Too Easy Being Green

Honesty time, most of us want to go green, but we aren't ready to begin composting (as great as it may be...the worms in our houses kind of freak us out...sue us.) 


As I have said before, and will keep insisting, if we all made a few small changes, it would have a huge impact. Here are the top easiest and most economical ways you can do THIS WEEK that would make your life greener.


1. Re-freakin-cycle
I know 2 year olds who know to separate their juice boxes from their handisnack pack when its time to recycle in preschool. It may seem cumbersome at first, but after a few days, you will be so into the rhythm that it won't even take a 2nd thought.


2. Carry a reusable bag
For any eco geek who lives in an urban area, we know too well the frustration of seeing what our friends at Ecosalon call the "urban tumbleweed", the random drifting plastic bag that if the former owner had been carrying a reusable tote, would not be blowing past us.


3. Switch to CFLs
The compact fluorescent light bulb, or the CFL, uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts about 10 times longer. One CFL will save you close to $30 over its lifetime, pays for itself in about 6 months, and its only a light bulb. 


4. Eat less meat
I am a proud carnivore. I love all different types of meat and will eat a cheeseburger in a sec! However when you look at the environmental toll it takes to raise the cow that makes my burger...makes me not want to eat it every night. 


5. Kill the energy hog
Its more that just turning off the lights when you leave the room, which saves energy and you money simultaneously. Keeping your electronics plugged into a power strip make it easy and simple to flick the switch and shut off your electronics when you leave your home. 


6. Pack a lunch
Saves you money, uses up left overs, and doesn't create the unnecessary trash amassed with take out.


7. Buy what you need
This is particularly hard for a recovering shopaholic like me (well, maybe not recovering) But by purchasing only what you need, whether its a new sweater or extra apples on sale, you eliminate the potential for creating excess waste later. Thinking ahead is so very green.


8. Wash in cold
Not talking about showers, guys...we all know I love a hot one. Talking about washing clothes. It takes significantly more energy to wash clothes in warm water than cold water. 


9. Buy stuff with less packaging
Excess packaging equals excess trash, and trash is so not green. Look for products with limited amounts of packaging.


10. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
There really is no point on having the water on while brushing your teeth. Its just a flat out waste.


See, told you. Most of these you probably already knew and currently do. Its too easy to be green.