Make Life a Little Greener — Part II
Green Tips for the House
The Refrigerator
Decide what you want before you open the refrigerator
door. Then get it and close the door right away. The interior temperature
of the refrigerator can increase by as much as 10 degrees each time
you open the door.
Do a seal check yearly, this will help to make
sure the refrigerator is properly closing, helping to ensure that it
is not having to work harder to maintain its temperature. To perform
a seal check: Fold a dollar bill and close the refrigerator door on
it. If it slips out easily, the seal needs replacing.
Aerosols, making a smart choice
Aerosols have limited recycling value; so the
containers will probably wind up in a landfill. In addition some of
the ingredients found in aerosol products can contribute to air pollution.
Instead of aerosols, look for spray bottles, liquids, powders, and
roll-on.
Limit your use of aerosol cans.
The right bag for the right job
Choose biodegradable garbage disposal bags
to help reduce long term landfill mass.
Take a look at the Packaging
Choose products that are packaged in recyclable
materials, such as cardboard, plastics that are marked recyclable,
and corn-based packaging. Many manufactures are now advertising the
recyclability of their products.
Consider buying in bulk
When buying in bulk you often save money but
in addition there is often a reduction in the packing materials and
transportation cost.
Dress Green
Green clothing lines are now readily available.
Look for clothes and accessories like handbags that are environmentally
friendly. Choose clothing that is labeled organic and look for clothing
that is made from cotton, wool, linen (flax), and hemp as they can
be grown organically.
Take a look at the antique stores
Antiques are recycled furniture. They have
provided a service to generations. So the next time you are in the
market for furniture take a look at the antique store, many antiques
can be restored with natural products at a very reasonable price.
Green pets
Going green should not be limited to ourselves,
our pets can have a green life too. Many stores now carry organic pet
foods, eco-friendly pet products, and holistic pet supplements.
Take to the internet
Opt for electronic bills where possible. This
will save on paper and the resources that are involved in delivery
and processing of a paper bill. When electronic billing is not available;
demand that your utility/service providers provide e-bills services.
The Laundry Room
Give your dryer a tune up; by making sure your
lint filter is clean and your dryer exhaust is free to open and close,
you are helping it to run better and be more cost efficient.
For the ultimate in low-cost laundry drying,
choose to hang clothes outside on a clothesline or place on a drying
rack. In choosing to dry your clothes on the line you are saving energy
and utilizing Mother Nature’s greatest renewable energy source
— the Sun.
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Green Tips for the Green Outdoors
Put the green in landscaping
Trees and shrubs provide shade during the summer
and can help shield your house from frigid winter winds. Both can help
lower your energy bill. In choosing plants that are local to your area
and suitable for your region, it with help with the health of the plants
as well as take fewer resources for them to survive.
Plant a tree
The average tree will remove about one ton of
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over a 40 year period. Look into
local organizations in your community that have set up tree-planting
campaigns or visit a local nursery to find out what kinds of trees
will grow best in your area.
How does your garden grow?
An organic garden provides many benefits besides
the fruits of your labors; an organic garden can have environmental
benefits. It can help reduce soil erosion, can contribute to the reduction
of some kinds of air pollutants, and contributes to soil health, which
in turn affects water supply.
A bird in the hand is worth…
Birds are an integral part of Mother Nature’s
plan. By proving an area that is inviting to birds; you will be able
to reap the rewards. They need water to drink and food to eat. Birds
help get rid of many kinds of bugs as well as play a part in the pollination
of plants.
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Photo credit — Clothesline: ©iStockphoto.com/LivingImages
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