Any suggestions on easy ways to 'Go Green'?

Question

I'm doing a bit of research for one of my classes, and I'll be talking about easy ways to live more cohesively with the environment.

I'd love to hear any serious suggestions or tips out there in the collective-

I'd also appreciate any good resources on concepts like:

recycling

pest control

produce

diet

power

transportation

the value of staying local

social responsibility

or anything else you can think of...

Thanks!

Answer 1

Recycling:

Recycling is the reprocessing of old materials into new products so that we can prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials and reduce energy usage, and thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. There are many processes involved in recycling like legislation, collection and sorting of materials.

Pest Control:

Chemical pesticides kill insects effectively but are also toxic to human beings and lead to severe environmental degradations if the use of the chemicals is not properly managed. Thus, natural pesticides, which are usually eco-friendly, should be used to prevent environmental degradations to happen.

Diet:

are u talking about the sum of food consumed by an organism or group or what?

Power:

Well, in physics power  is the rate at which work is performed for a given unit of time. Hope that much will do!

Transportation:

Nowadays, transport is a major use of energy, and transport burns most of the world's petroleum. Transportation has the fastest growing carbon emissions of any economic sector too. It has been found out that road transport is the largest contributor to global warming.Other environmental impacts of transport systems include traffic congestion and automobile-oriented urban sprawl, which can consume natural habitat and agricultural lands.Toxic runoff from roads and parking lots that can also pollute water supplies and aquatic ecosystems.

Hope that much will help you in your research.

Answer 2

I have a great  resource for you. Its called Care2.com. Go to there green living section and you can find a ton of information on how to live green and why.

Lots of info there check it out!

Answer 3

Use fewer chemicals. There are many common products that cost less, last longer, and aren't harmful...

I have found vinegar, baking soda, and peroxide to be versatile, inexpensive and better for me and the planet.

Vinegar uses: window cleaner, bathroom cleaner, fabric softener, paint brush cleaner, hair rinse, weed killer...

Baking soda deodorizes, makes a soft non-abrasive cleaner, can reduce moisture under the sink. Pour some down a slow drain and follow with boiling water.

Hydrogen peroxide: dilute with water and disinfect counter tops and more, removes stains on whites, use in place of bleach to brighten yellowed fabric

This way I use fewer products, using fewer containers...

One last thing...I like soda but noted that most of my household recycling was made up of soda bottles. I did some research and found a home soda maker that uses tap water, can be flavored as you choose! It's fun, tastes great, and no more soda bottles.

Answer 4

Reccomend these:

http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/product...

I am trying them out at the moment and they actually work.

Not suitable for heavy oily staines but definately work on regular daily wash...

Answer 5

You are correct:

YOU need to do a bit of research for your class.

Answer 6

use cold water to do your laundry/ hang dry

phosphate free detergent

compost pile

organic foods

car pool, public transportation, walk/bike

don't leave your car running when you aren't using it

recycle bins in your home

Answer 7

Ways to Save the Planet At Home

Little things you can do at home that make big impacts on the environment There are 50 eco-friendly choices you can make in this category.

Use 100% post consumer recycled printer paper    



... you'll save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper!

You can also try this: at work  



Strip it good!    



By using caulk and weather strips on your doorways and windows could save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year.

  



Load it up!    



By running your dishwasher with full load only will save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.

  



Clean/replace your air filters  



Check your air filters on your ventilation system every month. If you clean them regularly, you won't have to replace them often.

You can also try this: for companies  



Turn off your monitors    



If your computers are on a network or need to be left on for remote access and can't be shut down at night, turn off the monitors.

You can also try this: for teachers, for companies, at school and for kids  



Choose a computer maufacturer with a recycling policy  



According to a recent study by the National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center, approximately 20.6 million personal computers became obsolete in the U.S. in 1998. Of that number, only 11 percent, or about 2.3 million units, were recycled.

You can also try this: for companies  But wait, there's more!



Buy unbleached brown coffee filters  



They are going to turn brown anyway, right?

You can also try this: for companies  



Close drapes or blinds in warmer months    



This will keep the sunshine from overheating your house. Do the opposite in the colder months to give your thermostat a break.

