How does a teen go green?

Question

(Does that have a ring?) I am a normal USA sixteen year old teenager. I am speaking for myself, however for many people as well. Since I nor do many teenagers have the resources or (lets get real here) cold hard cash to make the drastic changes to go green. So what can I do that would make a big difference? I've been taking shorter showers, walking where I can, carpooling, recycling. Tips and help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I don't know why so many people thing going green costs money. It doesn't cost more to conserve energy or make the most of what you have. To me going green ins't buying the latest gadget, it is buying less and making better choices when you do buy.

Here are some ideas, when you buy school supplies look for recycled content. Keep things in a specific location so you only need to buy what you don't already have. Consider buying durable items that will last longer and not need to be replaced.

I am working with my sons high school earth club to promote this exact idea. Ask your teachers and staff members to put a simple statement on their back to school messages and school supply lists. "complete the cycle buy recycled".

Children have a lot of influence over how their parents spend money. Do you really thing a parent said, I don't think my kid watches quite enough tv, lets put on in the car.

Talk to you parents about trying recycled content paper products, help your parents with shopping and set up a system to remember to bring reusable bags. Learn more about the chemicals in the cleaning supplies that are used in your home. Ask them to give a natural cleaner a try.

I'll add my standard going green blurb so you can get more ideas. Do some research and talk to your family about changes that make sense for how you live. If your school has an earth club or earth science club get invovled, if not find a teacher who thinks green and see if you can start a club.

Going green is easy, there are so many great resources about the subject. My personal favorite is "The Green Book" which has parts of its book online as well at www.readthegreenbook.com.

As I have been striving to "Go Green" I realize it is like stepping back in time without getting rid of my modern conveniences. I'm doing many things I learned as a child, like line drying my clothes, sweeping instead of vacuuming, opening the windows in the morning to catch the cool breeze, only buying what I need instead of everything that looks cool, growing some of my own food, and canning what I can't eat now.

To me "going Green" is a frame of mind. Do what fits your lifestyle and do the easy things first, it is a process and like dieting if you go to radical to soon, you are more likely to go back to bad habits. I also believe there are good, better, best choices in most things. If you aren't ready to start a home garden, then try finding a farmers market, until you locate one look for produce grown as close to home as possible and go organic when available.

Many people think "going green" is expensive, I disagree. Some changes may take an initial investment, but they usually have a short payoff time. Things like weatherstiping and insulation cost, but the energy savings will add up quickly. You may need to purchase reusable bags, but most stores give you a 5 or 10 cent credit, so you are paid back within a few months.

My top tips are make your home more energy efficient, that also means using natural light, cooling and heating.

Reduce your packaging, if you eat more fresh food you will generally reduce packaging, it's the same thing they tell dieters, shop the perimiter, that is where all the meat, dairy and produce are located. Only buy what you will use, many Americans throw away a lot of unused food. Buy in bulk, that doesn't just mean large packages, but that area with the bins that you buy only what you plan on using.

Replace disposable items with durable items, if you eat outside often and use disposable paper or plastic plates, it is a wise investment to purchase a set of reusable plastic plates. Replace disposable razors, diapers and cleaning products like swiffer. Avoid bottled water, get a home filter like Pur or Brita.

Recycle, www.earth911.org will help you locate the nearest recycle center. I try to only purchase plastics that are #1 or #2, they are more easily recycled. I also buy recycled products when available, that includes paper towels, napkings, toilet paper, tissue, school/office supplies and clothing.

Detox your cleaning, vinegar and baking soda clean almost anything, they can even losen a hair clog. Seventh Generation and Method are a couple mainstream brands that are very earth friendly.

Just start small and build from there, don't get overwhelmed.

Answer 2

* Use a reusable water bottle. This will cut down on the amount of plastic that ends up in the land fills. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your water. Choose an aluminium or stainless steel bottle.

* Recycle, reduce, reuse. It makes a world of difference.

* Carry a tote bag. Plastic is out…canvas is in.

* Clean with vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. Many cleaning products have harmful chemicals in them. Use natural products.

* Consider cloth diapers.

* Walk, bike or take the bus.

* Car pool to work….everyone ends up saving.

* Start a compost in your backyard

* Wash clothing in cold water

* Shop Locally. Find farmers’ markets and other sources of sustainable grown food near you.

* Do you really need that second fridge in the basement?

* Consider a laptop…they take much less energy than a desktop

* Consider a wireless reader….the trees will thank you!

