Start Living Green Today
Many people want to live green, but don’t know where to begin. Here are some simple guidelines to start you on a greener path:

1. Recycle water: Just by installing the latest bathroom devices, you can begin to recycle in your very own bathroom. Today there are systems available that allow you to reuse sink water to flush your toilet. Another innovative idea involves placing a bucket under the tap as the first rush of cold water comes out of the shower or tub. Instead of wasting the water, use it on your plants.

2. Shower Head Savers: Proper showerhead efficiency can save upwards of 3,000 gallons of water per person annually. In the past, homeowners would sacrifice comfort and design to save, but today manufacturers offer the look and feel of a quality showerhead, with the saving included.

3. Hot Water Heater: Many people believe that the only way to conserve on water heater costs is to go solar or tankless , but just by lowering the temperature, you can save money. Setting your hot water heater at 120 degrees and insulating it with a blanket will prove to be cost effective.

4. Dishwasher Loads: Don’t opt to wash your dishes by hand. Much more water is used when washing dishes in the sink. Loading up the dishwasher to the fullest uses less water and is actually a more cost saving method. Today’s dishwashers offer high-efficiency and will save water, time and money.

5. Compost: Composting is not a new idea, but it is one that not many people utilize. Making mulch from food waste and the autumn falling leaves is just the right way to produce compost for the spring.

6. Indoor Lighting: Start saving power by using compact fluorescent bulbs or LED’s throughout your home. The lights cost a bit more up front, but they pay for themselves in less than two years.

7. Outdoor Lighting: Just by replacing your outdoor floodlights with high energy compact fluorescent bulbs you will use ¼ of the energy and have a brighter light. LED lights can be used to replace existing low-wattage landscape lights and will last for up to ten years.

9. Drive for the Environment: You don’t have to drive a hybrid to be environmentally conscious. Make a few adjustments to your driving routine and notice a marked improvement. Drive the speed limit, clean your oil filters, keep tires inflated to the set guidelines, approach stop signs and red lights with caution, keep a safe distance between you and the cars ahead and in no time you’ll notice a difference in the amount of fuel use.

10. Reusable Bags: We shop and shop and throw away an innumerable amount of plastic bags. Those very bags are filling our landfills at an alarming rate. Just by taking your own reusable bags to the market and other stores, you will be contributing greatly to a greener environment. It’s actually quite easy to do. Today many stores offer the reusable bags right at the counter for a small fee and various outlets are manufacturing everything from low cost bags to designer high-end reusable bags. This is one eco-friendly concept that is really catching on. Next time you go shopping bring your own bag and do your part towards creating a cleaner environment.

These are just some of the ways you can start conserving today. Everything is at your fingertips for making a difference. Go Green Today!