You can also try this: at work  



Don't overheat or overcool    



You'll save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 and $20 each year per 2 degrees!

You can also try this: for companies  



Wash your clothes in cold or warm water    



Avoiding the hot cycles will save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 per year and will save you money on your energy bills!

  



Install low-flow aerators to your faucets and shower heads  



Aerators are inexpensive, easy to install and reduce the amount of water wasted. Low-flow shower heads can save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 per year!

You can also try this: for companies  



Add air-cleaning plants  



Plants not only brighten up a room, they help keep the air clean! Shoot for at least one 4-5 ft plant per 100 square feet.

You can also try this: for companies, at school and at work  



Recycle/refill printer cartridges    



If you use inkjet printers, buy replacement ink and refill them when they are empty. There are also several programs that will allow you to send in your empty ink and laserjet printer cartrdiges for recycling.

You can also try this: for companies, at work and for teachers  But wait, there's more!



Turn your trash into crafts!  



Okay, so that doesn't really rhyme- but use popsicle sticks, newspapers, used office paper, etc. for craft projects.

You can also try this: at school, for teachers, for kids and for parents  



Never flush “flushable” applicators, wipes  



While the manufacturers may say it's flushable, what they mean is that it won't clog your toilet - but every year, tens of thousands of applicators wind up on the shores of our beaches.

You can also try this: at work and at school  



Use a water filter and refillable water bottle    



Americans spend millions of dollars a year on bottled water, which adds to the amount of plastic containers thrown away every day. By purchasing a refillable water bottle and using fiiltered water, you can greatly reduce waste and save yourself a bundle!

You can also try this: at work, at school and while shopping  



If it isn't dirty, don't wash it    



Wear certain articles of clothing a second time if they are not dirty. You'll reduce the amount of laundry you need to do, which cuts down on water usage, and the use of chemicals in your laundry detergent.

You can also try this: for kids  



Never litter, even when peers do it  



Teach your children never to litter, even if they see their friends littering. Encourage them to be proud of keeping the environment clean!

You can also try this: for parents and at school  



Avoid running dishwasher if its not full    



You'll save water and electricity, and an estimated 100 lbs of CO2 per year. Letting your dishes air dry instead of using heat will save an additional 700 lbs of CO2 per year!

  



Cut your vampire power!    



Vampire Power: Not Dracula, but the home electronics we leave on standby: TV, printer, DC re-chargers and converters… they cost you and the country almost $100 million worth of WASTED electricity each year.

You can also try this: for kids, for teachers, for companies, at school, at work and for parents  



Pick up trash  



If you see trash on the street or neighborhood, pick it up! Even if it's not your garbage, its still your planet!

You can also try this: at work, at school and while shopping  



Reduce water waste    



Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and when “making bubbles” while washing your hands.

You can also try this: at school and at work  



Donate unused clothing and other items  



Rather than throwing away unused clothing and items that are in good shape, consider donating them to your local church, Goodwill, or other charity. Many charities will even work with you to schedule a pick-up time.

You can also try this: for parents, for kids, for companies, at school and at work  



Primitive? Nah - Energy saving!    



Avoid using electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, such as opening cans.

You can also try this: at work  



Ride your bike or walk    



When you don't have far to go, try riding your bike or walking instead of getting a ride in a car. You'll help save energy, lessen the amount of air pollution, and you'll keep healthy and fit, too!

You can also try this: at school and at work  



Consider cloth diapers over disposable    



18 billion disposable diapers are thrown in landfills each year, taking as many as 500 years to decompose. Disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills, after newspapers and food and beverage containers.

  But wait, there's more!



Use eco-friendly laundry detergents  



Look for phosphate-, petroleum-, and chlorine-free products, and use only as much as needed for a given load. If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent than the packaging suggests.

  



Recycle everything you can!    



You benefit either directly or when local taxes are kept lower by reduced disposal costs.

You can also try this: at work, at school, in the yard, for companies, for teachers, for kids and for parents  



Buy fish that are caught in an environmentally responsible manner  



If you choose to eat fish, you can help keep the marine ecosystem healthy, without compromising freshness and taste by making smart buying choices.

