Going Green in 2011 - Remember the 4 R's

If it is Thursday it's Going Green

Most of us have heard about the importance of making environmentally friendly lifestyle changes. Do you think that "going green” could mean turning your life upside down?

If you believe you don't have the time or money to join the green movement, you might be surprised that you already have some eco-friendly habits. These simple practices make a difference and can help you on your way to living an even greener lifestyle.

If you follow any of the green practices listed below, you just may be greener than you think?

If your household:

• Recycles paper, glass and metal items
• Has swapped plastic bags for cloth bags when shopping
• Utilizes natural sunshine light during the day
• Uses long-lasting fluorescent light bulbs
• Turns light switches off when they leave a room
• Covers windows with curtains to keep out cold air
• Closes the fireplace damper when a fire isn't burning
• Has insulated all heating pipes in the home
• Runs your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full
• Removes lint from the dryer filter after each use
• Covers pots and pans when cooking
• Cooks food in the microwave instead of the oven
• Uses shower-time efficiently and have installed a low-flow showerhead

If you eat:

Locally grown foods, organic foods, a variety of fruits and vegetables and limit your red meat consumption

If you drink: Filtered tap water instead of bottled water

If you buy:
• Organic cotton, bamboo, soy, or hemp clothing
• Reusable products, such as cloth napkins or plastic containers for food storage, rather than the disposable versions
• Natural bath and body products
• Nontoxic cleaning products
• Rechargeable batteries

If you travel:
• By carpool
• By public transportation
• By bicycle or on foot
• In a fuel-efficient vehicle

Let me know how many of these environmentally friendly changes you

and your family have made.

Remember the 4 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair