Top Ten Ways to Save the Planet By Being Green

If you are like most people, the thoughts occupying your mind these days likely include the recession, losing weight, high unemployment rates and going green. While I can’t give you advice on how you can shed those unwanted pounds or finally land your dream job, I can help you do your part to save the planet. Without a doubt, going green and reducing your carbon footprint is the single best thing you can do for dear old mother earth.

And best of all, while all of these suggestions are good for the planet, many of them are also helpful in leading a healthy life, too.

#1-Say Yes to Tap Water

Bottled water has become fashionable and trendy in the past decade. The health-conscious declare that bottled water is “better” for you and that there are scary germs lurking in your tap water. Actually, most studies show that bottled water is little more than tap water that has been disguised by a shiny bottle and a fancy name. And seeing that almost 90 % of plastic bottles end up in landfills, kicking your bottled water habit is an easy way to do something immediate.

#2-Buy Local

We all know that international food production is incredibly taxing on the environment and makes the food we eat less healthy. A lot of food producers have to modify their products to be able to survive transportation. Instead of rushing out to your local Wal-Mart, why not try buying local at your neighborhood mom and pop store? See if you have any natural markets or farmers markets in your town. In turn you will be supporting local farmers, growing your state’s economy and even losing weight by chomping down on healthy and delicious fruits and veggies.

#3-Recycle

It might seem a little elementary, but recycling is one of the best ways to save the planet. Luckily, recycling is no longer restricted to your newspapers and old cans. There are many recycling programs that will actually pay you for being kind to the planet. Electronics stores like RadioShack will give you money for your old gadgets and second-hand clothing stores like Plato’s Closet will pay you for your gently used clothing.

Many folks want to properly recycle their old electronics and computers properly and that has led to a number of companies that specialize in what is known as ecycling. Look for a in your area that specializes in electronic waste.

#4-Machine Wash Cold

90% of the energy used up by washing machines goes to heat the water. Give your washing machine (and the environment) a break and only wash in cold water. Additionally, vow to completely give up dry cleaning. It is an unnecessary expense and the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process, like perchloroethylene, are bad for the planet and actually bad for your clothing. These solvents can alter fabric colors and weaken the fibers of your favorite clothes. Additionally, some of these harmful chemicals can remain on your clothes, bringing them in contact with your skin.

#5- Bust Out Your Bike

Even though biking to work might seem like a major pain and a sure way of getting all sweaty before the day even begins, it is one of the best ways to go green. Not only will you save money on gas and parking and get in fabulous shape, but you will be doing your part to save the planet at the same time. Plus, most of us work in offices where we sit all day long, and this prolonged sitting has some seriously negative effects on our health. Biking to work not only keeps you from burning gasoline, but can actually help you live longer.

#6-Strip Down

Even though the cold months are quickly fading away and the temperature is constantly rising, don’t turn on the air conditioner. This is one of the surest ways to drive up your energy bill and put unnecessary strain on the environment. Instead, get a swamp cooler, crack open a window and pull your summer shorts and tank tops out of storage.

#7-Pay Bills Online

Are bills flooding your mailbox lately? Getting tons of mail is not only annoying, it is incredibly bad for the planet. Mail usually ends up in the trash (creating extra waste) and is a major drain on natural resources such as trees. Enroll in a bill-paying program for your credit cards, student loans and utility payments and never get a pesky bill in the mail again!

#8- Buy a Faucet Aerator

Unless you are a plumber, you probably don’t know what a faucet aerator is. Well, they are very important little gadgets that you put on water faucets that help conserve water and reduce splashing. And because they only cost a couple of bucks, the money that you will save on your water bill will more than make up for the cost.

#9-Take Advantage of Energy Tax Credits
The federal government is willing to pay you (and pay you big in some instances) in the form of tax credits if you do your part to save on energy. For people that purchase an energy efficient product for their home, you will be eligible to get a credit of up to 30 % of the cost you paid for it.

#10-Borrow Things Instead of Buying New Ones

If you are like me, you run out to the store every time you need something without giving it a second thought. And you probably only used that new gadget you just “had to have” a couple of times right? The waste that it took to produce and package that item that you only used once is probably more than you might think. Instead, call up your mom or a friend the next time you need cleaning supplies or want a new dress for a night out. When you borrow, you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.