You can also try this: at work and while shopping  



Check the numbers on the bottom of plastic products  



On the bottom of every plastic product, (including body lotion bottles, soda and water bottles, contact lenses, etc.), there is a number printed that corresponds to the kind of plastic used. If there is no number, the item isn't recyclable.

You can also try this: for kids, for companies, while shopping, at school and at work  But wait, there's more!



Insulate your walls    



Insulating your walls and ceilings can save an estimated 2000 lbs of CO2 per year, and up to 25% of your monthly bills!

You can also try this: for companies  



Replace your windows with energy-saving models    



New, energy efficient windows can save an estimated 1000 lbs of CO2 per year!

You can also try this: for companies  



Caulk and weather-strip  



Poor insulation leads to huge amounts of energy - and money - going out the window (and through the walls, etc.) Caulking and weather-stripping can save an estimated 650 lbs of CO2 per year!

You can also try this: for companies  But wait, there's more!



Sponsor a child in a developing country  



You can also try this: for companies and for teachers  



Shop green! Buy shade-grown, organic coffee  



Shade coffee provides habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife in tropical countries.

You can also try this: for companies  



Install energy efficient A/C and heating    



Look for heating and cooling units and systems with a high Energy Star rating. You'll prevent wasted electricity and benefit from big decreases in your monthly energy bills.

You can also try this: for companies  



Be pro-active in hunting down energy problems    



Perform an “energy inventory” on the house. Identify areas where energy is being wasted and work on correcting them. The energy savings will pay off in your monthly bills! A home energy audit can save 1000 lbs of CO2 per year!

  



Sponsor an endangered species  



Ask that your holiday or birthday present be the adoption of an endangered species.

  



Use phosphate-free soap for car washes  



Whether you're just washing your car at home, or doing a full-scale group fundraising car wash event, be sure to use phosphate free soap. At your fundraising car washes, be sure to advertise that your car wash is eco-friendly to spread awareness.

You can also try this: at school, at work and for teachers  



Volunteer instead of watching TV  



Instead of watching

Answer 8

You may use: My Best Recycling Idea

Besides recycling the plastic containers, you can improve your work or home environments by bringing live potted plants indoors.

Major items needed:

One empty plastic gallon container.   Tree Top Apple Juice is preferred, or equal in shape.

One empty plastic ½ gallon container.  Langers All Pomergranate Juice is preferred or equal.

Directions:  Lay the plastic gallon container on its side so the front label is facing up.  Place the empty plastic half gallon container on the label and with a sharpie pen outline the bottom on the Tree Top label and with a sharp knife carefully cut the outline.  Insert the half gallon into the hole until it rest on the back label of the gallon container.  Then mark and cut approximately one inch above the cut on the ½ gallon  to complete your planter container.  Remove and drill several ¼ inch holes on the bottom of the ½ gallon cut container for drainage.

Fill the cut ½ gallon planter with one inch of gravel before putting in good potting mix soil and live growing plant.  If you make two or more you can pour the water back and forth and not waste the water with the nutrients.

Go to NASA’s Clean Air Plant Study for the top ten plants that cleans the indoor air better than the rest.   http://www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm

Answer 9

Check out motherearthnews.com theyll have everything you want right at your fingure tips.

Answer 10

We cannot do much any more about Global Warming .

But we can do a lot about not damaging the Environment more,and be more frugal or economic with our Natural resources ,since we get an additional 70 million people every year with an accumulative factor included ,

And we can do a lot about contaminations,especially of the soil,Air and water.

water conservation

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

pollution

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

ECO FRIENDLY BEHAVIOR

The best we can do as individuals is be more responsible ,in our own neck of the woods

Organize well publicized clean up parties ,talk on the radio

Have citizen meetings

Get the schools involved to plant trees and listen to environmental awareness talks,

If you do any cleaning up leave signs behind saying who cleaned,why and ask people not to start dumping rubbish again ,leave a hole or bins ,in case people come with trash ,

POSITIVE ACTIONS)

Classify trash take out all the organic waste and make compost with it ,the worst you can do is throw it with the trash

70% of contamination is due to organic waste that is mixed in with the garbage .

