Going Green?

Okay, so I went to Borders and picked up some books and when I was at the check out waiting to… check out…. I saw this bag (tote) for only $1.99. I took a closer look and noticed that it was made out of 80% recycled products and that if I used it every time I came to Borders, then it would save at least a little in the plastic I could have gotten for my books to go in. 

Conserving as many resources as possible is a good way to help our planet. Do I honestly think I, all by myself, will be able to make a huge dent? No, but if I get five people to join in this cause that so many others have taken upon themselves… and then get those five people to get five more people to do it… This could really get big.

So, I’m going to ask those that are reading this… who follow me… Go green. Buy those green totes at the grocery store and use them from now on. Take a tote with you when you go buy books or other non-organic materials, even if it’s at Staples or Best Buy. Take a tote. And when people see you using your tote and ask you about it… spread the “going green” love. 

But, this is just one small act we can do and there are other things that will help us not only go green, but save money! And I don’t know a person who doesn’t like to save money. :)

Just look at the following list and start using some of these easy and efficient ways of going green and putting a little more money into your pockets:

1. Keep your A/C at 75 or 76 degrees during the summer and your heat at 71 or 72 degrees in the winter. You might have to wear a sweater inside during the winter, but it will pay off in costs.

2. Buy rechargeable batteries, install compact fluorescent light bulbs when your old ones burn out, and unplug all appliances when you’re not using them.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water when possible. I wash all of my clothes in cold water already and use one of Tide’s Coldwater liquid detergents. Just heating up the water is where 80% of the energy costs are going in terms of washing your clothes.

4. Plant drought-tolerant native plants. The types of plants you don’t have to water that much, if at all. This way you still plant things, but without having to water them all the time.

5. When buying food, try to buy organic or locally grown produce. Buying from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

6. Skip the bottled water. I cannot say this enough. SKIP BOTTLED WATER! The plastic bottles are terrible for our planet and it will cost you a lot less in the long run if you buy a PUR or Brita water filter to filter your water for you at home.

7. Borrow instead of buy. Borrowing books and movies from local libraries saves you a ton of money and keep from the companies from having to use more trees to make more books.

8. Share with your neighbors by getting to know them more. Have a lawn mower you know your neighbors can borrow? Share it.

9. Always recycle electronic devices. Cell phones, batteries, computers.

10. Make your own non-toxic cleaning products from home. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

These helpful tips are all things I and my family do on a weekly basis and I hope you’ll look through them, print them out, and start doing these on your own! Going green is a good thing! :)