In today’s economy, more and more businesses and individuals are turning their attention to saving. Saving natural resources. Saving energy. And saving money. While there are many different approaches one can take to accomplish these things, “going green” accomplishes all three by itself!
Green Ground Zero: Understanding Why We Need Greening
Though going green is suddenly considered “cool”, there are more than just social motivations for taking up this lifestyle. Going green is a lifestyle movement that entails the reduction or removal of Green House Gases (GHG) from the environment by means of sustainable land use and decreasing fossil fuel reliance, and aims to contribute to a carbon-neutral way of life.
As most people are well aware, the Global Warming Theory suggests it is these GHGs we are seeking to eliminate through “green” practices that are detrimental to the planet and its inhabitants. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Statement on Climate Change, GHG accumulation over time warms the Earth’s atmosphere, which in turn, “could cause drought and wildfires, facilitate spread of airborne diseases, trigger extensive species extinction, and melt ice shelves.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “projects that the Earth’s surface temperature could rise by as much as 4[degrees Celcius] in the next century.” That is why it is of utmost importance to begin to implement eco-friendly practices into everyday life. If everyone on Earth developed greener habits, it seems the worry over Global Warming would be virtually negated.
Easiest Everyday Steps Toward a Greener Vision
There is a very broad range of things you can do to alleviate your carbon-print, but below is a list suggestions that can be done today to make life a little greener.
- Turn-off and Unplug Turn off and unplug as much as possible when not in use; things like kitchen appliances, cell chargers, lamps and TVs. Buy Smart Strips if unplugging isn’t an option. Often overlooked, this alone can save tons of natural resources, energy and money.
- Save Water Conserve water by taking cooler, shorter showers; putting bigger loads in the dishwasher and washer; line drying clothing; drinking from the tap; watering plants early in the day to avoid rapid evaporation, and turning off the faucet as much as possible while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Use Wisely Use scraps of paper and napkins from fast-food places first to scribble a note or clean up a mess. Only use appliances if necessary; if a sweatshirt can substitute for turning on the heat – let it.
- Borrow or Reuse Try to reuse or reinvent something old instead of buying new. Often, with a little creativity, older items can be transformed into great new items with minimal effort. Swap items with a friend instead of buying new. Recycle and reuse paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, glass and electronic products.
- Walk More If using anything motor-related can be avoided-do it. If there is a carpool group in your area-join it. Money will not only be saved in gas, but also in car repairs. Also try and use more hand tools rather than power tools, more electric versus gas tools, and 4-cycle versus 2-cycle engines.
Gradually Going Green: More Advanced Long-Term Suggestions
For those who wish to go beyond basic green practices and make them a permanent fixture in their lives.
- Buy Local Pick produce from your local market. Buying local cuts down on GHGs and shipping costs, delivers fresher produce, and supports local economy.
- Choose Sustainable Resources Choose environment-friendly materials to remodel with such as low-VOC and low-toxic interior paints; recycled, low-pile or less allergen-attracting carpets and pads; bamboo flooring and window treatments; and organic supplies and products.
- Landscape With Native Plants Gardening with native plants allows for less watering, less carbon dioxide, and better air quality. Mulching and composting also retain water and help the earth.
- Select Energy Efficient Items Incorporate High-Efficiency (HE) items into the household such as washers, dryers (ie:LaundryPure) and other appliances; install “tankless” water heaters, HE light bulbs, and faucet aerators. Buy hybrid cars if affordable.
- Build Friendly Green builders use features such as the Airtight Drywall Approach(ADA), advanced framing and added insulation, plastic lumber, and engineered wood.
No matter whether you’re an avid or a novice green-doer, there are many things that can be done to implement this eco-friendly lifestyle. It is up to each individual to determine the level of changes they wish to make and remember no matter how small a change-it adds up to big global results.
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