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Hello! Welcome to my go green blog! Please explore my posts and pages! The design of this blog is dark because bright colors use a lot more energy and power. Thank you and please visit again! Visit my main blog here.
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Sarah

20 Ways to Go Green

1.Save money in the bathroom
Buy water-efficient shower heads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month — and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Two we like: Kohler’s Master Shower Eco (kohler.com) and Niagara Conservation’s Earth Massage (http://niagaraconservation.com).

2.Bring home superhero plants
Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don’t have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

3.Recycle rechargeables
Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states — Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont — it’s illegal to throw them away. Wherever you live, you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to http://rbrc.org.

4.Adjust fridge and freezer temps
Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37° F. and the freezer at 0° F.

5. Lighten up with energy savings
Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you’ll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run — CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional ones. (Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That’s no longer a problem. When we compared a regular bulb with a GE Energy Star Qualified CFL, testers couldn’t tell the difference.) You can buy CFLs at most hardware and home stores. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out

6.Recycle smart
From furniture to electronics, one person’s trash is another’s treasure — so when you want to dispose of an old item, don’t make the dump your first stop. Two sites with alternatives: freecycle.org and earth911.org..

7.Mow-ercise!
Today’s non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you’re getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.

8.Warm up to solar energy
You may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio. We like Malibu’s Solar Floodlight (intermatic.com)

9.Go native
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You’ll use less fertilizer and pesticides.

10.Buy a laptop
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.

11.Get off junk mail lists
Register with the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) and you’ll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

12.Double up on printing
Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page. You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple email? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.

13.Protect the earth while you picnic or party
At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they’ll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won’t clog landfills or kill trees. To try: EarthShell plates and bowls (earthshell.com). They’re made from corn, potatoes, and limestone — and cost less than 6 cents per plate.

14.Tote your own grocery bag
Paper or plastic? Neither! If you’re shopping for a small load, bring along a cute sack like the polka-dot tote from Cath Kidston (cathkidston.com). Another practical option: the ACME Workhorse Style 1500 (reusablebags.com), which crunches into a tiny pouch that fits in your purse.

15.Break out the bamboo
This plant is a far more sustainable natural resource than wood because it grows very quickly. Try the stylish bamboo bowls and cutting boards from TimberGrass (lamsonsharp.com).

16.Make up with Mother Nature
Aveda’s All-Sensitive Body Formula moisturizing body oil uses organic jojoba. What’s more, most of Aveda’s packaging is made from recycled material. A makeup line that’s entirely organic: Nvey Eco (econveybeauty.com). We particularly like its eyeshadows.

17. Switch to Blackle
Instead of Google search, use Blackle, the darkness uses less power

18. Spread the Word
Even in it is on different websites, or around your school or work, tell others to go green!

19. Avoid Styrofoam
When Styrofoam gets ripped up, the chemicals go up and “cut a hole” in the atmosphere.

20. There are thousands of ways!
Use your imagination by precycling!