Steps To Living A Greener Life
Transportation might have the biggest environmental impact on the planet and is a direct result from us going from point A to point B. In the United States, about 20 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and light trucks, like SUVs, contributing to climate change, air pollution, and disease. Fortunately, for many of us, we can make an easy decision and commitment to change all of that. At the very least you can consider walking, biking, carpooling or using public transportation. If you are truly trying to lighten your environmental footprint, the first thing to do is ask yourself if you really are in need of a car.
The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure hd If the answer is yes, there are many things you can do to make your driving life greener. Buying a green car is the best method; if that is not an option right now certainly consider fuel consumption as a major factor in your next choice of vehicle. Driving technique has a lot to do with your fuel economy, avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit. Drive wisely and minimize unnecessary miles by doing errands in one trip, getting good directions, and calling ahead. Getting regular tune-ups and maintenance done will help you burn less gas and pollute less as well. Also, fill your tires. If every Americans tires were properly inflated we could save around 2 billion gallons of gas each year! Use the windows to help keep the car cool, and take it easy on the air conditioning. Flying is also notoriously carbon intensive, when it comes to making a longer trip take the train wherever possible.
Some of the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions are also the easiest, especially when it comes to energy. Turn the lights off when you go out, install energy efficient bulbs and appliances, insulate your home, and keep an eye on your energy consumption. Do you really need to be using all of the energy that you have been, or are there unconscious habits that can be changed to help reduce your and your familys usage? In many cities it is now also possible to purchase green energy from your local utility company. What are you waiting for? Get on it.
Even for those who live in areas of abundant rainfall, water is still an ecological issue. Drinkable water is precious and needs to be used more efficiently. Every drop of tap water we use requires energy to filter, purify and transport, and that equals more fossil fuel emissions. You can start saving immediately by switching to more efficient appliances. Install low flow shower heads that use less water without affecting pressure, and dual flush toilets featuring a small flush and a large flush. It is also very simple to collect rainwater for use in your yard and/or garden.
Not long ago, waste management was the main environmental issue facing all of us. If you started recycling in the last couple of years, you have definitely become a greener citizen. If you have not started recycling yet, what is the hold up? Every item that you use and buy takes energy and resources to manufacture and transport. When you do not recycle, each item takes up even more energy and resources before it is disposed. The old adage still rings true: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Last, but certainly not least, is the very home in which you live. The rate of construction waste recycling is 70 percent, on average 8,000 lbs of waste are thrown into the landfill during the construction of a 2,000 square foot home. Dont waste precious building materials and energy ever again! Instead, build your next home to be GREEN or buy a GREEN HOME. Building green reduces carbon dioxide emissions, conserves natural resources, improves air and water quality, cuts back waste and saves energy. Green building also stimulates architectural design and green construction that promotes sustainable, healthy living. If all buildings in the U.S. met LEED green building standards, national energy use and global warming emissions would drop by at least ten percent.
The LEED green building certification program stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. Green homes save energy and the environment by using green building materials and renewable resources, such as bamboo. Prefabricated green homes are becoming very popular because they require much less labor than conventional houses or homes. Prefab green homes are manufactured away from the building site, usually in standard sections that are fast and easy to ship and assemble.
Are you doing all that you can to be a green citizen? The information on this page is enough to help you get started on the right track, take that next eco-friendly step. Its time for us all to do our part and co-create a healthy planet together.