I want to go green, can someone guide me on how to get started?

Question

How do you get started on recycling your trash for starters? I am very GREEN on this subject. (no pun intended) I want to do what is right for our environment so it is safe when my grandkids grow up>>>>

Answer 1

Something that you could do quickly to help the environment is to try turning your thermostat down 2 degrees during the day and four at night.  It will probably take a few days to adjust, then you won't feel a difference.  If you have a programmable thermostat it is even easier.   Another thing to try is thrift shopping for clothing.  It will save you money, and you are recycling a product that takes a lot of energy to make and fuel to ship.  Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Start a compost pile! Even if you only have a very small amount of ground to work with, you can compost. If it comes from the earth, return it to the earth, not the landfill. You can put shredded paper in it, your coffee grounds and filter, tea bags, egg shells, all veggie scraps, lint from your dryer, hair from haircuts, contents of your vacuum bag, ashes from your fireplace, anything except meat products.

Everything grows better with compost. You do not need a bin, you don't even need a pile. If you only have a small bit of space, use a shovel to dig a small hole and put your scraps in it and cover it with the dirt. It will break down in no time.

If you have more space, just pile it up somewhere. It need not get full sun, full shade will work (I have 2 piles, one in full sun and one in full shade. Both break down equally fast).

You will be amazed at how much less you are sending to a landfill and you will be making your own black gold for your veggies and flowers. You can even use compost on your lawn as an organic fertilizer.

Answer 3

One of the easiest ways is to create less trash. Buy as much as possible from bulk bins and bring your own containers to the store so you don't need to use plastic bags to get the items home. My fiance and I just started trying to live a greener life and you can find other ideas on our blog at http://badhuman.wordpress.com. Good Luck!

Answer 4

What a great question!

You have already done the hard part.  You changed your thinking.

Here are some things I have done.  Maybe they will work for you.

Get a couple of reusable grocery sacks.  I got mine at publix.  That cuts down on the amount of plastic bags.  Recycle any that you accumulate.  The grocery sacks also are useful for carrying paper and other items to the recycling drop-off.

Replace your incandescent bulbs with CFL's ( compact fluorescent)  Look at the different kinds to see what fits your needs.

Make the Green Power Switch.  Visit NES's website for more info.

Unplug chargers when not needed.

Turn off computers when not in use.

Buy local produce when possible.  If not, buy regionally.  Food that travels 1000's of miles has a big carbon footprint.

I frequent roadside stands in the summer and the know where the fruits and vegetables come from.

Combine errands when you use your car.  Walk when possible.

Talk to your grand kids so they understand the gift they have been given and their responsibility to sustain it.