How To: Go Green!

Pollution, incredible storms, drought, disease, contaminated food? These are some of the major global problems we face today on Mother Earth. Resources are being used and abused, and if everyone doesn't pitch in and act quickly, there may be harsh consequences. Going green is one of the hottest new trends, from the celebrities in the news doing it, to local lawmakers evaluating current policies. Here are a few simple ways that you can help to "go green".

Consider your commute: If you live close to your place of work, walk or bike. This reduces pollution, saves money on gasoline, and helps promote better overall health. If walking or biking isn't an option, consider other ways to commute, or try to move closer to your work place. Even if the rent or mortgage is slightly more expensive, it will save money in the long run, plus help the environment. Talk to your local government about putting in new or more sidewalks and biking lanes if your neighborhood isn't walking or biking friendly.

Consider where you buy: Shopping on the internet or buying in stores increases the amount of fuel used to transport items. Think about buying in local stores and purchasing food from your local farmer's market. Vegetables at a farmer's market can tend to be a little more expensive, but the quality is much better, the money goes directly to the farmer, and less fuel is used to transport food across the globe.

Consider how you buy: Buying used items if you're moving or redecorating can reduce production costs. Consider visiting thrift stores or garage sales to buy what you're looking for. This will save you money too. When gift giving, go green. Make homemade gifts or even regift if you have an item that won't be used, instead of it going into your local landfill.

Consider your scraps: Composting your food scraps is a great way to help the environment. It makes for great, free fertilizer in your garden and saves the landfill. If you don't have a garden, share your compost with a neighbor or family member, or put it in your yard anyway. It helps to make the soil rich and healthy.