Easy Steps to a Greener Lifestyle
Written 11 months ago by Anayma
1. Save energy! Yes, yes, we all remember those awful nights where we'd beg our mother to let us keep the light on while we slept (in case the fabled monster under the bed should make an appearance.) But mom was right, for once, about energy consumption. It's really not as difficult as it seems. If you're not using it, why have it on? You'll save energy (and money) if you do something as simple as turning the lights off the rooms you're not in. You can invest the money you'll save on energy-efficient flourescent bulbs, which, in turn, will mean you'll save even more. Soy-made candles are cute and romantic, btw...
2. Think of Water as Petrolium. Then maybe you'll be a little more cautions about spilling it around. You need to forget the whole "the world is 80% water" trivia you learned back in elementary school. Water is not, in fact, an endless resource. It can run out, sort of. But you'll have to consult Wikipedia or whatever source of e-formation you're using these days for further details on the science of water resources. In any case, try shutting the sink water off while you're brushing your teeth, lathering up your hair, standing under the shower while your 10 minute leave-in conditioner sets in, etc. Again, if you're not using it, why have it running?
3. Be Chic Like Grandma. Remember when grandma used to go to the farmers' market and bring her own satchel for all the fresh goodies she was going to buy from the local farms? Yeah, well, she was onto something. Bringing your own stylish grocery bag (think hemp-made or hand-painted organic cotton) and be everyone's envy as you strut your wares inside it and shun the ubiquitous plastic bags with the store logo on them. Even couture designers like Stella McCartney and Louis Vouitton have come out with their own version of grandma's satch. You'll be keeping the toxic bags from landfills, and keeping the air fresher in the process. I mean, how can one look chic while carrying bags that say Walmart on them? Not that we shop there...
4. Speaking of farmer's markets... Why not support your local organic farmers and buy their goods instead of produce that may very well be the result of a handful of harmful pesticides and preservatives as opposed to nutrient-rich soils right off your [potential] neighbor's backyard? Not to mention rumor has it that some of these imported goods are farmed by workers in conditions not unlike the notorious third world country sweat shops.
5. Walk! Ride a bike! Carpool! Stay home! Some cities, like New York and London, have amazing public transportation where citizens need not drive themselves anywhere. Other cities are not so fortunate, like Miami where the poor public transportation system combined with the scorching heat causes citizens to have to drive a block to the grocery store just so their milk doesn't spoil during the 5-minute walk. Alas, we all must get from point A to point B. However, there are creative alternatives that may save energy and help reduce green house gas emmissions. Carpooling with your neighbors to the financial districts is one way. It also gives you an excuse to make friends and socialize. Riding a bike is always a great alternative because you are also getting the fitness benefit. Walking shouldn't make anyone gasp with shock, it's the main reason why we have two legs, ya know... And, really now, with the internet, do you even HAVE to leave your house? Pfffsh... Don't even get me started on how less fuel consumption could even go as far as impacting world politics...
1. Save energy! Yes, yes, we all remember those awful nights where we'd beg our mother to let us keep the light on while we slept (in case the fabled monster under the bed should make an appearance.) But mom was right, for once, about energy consumption. It's really not as difficult as it seems. If you're not using it, why have it on? You'll save energy (and money) if you do something as simple as turning the lights off the rooms you're not in. You can invest the money you'll save on energy-efficient flourescent bulbs, which, in turn, will mean you'll save even more. Soy-made candles are cute and romantic, btw...
2. Think of Water as Petrolium. Then maybe you'll be a little more cautions about spilling it around. You need to forget the whole "the world is 80% water" trivia you learned back in elementary school. Water is not, in fact, an endless resource. It can run out, sort of. But you'll have to consult Wikipedia or whatever source of e-formation you're using these days for further details on the science of water resources. In any case, try shutting the sink water off while you're brushing your teeth, lathering up your hair, standing under the shower while your 10 minute leave-in conditioner sets in, etc. Again, if you're not using it, why have it running?
3. Be Chic Like Grandma. Remember when grandma used to go to the farmers' market and bring her own satchel for all the fresh goodies she was going to buy from the local farms? Yeah, well, she was onto something. Bringing your own stylish grocery bag (think hemp-made or hand-painted organic cotton) and be everyone's envy as you strut your wares inside it and shun the ubiquitous plastic bags with the store logo on them. Even couture designers like Stella McCartney and Louis Vouitton have come out with their own version of grandma's satch. You'll be keeping the toxic bags from landfills, and keeping the air fresher in the process. I mean, how can one look chic while carrying bags that say Walmart on them? Not that we shop there...
4. Speaking of farmer's markets... Why not support your local organic farmers and buy their goods instead of produce that may very well be the result of a handful of harmful pesticides and preservatives as opposed to nutrient-rich soils right off your [potential] neighbor's backyard? Not to mention rumor has it that some of these imported goods are farmed by workers in conditions not unlike the notorious third world country sweat shops.
5. Walk! Ride a bike! Carpool! Stay home! Some cities, like New York and London, have amazing public transportation where citizens need not drive themselves anywhere. Other cities are not so fortunate, like Miami where the poor public transportation system combined with the scorching heat causes citizens to have to drive a block to the grocery store just so their milk doesn't spoil during the 5-minute walk. Alas, we all must get from point A to point B. However, there are creative alternatives that may save energy and help reduce green house gas emmissions. Carpooling with your neighbors to the financial districts is one way. It also gives you an excuse to make friends and socialize. Riding a bike is always a great alternative because you are also getting the fitness benefit. Walking shouldn't make anyone gasp with shock, it's the main reason why we have two legs, ya know... And, really now, with the internet, do you even HAVE to leave your house? Pfffsh... Don't even get me started on how less fuel consumption could even go as far as impacting world politics...
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