And it is just as bad in the sewer where it helps to breed rats and in the landfill it poisons the ground

And it is the easiest to take care of

o first of all we have to classify trash at least keep the organic to one side ,like in a plastic bin with a lid

If you got a few meters of ground ,you only need 1 or 2 square meters in a shallow hole ,in the shade ,that you can wet now and again ,where you dump everything that is organic ,from toilet paper,bones vegetable cuttings ,eggshells,,,excrement ,and cover regularly with leaves to keep humid and to hide any smell

the worms will come and decompose the wastes turning it into beautiful black soil for the garden of flower pots .

If you are in a apartment ,if you have a balcony get a big plastic bin drill some holes in the side and lid ,

Add a few buckets of sand now and again to put over the trash ,you should really stir or move the stuff at times to aerate it and ensure that the decomposition is overall ,keep moist

This rubbish does not get big very fast and the thing works for a long time with out getting full

-----------------------------....

these are Al gores sites

http://events.stepitup2007.org/............

http://www.stepitup2007.org/

http://events.stepitup2007.org/............

If you want to help the planet ,plant a tree every week ,if everyone on the planet did we we would be able to slowdown the destructive processes

Reduce carbon emissions,and they are already working on that by alternative forms of energy and regulations on carbon producing materials,aerosol cans,burning rubbish,industrial chimneys,power plants etc.

Water harvesting projects ,such as millions of small dams.to redirect over ground water flows from the rains into the ground to supply subterranean water supplies.

The protection of existing forests.

Stop building more highways,urban planning to include vegetation stop building cities encourage people to return to the land to conduct their business from there which now has become possible thanks to the internet.

Education to motivate people to auto sufficiency by building more home food gardens.

Education on environmental awareness

education on family planning to curb over´population

Agricultural education and improvements to follow the principals or sustainability and soil management.

More environmental or land ,design to prevent bush fires,such as--fire breaks

More dams.regulations and control for public behavior

Alternative efficient public transport to discourage the use of the internal combustion engine

101 Ways To Live More Ecologically,may be you find something that applies to you

1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable

items.

2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.

3. Avoid power appliances when hand power works.

4. Avoid highly processed foods.

5. Avoid using styro foam—it can't be recycled.

6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.

7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.

8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.

9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.

10. Buy foods without additives.

11. Buy foods without preservatives.

12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust

13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.

14. Buy living Christmas trees.

15. Buy locally grown food and produce.

16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.

17. Compost your food scraps.

18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,

19. Don't burn trash or other smoky materials.

20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.

21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.

22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpooland use public transportation.

23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.

24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.

25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.

26. Exercise regularly.

27. Explore and learn about your bio region.

28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.

29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.

30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.

31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.

32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.

33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.

34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.

35. Install a water-conserving shower head.

36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.

37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.

38. Invest in solar power, where practical.

39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.

40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.

41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.

42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.

43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.

44. Oppose private development of special areas.

45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.

46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.

47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.

48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.

49. Plant trees throughout your community.

50. Plant your living Christmas tree.

51. Practice preventive health care.

52. Practice responsible family planning.

53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.

54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.

55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.

56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.

57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.

58. Recycle aluminum.

59. Recycle glass.

60. Recycle newspaper.

61. Recycle old clothes.

62. Recycle plastic.

63. Recycle used motor oil.

64. Recycle your unneeded items.

65. Re-use paper bags.

66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.

67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.

68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.

69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.

70. Speak out about your values in community groups.

71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.

72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.

73. Support energy conservation in your bioregion.

74. Support global ecological improvement efforts.

75. Support local credit unions.

76. Support local merchants before large chains.

77. Support neighborhood food cooperatives.

78. Support proper waste water and sewage treatment.

79. Support the cultural diversity in your bio region.

80. Support the plants and animals in your community.

81. Take shorter showers.

82. Teach your children ecological wisdom.

83. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.

84. Turn off the lights when not needed.

85. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.

86. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.

87. Use cloth diapers.

88. Use cloth table napkins.

89. Use less tap water whenever possible.

90. Use non-toxic pest control.

91. Use only medications you trust/understand.

92. Use rags or towels instead of paper.

93. Use rechargeable batteries.

94. Use the second side of paper for scratch paper.

95. Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.

96. Volunteer for work in a community garden.

97. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.

