Want to go green(ish) and im not sure how. ?

Question

Lately i've been thinking this go green stuff is pretty cool. I've always been a big nature person and i've always hated the way people trash the earth, i just didnt realize the extent of the damage. I want to go green (in some ways...) but im not really sure how to. first im afraid my family is going to make fun of me (yeah theyre the supportive type). second, i dont really know how to recycle. where do i take it? i want to know things i can change about my lifestyle (dont touch the meat, the meet stays...lol) to make a difference. will it make a difference?

Answer 1

Start by recycling your garbage.  Sort your used aluminum cans and plastic bottles.  Rinse them out.   Then bring them to recycling bins. You may see them around your neighborhood.  Also recycle newspapers and junk mail, cereal boxes.  

Turn lights and fans off in rooms that nobody is in.  Do not take unnecessary trips in the car. Try to walk or ride a bike.

Answer 2

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 3

focus on saving energy and being more energy efficient.

That way no one can make fun of you because all you have to say is.. well im saving x amount of dollars per month, so who is the dumbars now?

Here is a good site to learn how to green your home:

http://www.neutralexistence.com/begreen/...

Answer 4

call your local landfill and see where to recycle things.  this site might have tips you can use.

Answer 5

Start small.  Use less time to

shower, for example.  Walk

instead of driving.

There are Green cleaning

products at the market.

A lot of them aren't expensive,

and smell nice.

You can't miss the products,

because the label says green

friendly, or something about

green.