- Pacific
These days it seems you can`t even go two hours without seeing or hearing something
about "being green," whether it`s an advertisement for an Earth-friendly
product, news about an environmentally-sound investment, a report about a business or
community that`s taking steps to be more eco-conscious, or just general advice on how to
save the planet. "Going green" isn`t just the latest trend though; it`s
something we all must do to conserve resources, combat climate change, and preserve our
planet for generations to come. Here are six easy-but essential-things you can do to
"green" your lifestyle (and save a little cash too:)
1. Green Clean Your House: Conventional household cleaners and bug-killers can
contain as many as 200 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals.
These harmful toxins are dangerous for you, your children and your animal companions, as
well as harmful to the environment. Chemicals in cleaning products have even
been implicated in Parkinson`s disease,
infertility, brain damage, cancer, and other health problems.
It`s safer and greener to buy only organic, all-natural cleaning products. Many natural,
cruelty-free cleaning products are available in many supermarkets and drugstores. Thrifty
cleaners can also make their own green cleaning supplies with everyday, inexpensive
ingredients like baking soda, borax, cornstarch, and white distilled vinegar, which is
effective for killing bacteria and germs.
2. Garden with a Green Thumb: Americans use approximately 80 million pounds of
pesticides in their gardens every year. Like chemical-cleaners, pesticides and synthetic
fertilizers pose a threat to you and your loved ones, and the environment in general.
Instead, use compost and plant
native plants, which have adapted to the environment and require less water and attention, in your garden. By
composting you can recycle your yard and kitchen wastes (even your dinner scraps) to
fertilize your own garden. This saves you time and money and helps the environment.
3. Don`t Be in the Dark About "Green" Light Bulbs: Compact fluorescent light bulbs are energy-efficient,
long-lasting, and cost-effective. They can be purchased at most hardware stores and cost
under $4 each. If you use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of standard incandescent
ones, you`ll not only help save the environment, but you`ll also save around $30 on your
electric bill.
4. Curb Consumerism: Do you really need more knick-knacks, techno-toys, fad
fashions, and stuff that will ultimately land in a landfill? Cutting back on unnecessary
purchases not only helps save landfill space (and all the materials needed to make the
"must-have" merchandise), but it will also save you money for more important
things.
When you do go shopping bring along reusable canvas shopping bags. Every year Americans
use up to 100 billion plastic bags, which equals about 12 million barrels of oil. Some
stores offer a small discount if you bring your own bag, and by not using a
non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic bag, you can help save wildlife. Thousands of
animals choke to death on plastic bags, thinking they are food.
5. Eat Green: If you want to be green, it`s important to eat green-vegetarian, that
is. "Meatless Mondays" or Thursdays, or what have you, are a great start. The
less meat you eat the more you help to
reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, curb pollution, and conserve water, land, fossil fuels, and other resources.
Consider this:
*A United Nations report revealed that the meat, egg, and dairy industries are responsible
for more greenhouse gasses than all the cars, SUVs, ships, tractor trailers, trains, and
jumbo jets combined. According to the Live Earth concert handbook, "refusing
meat" is the "single most effective thing you can do to reduce your carbon
footprint." Researchers with the University of Chicago even report that going vegan
is 50% more effective in stopping global warming than switching to a hybrid car.
*The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
says that run-off from factory farms pollutes our waterways more than all other industrial
sources combined. The EPA also reports that about 80 percent of ammonia emissions in America come from animal waste.
*It takes more than 4,000 gallons of water per day to produce food for a meat-eater; only
300 gallons of water a day are needed to produce food for a vegan. Nearly 80 percent of
the agricultural land in the U.S. is used to raise animals for food. E: The Environmental
Magazine has reported that more than one-third of all fossil fuels produced in the U.S.
are used to raise animals for food.
6. Buy Local: If you buy locally-grown fruits and veggies rather than produce that
has been trucked across the country, you can help conserve fossil fuels and reduce the
amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful pollutants released into the
air. Buying produce from a local farmer`s market also supports local farmers, who often do
not use as many harmful chemicals
and waxes on the food they grow. You can usually find your local produce cheaper at the
Farmer`s Market than in the grocery store.
Go Green, Save Green
If you follow these green tips, you`ll not only help save the environment and animals, but
you can also save yourself some green too!
References:
GoVeg.com, "Meat and the Environment," http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp
Canada.com, "Hamburgers are the Hummers of food in global warming: scientists,"
Oberman, Mira. Feb. 17, 2009, http://www.canada.com/technology/Ha...
Holisticvoice.org, "Ways To Go Green and Do Your Part To Save The Planet," http://www.holisticvoice.org/7.%20G...
EarthEasy.com, "Non-toxic Home Care," http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nonto...
(naturalnews,
10.08.2009, Allison Biggar, citizen journalist, See all articles by this author, Email
this author) http://www.naturalnews.com/027189_the_environment_food_meat.html
Eastern