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Tips for Greener Living

By Sheri Reed Read more articles, eco gear, eco-friendly, effecting change, energy savers, good habits, living responsibly, and recycling

Sometimes the idea of living greener can seem daunting in the whirlwind of our busy lives. However, in many ways going green is simpler and less expensive than what we’re already doing. Think of green living in terms of these small steps: reduce, reuse, and recycle. If we take these small steps, we’ll be actively working toward sustaining our planet. Once you take the first few steps of greener living, the ideas for reducing, reusing, and recycling will keep coming. Here are some easy tips for living a greener life today.

Reduce

According to a majority of scientists, global warming is the direct result of increased carbon dioxide and other gases in the earth’s atmosphere. This increase is a direct result of burning more and more fossil fuels while clearing trees and forests. There are many ways to reduce fuel and energy use while saving carbon dioxide:

  • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Nudge your thermostat a few degrees down in the winter and up a few in the summer
  • Replace furnace and air-conditioning filters regularly
  • Cut back on hot water washes, dryer use, long showers, needless driving, and all those other energy consumers.
  • Turn off electronic devices — toasters, DVD players, computers, printers — when you’re not using them. Unplug them from the wall and save even more.

Reuse

Reusing products and materials is another important part of greener living because it reduces the amount of hard-to-biodegrade matter we put in our landfills. Before you trash it, before you recycle it, or before you buy a new one, consider whether or not you can reuse or repair an item you already have. A few ways to re-use:

  • Reach for reusable containers instead new plastic bags when you pack a lunch or save food items in the fridge.
  • Use cloth napkins or washable rags instead of paper napkins and paper towels.
  • Bring your own coffee mug to the café every morning.
  • Donate usable or fixable items instead of throwing them in the trash.

Recycle

Recycle your cans, bottles, plastics, and paper waste whenever you can. Your local waste management resource can provide detailed information about the specifics of recyclables in your area. Along the same lines, it’s also helpful to purchase recycled products whenever possible.

For more ideas, see 5 Green Things You Can Do Today.


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    Hindenburg commented on this. about 1 year ago

    I’m currently working on a way to reduce my vehicle’s carbon emissions to zero: the idea focuses on converting the engine to run on methane, then shoving a hose up my ass to pipe the endless supply of Kashi-induced bowel gas into the engine while I drive. I estimate I’ll be able to drive 600-800 miles on a single box of Go-Lean Crunch. The only downside is I have to plan my travels to allow a 3-hour gestation period after eating a bowl of Kashi cereal before starting my trip in order to ensure a sufficient fuel supply. Wish me luck!!

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    tinkerpickle commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I started recyling when I was only 11, after I read about how much trash American is puting in landfills.It may seem like a chore; always having to separate newspapers, bottles and cans, but it truly only takes a minute. After I recycle something, as I watch the recycling truck go by and collect it and feel this inside glory inside of me. You can re-use used jars, by putting them in the dishwasher (to wash them off, first) then have your kids put ponytails or have them paint it for a craft to do, and Wa-LA! an instant pencil/tool jar.
    Recycling is good for our earth, which is being destroyed, day-by-day. Recycle! It will you save you money (when you re-use things) and help the environment. I mean, really, don’t you just hate it when you see a piece of trash floating around?

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    hb3908 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    We recycle as much as we can! And, our kids have seen their parents do this for years now, so they are pros at knowing what can go in the bin!

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    buggy3 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I’ve been recycling for a very long time..I also buy second hand,recover my couch & chairs instead of buying,bike pretty much everyday:)

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    hcadams commented on this. almost 3 years ago

    I really appreciate the online coupons, but it’s terrible that a small little coupon takes up a whole sheet of paper! I’m sure it could be formatted so that all 3 coupons print on one page. An easy way to REDUCE! Are you listening Kashi? =)

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    NancyKnight commented on this. almost 3 years ago

    I have a large removal basket on the front of my beach cruiser which can also be used as a shipping basket. This eliminates the need for bags. I try to ride my bike for my smaller shopping trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Great exercise too.

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    lynnew commented on this. almost 3 years ago

    Love your website! I have been enjoying Kashi foods for me, my husband, my toddler, and now my infant (via breastmilk). We have chosen to live Green – please visit our tips at www.livngreen.blogspot.com and www.mygreen-family.com

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    louisehall commented on this. almost 3 years ago

    I have a way of saving paper. I take the envelopes that my bills and letters come in and I cut them up and use them for shopping lists, etc. I have also cut up the contents of the mail I recieve as long as it has a blank side.

