Live the Green Life

When it comes to adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle, the challenge many people face is not whether to do so, but how. With an increasing number of public figures and organizations voicing concerns over climate change, pollution and Earth’s diminishing natural resources, it’s become clear that Mother Nature needs a helping hand. But when such terms as “saving the planet” are thrown into the mix—lending credence to the idea that it’s a superhero’s job—the task becomes a tad daunting.

Improving the health of the planet is not a task reserved for those with superpowers; you may help from the comfort of your own home with just a few small and simple changes.

Save Water

Scratch bottled water from your grocery list. Instead, refill a stainless steel or glass bottle from the faucet. If the taste of tap water is a little rough on your palate, try a home filtration system or squeeze a little lemon or lime into the water. Parting with plastic bottles will put more money in your pocket and pull you away from the fallacy that you’re contributing to your well-being.

“The evidence is very clear that it’s not any safer or any healthier,” says Erik Assadourian, a senior fellow at environmental research group the Worldwatch Institute and director of the State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism To Sustainability. “In fact it’s less regulated than tap water and (the plastic bottles) cause a massive amount of ecological pollution.”

When it comes to water use around the home, installing aerators on all of your faucets and low-flow shower heads—all easily purchased at any home improvement store—will help you use less without even noticing. And do you really need to run the water while your brush your teeth? By opening the faucet only when it’s time to rinse you will save gallons in a matter of days.

Thinking Green All Year Long

When initially making the transition to a greener lifestyle, it may be difficult to understand the impact of your own actions, which is why embracing all that is eco-friendly goes in peaks and valleys for many.

“Around Earth Day, more people make the switch and change [their habits] just because it’s kind of like a New Year’s resolution,” says Kari Dorth, director of operations at San Francisco-based online environmental store Green Home.

Being green for a reason and not just a season, keeping yourself informed on the impact of all that you do, can help set new habits.

Dr. Lynne Trulio, professor and chair of the department of environmental studies at San Jose State University, says that becoming a vegetarian—or at least cutting out as much red meat as possible—is more beneficial than most would think.

“Beef has huge water, soil, species, air and greenhouse gas impacts,” she says.

Erik Assadourian, a senior fellow at environmental research group the Worldwatch Institute, adds that there are also even bigger changes to consider, like living in smaller homes close to accessible public transport and even thinking twice about getting a pet.

“Two German shepherd dogs have more ecological impact than a Bangladeshi human being,” he says. “And that’s just with the food they consume.”

Clean Green

Caring about your environment usually entails keeping it clean. But the bleaches and ammonias likely filling your cupboards are polluting your home with toxins. Instead, switch to organic products.

“For every cleaner around the home, there’s an organic alternative,” says Kari Dorth, director of operations at San Francisco-based online environmental store Green Home. “You can obtain cleaning kits that include separate cleaners for tub and tile, glass, mold and mildew and the toilet. Many of these products work together in concentrated form. So you don’t need to use as much.”

Also, baking soda and vinegar each have many cleaning uses around the home, from degreasing pots and pans to adding sparkle to kitchen and bathroom surfaces and adding extra freshness to a batch of laundry. When selecting a laundry detergent, check the label to ensure it’s biodegradable.

Recycle More Than Plastics

Recycling also is an important factor in eco-efficiency. Lessening the amount of non-recyclable plastic you use is key. Instead, consider using paper products.

With recyclable plastics, glass and cans, separate them from the rest of the trash and take them to local recycling centers. There are also recycling pick-up services available in many areas. With biodegradable waste, such as non-meat foods and paper, you can start a compost heap for use in your garden and on houseplants, eliminating the need to buy fertilizers.

“If you think about it, we don’t necessarily have to throw away much of anything,” notes Dorth. As such, she also advises reusing containers for food and glass bottles for water, given that the process of recycling uses a lot of energy and resources.

Conserve Power

When it comes to energy use, less is definitely more. Assadourian recommends switching your regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones, cleaning your refrigerator at least once a year to increase efficiency, and getting rid of redundant appliances—like that second refrigerator in the garage.

Unplug electronic devices that you don’t use. For areas where there’s a concentrated consumption of energy, like a home office, Dorth suggests a smart power strip with surge protection.

“When you turn off your computer, you think you’ve turned off everything else," he says. "But your monitor, printer and scanner are still using energy. The strip will shut all of it off automatically. It’s a way of saving money without thinking about it.”

If you’re in the market for new appliances – anything from televisions to refrigerators – buy products bearing Energy Star tags. Doing so could also qualify you for rebates, depending on where you live.

As the weather warms up, you may want to substitute energy-sapping air conditioning for portable fans and ceiling fans. If you must use central air, set the temperature a little higher than you normally do.

During winter months, turning your thermostat down a little more than usual will generate savings, as will insulating your walls.

“You’ll save a significant amount of money through insulating and hopefully reduce your energy use dramatically if you make that small upfront investment,” Assadourian notes.

And, just as is customary outdoors, don’t be afraid to add or remove layers of clothing to offset the need for artificial heat.

Sunlit Savings

Planning to completely overhaul your home? Solar panels might be your answer. To offset the expense, there are now many rebate programs, and it won’t be long before you start to see savings.

“With solar hot water, the payback period is less than four years,” asserts Assadourian. “It is much more efficient than heating your water by boiling it with fossil fuels like natural gas or electricity.”

If you own a car, consider leaving it in the garage a little more often. Use mass transit, ride a bicycle or walk. In all cases you’ll benefit from increased physical activity. “In a country where we’re getting too little exercise that’s great,” Assadourian says.

Ultimately, in addition to making an effort to go green, spreading the word is vital.

“The best thing you can do is help others go much lower (with their levels of consumption), while trying to maintain a low consumption lifestyle yourself,” Assadourian says.