Answer 3

I have a HUUUUGE list available at www agua-luna com it's like 33 pages long and would just spam this whole answer. But here's a few cut from the list below. if you'd like the entire list feel free to visit www agua-luna com or email me through the site directly and I’ll send you a copy.

Also Agua-Luna com now offers Carbon Offsetting Credits, since our Team of Volunteers is already accomplishing several carbon eliminating projects, we’re now converting the carbon offsets to you. Visit www agua-luna com for a FREE carbon calculator to calculate your carbon footprint for free and more info on carbon credits.

You could also Volunteer with us, planting a tree or working on a Sustainable Renewable Energy Building Project in Mexico with us. Again see www agua-luna com for more info.

I also do some free consulting, there's more info on the site about that too. Here’s some more ways to help the environment…

Recycle paper, cardboard, newsprint and magazines.

Recycle aluminum cans.

Recycle all batteries.

Recycle and reuse. Roughly 50% of the average person's trash can be recycled. Don't forget that hazardous waste like batteries, your printer's ink cartridges, and cell phones can be recycled too! Find out how and where to recycle in your area. Always buy recycled paper. Just 1 ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees.

Just because your community doesn't pick up all recyclables on the curb, it doesn't mean there are not viable alternatives nearby. Check with dry cleaners, supermarkets, manufacturers, your local public works department and civic organizations to find out where recycled goods can be dropped off, at a location near you.

Did you know that just in 1995 alone, recycled toner cartridges kept over 21,000 tons of trash out of landfills? Believe it or not, now you can recycle your printer's toner cartridges! Every year, Americans throw out enough printer cartridges to stretch from Los Angeles to New York City and back again. Toner cartridges can be recycled, having just as good a performance as an unrecycled cartridge. To recycle your toner cartridges, find a local business that does printer cartridge recycling, or contact the manufacturer of your current toner cartridge and ask about a cartridge recycling program.

Not only should you recycle, but buy products that are recycled. By purchasing these products, you are helping to conserve natural resources, and to protect the environment.

Wash clothes in cold water.

Hot water is unnecessary for most clothes. When needed, use warm water.

Fill your toilet tank.

Put a plastic bottle or two, filled with water and rocks, in your tank to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.

Clean your filters.

Clean the filters of your air-conditioners once a month to improve energy efficiency. While you’re at it, change your car’s filters as recommended in your manual.

Get a low-flow shower head.

Stop at the hardware store on your way home, and get a low-flow shower head. Takes a few minutes to install, and it’ll save gallons of water a day.

Lower your thermostats.

If you use heating, get by with less heat and wear warmer clothes. If you use air-conditioning, get by with less cooling and wear cooler clothes.

If it’s a nice sunny day, hanging clothes only takes a few minutes, and you’re using solar power instead of electricity to do the job. It also makes your clothes last longer.

Turn down your water heater.

Most people have their water heater’s thermostat turned up too high, wasting energy. Turn it down to 130 degrees, saving energy but still hot enough to kill bacteria.

Use CFC light bulbs.

If your light bulb burns out, replace it with a Compact Flourescent bulb (those spiral-looking ones). They’re more expensive, but if you just replace them one at a time, it doesn’t cost much, and the energy savings is great. And as they last longer, over the long run, you’ll save money.

Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes.

Follow your community's water use restrictions or guidelines.

Install a low-flow shower head.

If you are not looking to change your car just yet there are a number of ways you can be more environmentally friendly and help you save money by conserving fuel.

Lighten your car to reduce weight by not carrying unnecessary items.

Cut your speed and stick to the speed limits

Drive smoothly avoiding heavy accelerating and braking.

When stationary for a long time, switch off the engine.

Closing windows will make the car more efficient by being more aerodynamic.  Remove roof bars when not is use also helps.

Make sure your tyres are properly inflated as under inflated tyres cause more resistance.

Where possible, walk, cycle or even use public transport.  

If possible lift share to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Try mass transit.

Millions of people use it, and it saves tons of fuel. If you don’t already, give it a try.

Unload your car.

Remove excess weight from your car (such as stuff that might be in the trunk) to reduce the amount of fuel you use.

Walk instead of drive.

You don’t have to do this all the time, but walking the short trip to a store, or to lunch from work, or some other short trip like that, can reduce the amount of fuel you use over the long term, and you shed some fat at the same time. Or at least burn off that morning donut.

Buy a smaller car.