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    jpittman_7578 commented on this. almost 3 years ago

    I think everyone should recycle. It is a way to better life. It affects our future and those who don’t recycle are either lazy or selfish in my opinion. I enjoy recycling and make it a daily habit.

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    Naturally commented on this. about 3 years ago

    I’ve been recycling for many years now, it’s a way of life. I always bring my 6 cloth bags to the grocery store each week faithfully. I do need a paper bag for my recycled papers everyother week. Our city is going from $2 trash stickers to put on our trash bags, to purple plastic bags that will cost us $2 a bag to dispose of our trash at curbside each week. The city is trying to get people to recycle more, most homes have one recycling bin, I have 3, & at times I need a 4th one!! I’m the recycling queen in my area.

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    obeyme101 commented on this. about 3 years ago

    My 10 year old son is a major activist and aside from yelling at construction companies that they are killing mother nature and he hopes that the company loses their job, he loves to recycle and help keep mother nature clean. We keep huge plastic garbage bags in the kitchen for our platics and cardboard and paper and glass and soda cans and then when the bags are overflowing we take a drive to our local recycling drop off and unload the bags to use and use again. He loves it and it makes me soo happy to see the proud look on his face or to watch him help other people unload their products.

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    AliciousDD commented on this. over 3 years ago

    The apartment complex I moved to does recycling. When you move in they give the list and how to prep for recycling. Right next to the dumpsters are the recycling bins, it was one of the reasons I chose this complex. I just take out the recycling with my trash. I also changed all my bulbs to compact flourescents. I use reusable bags to do my grocery shopping and I plugged all my computer and tv cords into a surge protector so I can just turn it off at night and when I am gone to help save on electricity. A little goes a long way!

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    amyers commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I recently downsized to an apartment. I’m low on space but refuse to stop recycling. Any tips on small space recycling?

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    ehanson1010 commented on this. over 3 years ago

    i have started recycling all the carboard at my work and hope to start recycling paper, glass, etc. i recycle everything at home, so im trying to help others go green too! so you should all try to recycle at you work or if your at school, most things can be recycled.

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    lsd285 commented on this. over 3 years ago

    Hers is a couple of helpful hints. You can recycle your toilet paper roll and paper towel rolls.
    Also before you start you car engine put your seat belt on first. It may seem like a small thing but if everyone did it every time we get in our cars what a difference that would make.
    Every little thing adds up.
    Also I am sure most of you know never top your gas tank.

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      chradesky 8 months ago

      Can you elaborate on the “how and why” regarding the rolls and topping of the gas tank?

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    Kirbyco commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    Buy a re-usable water bottle (check bottom for the 3 arrow triangle recycling symbol and number inside symbol, 2, 4 or 5 are acceptable and will not leach chemicals into the drinking water) fill bottle with filtered tap water (Pur or Britta – find at home improvement, drug and discount stores). Saves in so many ways: Time shopping and effort to haul home water bottles
    $$$$$ to buy bottled water and fuel for your car
    Most important saves the plant from bottles that take thousands of years to bio-degrade

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    doglady commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    I didn’t realize my tv was sucking up electricity when it wasn’t on, I am going to start unplugging things. I already recycle, once a week trips to the dropsite for me as well. And I live within walking distance to the grocery store so errands don’t eat up those fossil fuels, just my own!

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    akcoyote commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    There is a great site for shopping green that also gives back in donations. Go to www.dailygreenproject.com they sell eco-friendly products with labels of “energy savings”, “recycle” and others on the product of the day. They also show who they donate to with the 10% of each sale. Just a cool site for another way of making a difference when shopping.

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    eliseamische commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    Instead of wasting paper of plastic, my family carries out our groceries in reuasable -and trendy bags!

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    shutch4800 commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    A few weeks ago I was reading a magazine that stated that, on average, 75% of electricity is used when appliances are not turned on; meaning appliances suck up quite a bit of electricity plugged into the wall. I found this quite shocking and have begun to unplug things around the house. Could it get any more simpler than unplugging?

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    herrerm commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    My family recycles as much as possible. Hopefully, my teenage boys will continue to do so as they become adults.

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    rnirish commented on this. almost 4 years ago

    My college-age son started recycling since he wa been away at college. He has gotten me to do the same, so, I recycle aluminum, news papers, plastic, glass…unfortunately, we don’t have curb-side recyling in our community, so, it all has to be taken to a recycling site. Now, I don’t have to put my big trash can out to the street except every 2-3 weeks. I find that amazing.