it IS easy to be green!
9 Jan 2012
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reflections
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community
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life
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wellbeing
Climate change is a hot topic in parliaments, boardrooms and even bedrooms these days. Many people believe it is the role of governments to implement policies to manage the way we use resources and dispense of our waste, but all change starts with people doing things differently. Particularly when these changes will not only benefit the world we live in, but our own back pockets as well.
Here are some good tips to green up your life, save money and help reduce the impact on our planet all at the same time.
start in the garden
If you have a large yard that needs constant attention mowing and watering, establish an edible garden filled with fruit, vegetables and herbs. And it’s a great way to save on fresh food!
Get a compost bin or worm farm for your fruit and vegetable scraps, lawn clippings and leaves – then you can use the mulch you’ve created to feed your garden.
Read up on alternatives to pesticides and herbicides – for example, the beautiful Marigold will keep your bugs at bay and brighten up your garden.
reduce, reuse and recycle
Recycle as much waste as you possibly can - aluminium cans, glass and paper. Products made from these recycled materials take less energy to produce than those made from raw materials. If you’re not sure if something should go in your recycle bin, check for the recycle symbol.
Grab pre-loved bargains from garage sales, charity stores or online instead of buying brand new items.
Join the local library and borrow books and magazines instead of buying them. Or buy an e-reader that reads books, newspapers and magazines electronically, reducing the excess paper going to landfill.
Swap your clothes with your friends and family. Or give them to the charities that provide clothing to the homeless and poor. If you want to make some extra money, sell your clothes online on ebay or similar sites.
buy green
Buy quality particularly when purchasing household appliances, whitegoods and electronics. Quality products will last longer which means less landfill waste and they will probably use less energy to run.
Synthetic materials are produced with petroleum so buy clothing made from natural fibres when possible.
Clothing that doesn’t need dry-cleaning or washing in hot water will save energy and money.
Become a green expert. There is so much available on the internet to learn how to save more by going green. The planet and your bank balance will thank you for it!
Sources: Green Wiki http://green.wikia.com