You won’t be able to do this today, probably, but the next time you’re in the market for an automobile, get a smaller and energy-efficient car rather than a big, lumbering one. It’s one of the best things you can do to reduce your fuel consumption.

Inflate your tires.

Many people don’t realize that their tires are under-inflated. Check the recommended pressure for your tires, and fill them up to that pressure. It only takes a few minutes, but it will save you on fuel consumption (a little) and more importantly, make your tires last longer and reduce the rubber that’s worn off your tires.

Get creative with gift-giving. The gift of time, services, or environmentally positive gifts may be more appreciated than disposable goods that are not to the taste or needs of the recipient.

Look into those lifestyle changes you’ve been putting off

Work from home more. Many organisations, when prodded a little, will accept flexible work arrangements where there is no impact to the work that needs to get done.

Use your oven less.

The oven not only uses a lot of energy, it heats up your kitchen, requiring more cooling. Instead, use toaster ovens, crockpots, microwaves, and electric grills when you can. And when you do use your oven, open it less - you lose 25% of the heat every time you open the oven door.

Mend your stuff.

Try not to throw stuff away and buy new stuff if the old stuff can be fixed. Torn clothing? Takes a few minutes to sew up.

Install a water filter.

If you buy a lot of bottled water, use your tap instead. Some places need a filter to make tap water taste drinkable, but they don’t cost much and they can save money, water, and plastic bottles over time.

Unplug appliances.

If you don’t use an appliance several times a day, it’s better to unplug it, as they often use energy even when turned off

Use rechargeable batteries.

Instead of throwing your batteries away all the time, reuse rechargeable batteries. Costs a little more, but cheaper in the long run.

When you’re looking to buy appliances, be sure to research the most energy-efficient ones. They may cost a little more, but they’ll more than make up for that in the long run with lower energy bills.

Buy a smaller home.

The next time you’re home-shopping, instead of buying the McMansion, look for a smaller home that’s big enough to meet your needs comfortably. Reducing the amount of stuff you own is a good way to need less house. It’s cheaper, and requires less energy to heat and cool. And easier to clean at the same time.

Look for energy efficiency.

Use acryllic paint.

Compost.

It’s not hard to set one up (look it up online), and you can save a lot of waste from the landfill and help your garden at the same time

Water grass early in the morning.

Reduces the amount of water you need to keep your grass looking fabulous.

Plant shade trees near your house.

It’ll take awhile before they can make a difference, but shade trees greatly reduce the need to cool a home.

Coat your roof.

This’ll take up an afternoon, but you only have to do it once every few years. And it’ll save you a lot of money and energy in heating and cooling over the long-term, more than making up for the cost of paint.

Avoid fast food.

Instead, eat at home or at a sit-down restaurant. Fast food restaurants are one of the worst polluters of the environment, both in the massive amounts of beef they must raise, in the wasted packaging, and in the energy they use in so many ways. And they’re tremendously unhealthy.

Buy a manual reel mower or electric mower.

If you’re looking for a new lawn mower, and you have a small yard, consider getting a manual one. They’re much advanced from the reel mowers of our grandparents’ generation, much quieter, cheaper, and they save on fuel and pollution. Electric mowers are also quieter and use much less energy.

Clean up.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... In

Answer 4

Green spray paint!.....Wow for real it makes me happy that young people have the iniciative to change and protect the planet. Do little things man like trhowing the garbage where it belongs, cans and bottles. Turn off the tv if not in use, turn off lights, replace light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Convince people online to go green.

Answer 5

lol yea it has a ring. get a cool canister or something like it to hold ur water, instead of using water bottles, but try not to get a plastic reusable bottle because the plastic can melt and get in your water i THINk... and try to have a lot of organic foods, or food from companies who don't use pesticides because those are awful for the environment. and if u explain why going green is good to your parents, they might agree and work towards the cause too, it worked with my mom =]

Answer 6

Wowsers! There are so many ways...to many to list here!

There have been a lot of great answers here, and a few that Yahoo should just delete, and the people behind them should be banned. I'm sorry that you have to see those answers.

One way that I am helping with the green effort is by finding baby trees in various locations, and putting them in pots so I can nurture them till they get big enough That they can be planted somewhere and wont be mowed down. I then find people who want trees for their yards, and plant the trees for them. These trees would have been hit by a mower if I had not removed them. The pots I use are given to me by friends that have bought plants for their yard. They would have been thrown away if I hadn't taken them, so I am re-using them and that helps too.

Also, make all the little changes in your lifestyle that you can now. It will be easier now than it will when you get older and set in your ways.