98. Wash clothes in cold water.

99. Wash dishes in still, not running water.

100. Weather-seal your home.

101. Work to unlearn poor ecological habits

Answer 11

Here is a good blog with helpful ideas

http://sustainablesundays.blogspot.com

Answer 12

I am on the founding team of a new website dedicated to user generated reviews and research for green products (http://greenhome.huddler.com).  We're trying to do something similar in terms of creating one place where eco-minded folks can discuss what works and what doesn't.  Beyond product pages and reviews, we also have forums and wikis (and much more).  The following suggestions are from a few of our wikis.  If you get any other good ones, I do encourage you to add them.  The more knowledge shared, the better!

For energy conservation:

1. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs will save you up to 75% of lighting costs and will save the environment from approximately 1,3000 pounds of carbon dioxide over the course of its lifetime. This is because CFLs use one-quarter to one-third as much electricity as incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer.

2. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Turn off lights that you don’t need (for example, if you are sitting at a desk reading, use a desk lamp instead of the overhead light).

3. Unplug electronics and battery chargers when you are not using them. Even when these items are turned off, they still draw electricity. This is called vampire power and all your small household electronics can draw power as your refrigerator.

4. Get an energy audit. Hire someone to come find the "weak spots" in your home and figure out how to improve them to save energy and save money on your energy bills. Try RESNET to locate a rater (NHER if you’re in the UK) or U.S. Department of Energy for instructions on how to perform a DIY energy audit.

5. Install low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high efficiency toilets. This will of course save water, but it will also save energy in the pumping, transporting, and treating of your water.

6. Lower your thermostat a few degrees in the winter. An ideal temperature for a home is 68 degrees. If you leave the house for a prolonged period of time in the winter, turn the thermostat down more. This can save you between $10 and $30 per month on your heating bill. By turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save about 5 to 15% a year on heating bills. If you have an air-conditioning system, turn your thermostat up in summer (78 degrees when you’re home, 85 when you’re not). Install a programmable thermostat to schedule changes in temperature according to your schedule. These can save up to $115 annually on your energy bills.

For water conservation:

1.  Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth (or shave, wash your face, etc). Turning off the water during teeth-brushing can save up to two gallons of water every time you brush.

2.  Fix leaks – this can save up to 10 gallons of water a day from one faucet. Fixing a leaky toilet can save about 200 gallons of water daily.

3.  Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. This can save both hot and cold water (aerators can save up to 40%).

4.  Take showers instead of baths. A bath typically requires 70 gallons of water, while a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.

5. When you need to run the washing machine or dishwasher, make sure the machines are full (and when you need to replace them, go for high efficiency).

6. When you need to water your lawn or garden, do not water between 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Some estimates say that more than 50 percent of landscape water is wasted through evaporation or runoff caused by over-watering.

7. If you pour yourself a glass of water and don’t finish it, instead of pouring it down the drain, find another use for it such as watering a plant.

Local food has a lot of great benefits. Local produce is much fresher because it doesn't travel long distances to get to you (it is picked and sold to you closer to when it will be ripe). And this lack of long distance travel of course saves all that fossil fuel needed to transport the food. Buying local also pumps money into your local economy (much more than buying food produced or grown far away). And that's just to name a few!

   1. Don't be afraid to ask where your food comes from. As much as you can, pick things that aren't grown half way around the world.

   2. Find foods like fruit and vegetables, eggs, fish, and meat at your local farmers market!

   3. Also try smaller, local co-ops or ask about local food at Whole Foods.

   4. Have some fun at a you-pick farm. Many of these farms offer different berries, peaches, pumpkins, and other good stuff.

   5. If you live on the coast, it's likely that there are active fishers in your area. Look into either buying local, sustainably caught fish directly from fishers or from a fish market.

   6. If you're a meat eater, look into grass-fed (and local) options with the help of Eat Wild.

Answer 13

I guess résistance is futile if its from the collective.

Recycling of grass clippings could be used to make tea. Old quadruple dicker buses could be restored and re manufactured to run on corn oil.

We could put up check points at the state lines to ensure that all cars have permission to travel out of state.

As a collective, we could paint all highway signs vegetable based paint, to assure that the chips the fall from wear, are not dangerous to the local pests.

Lastly, make sure that all legumes are organic, and not plastique.