplug the wire. This will use less energy AND lower your electricity bill.
  4. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible, which will save the energy needed to heat water.
  5. Use energy only when you NEED to. Try to open a window or stay in cooler rooms.
  6. Car pool or just stay away from driving: walk or bike to school/work.
  7. Plant a garden.
  8. Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of the dryer.
  9. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer.
  10. Shorten your shower by one to two minutes each day.
  11. Make sure sink knobs are fully tightened after running tap water.
  12. Don't start the dishwasher until it is completely filled. Same goes for the washing machine-wait until it's completely filled with laundry.
  13. Keep a pitcher of water with ice in your fridge instead of running tap water everyday until it gets cold.
  14. When rinsing fruits and veggies, rinse them in a small bowl or container with water, instead of running tap water over them.
  15. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth/shaving.
  16. Instead of taking a bath, take a shower.
  17. Reuse your towel two to three nights in a row before replacing.
  18. Reduce your flushes per day.
  19. Reuse water for rinsing fruits and veggies by using it to water your plants and lawn.
  20. Collect rainwater in a bucket.
  21. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
  22. Report open hydrants.
  23. Never water when it is windy.
  24. Eat green: become a locavore, cut your meat consumption in half, shop at the local farmer's market, and try to grow a portion of your own food on your own. 
  25. Educate your community, your families, your friends, your colleagues: EVERYONE. Make sure to spread the word, the first step to seeing a huge change and a brighter future for our only home: earth. 

 

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