Answer 7

buy locally produced produce and foods(reduces transport costs[gas consumption])...re-use all your grocery bags....Never throw out plastics, newsprint, cardboard...Eat healthy! Raw foods such as veggies, berries and nuts are really healthy and dont require refrigeration or cooking! Use All low energy consumption light bulbs! Reduce your heat usage by sealing any areas you might suspect leak in cold temps of winter(Mail Slots, Patio windows, exterior wiring). Unplug all electronics u can (especially ones with lights)...Put your t.v on a sleep timer at night so u dont wake up to it being on!) Dont use a dryer for clothes that wastes energy(try a shaded are where u can hang a clothes line!)...Most of all...take all the advice u get that is really useful and pass on the message

Answer 8

The thing that's worked the most with me is to get my friends excited about enjoying the outdoors. I get them hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and a few awesome ones get scuba certified.

Thanks for caring! =)

Answer 9

http://byderule.multiply.com/journal/ite...

Answer 10

I think the things you are doing already is a great start!  Nice.  Some other ideas are:

~Buy one plastic, reusable water bottle to use, you just have to clean it and it's as good as new

~Try using recyclable batteries or recycle old batteries properly

~Try not to use paper towels, plates, ect.  Use washable plates and cloth napkins that you can wash is possible

~Try not to use plastic forks, spoons, or knives, use regular ones that can be reused after cleaning

~If possible, you can try to get your parents to buy more organic foods

~If possible, you can also try to get your parents to buy eco friendly products for your house like dish washing detergents, cleaning supplies, ect.

~If it is a nice day, turn off the air and/or heat and open some windows for a nice breeze and fresh air

~Try to plant some trees around the outside of your house because they will provide shade and lower air conditioning costs

~If you have extra plastic bags from the store, don't just throw them away.  Use them to pick up dog poo, line small trash cans, ect

~Try to convince your parents to buy reusable shopping bags for the store so you do not have to use the plastic bags to fill landfills.

There are some ideas, but also keep up on what you are doing because it does make a difference.  :)

Answer 11

you are doing the best you can by doing those things but also remember that once you get a care (if you don't already) to get one that is eco-friendly like a hybrid or a small car. and no littering. your already going green! good job!

Answer 12

hey. I'm 18 now but when I was 16 I became vegetarian and that helps the environment a lot if you can handle it.

Answer 13

Wow, great answers from everyone!

Also, many teens really think they need the latest clothes from the "IN" brands... have you tried thrift stores?

Thrift stores have great finds, for less money, and by buying used you are not contributing to the carbon footprint needed to manufacture another clothing item.

Think about, and research, the carbon footprints of things you may want to buy.

Buy used wherever possible. I have been able to find pencils, furniture, electronic accessories (cords, earphones, etc.) at thrift stores.

Buying a used car that gets thirty to forty miles per gallon is better for the environment than buying a brand new hybrid. Why? The manufacturing process for the hybrid...

It's all about carbon footprints.

When you need something try freecycle. (www.freecycle.org)... you have to give something away first but then you can ask for things. I've gotten brand new coffee makers, barely used shoes, etc. for FREE.

Also, I've saved a lot of things from the landfill by giving them away on Freecycle.

Also, there is Craigslist ... for buying used items online.

Let me give you the URL of my favorite green website:

http://www.sustainlane.com/

***

Thanks for being a concerned parent of a troubled earth!

Answer 14

Before you reach the age where you have money and become a "consumer" of lots of things, make a decision to become a "minimalist" instead, consuming little, and still enjoying life to its fullest.  Use a little as possibe, and be comfortable living that way instead of getting used to artificial comforts.  Do things you want, just use less manufactured products doing so than others might.

Respect the earth as our home, and be a steward of what you are given.

Answer 15

It sound like you are allready doing a lot! and those are great starts. Other ways would be to be careful what you buy, try purchasing products that are green, organic and safe for the environment. also locally grown or made products that cut down on carbon emissions from traveling.  Raising awareness (starting with your parents!)  Changing the light bulbs in your room to the curly ones.  recycling bags from the store, or better yet, get canvas ones to take with you when you go shopping.  

those are a few things i can think of off the top of my head, hope it helps! And keep up the good green work! :)

Answer 16

Along with the tips everyone else provided see if there's a program in your area where you can volunteer for few hours. In my area (near the beach) we have watershed and beach clean-up days and Go Green education seminars. Your city hall, county, or local community center website may be of help here.