Little Changes, Big Results: How Small Changes in Your Daily Life Can Make a Big Difference
by Jennifer Lefebvre
New Year’s Resolutions are typically made with the best of intentions but sometimes fall by the wayside as the year progresses. If one of your resolutions for 2010 is to live a greener lifestyle, there are several ways you can do so without revamping your entire life. Maybe you aren’t planning to make huge changes in your life, but want to want to make some sort of effort to be friendlier to the environment. It doesn’t take much and those small changes can make a big difference. Our daily activities have an impact on the planet, whether they are good or bad. Going green is not only about how to save the planet, but also about living in a healthy environment and nurturing a healthy environment for others.
With just a few small changes, you can make a big difference. Below are just a few simple ideas that you can use to help make that change:
1. Save water. Instead of leaving the water running while you brush your teeth or wash dishes, turn it off and then back on when you actually need to use it. Do you really need to take a 20 minute shower? Sure, it’s nice and warm in there, but even shaving just 5 minutes off your shower will make a huge difference in your water usage – and save you money! Use a kitchen timer to keep track of your time in the shower to make you more conscious of how much time you’re spending and water you’re using while you get clean.
2. Turn down your thermostat. Did you know that setting your thermostat just 2° lower can save 10 percent on your energy costs? It might be cold outside, but lowering that thermostat probably won’t even make you flinch! If you’re naturally cold, pull out that warm and comfy sweater your Grandma knitted you. Another idea is to lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Typically these devices are set at 130° but experts recommend setting them at 120°. This simple and one-time task will save you approximately 3-5 percent on your annual energy expenses.
3. Swap out your light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). In 2007, Congress set rigid restrictions on the energy usage of light bulbs; by 2020, all light bulb manufacturers will be producing light bulbs that are 70 percent more efficient than those available today. Using these light bulbs will save you about 75 percent in electricity expenses. To maximize those savings, consider using products that provide the most lumens at the lowest wattage. Another simple way to save is to turn the light off when you leave the room; doing this will reduce your energy usage by 45 percent.
4. Unplug appliances that are not being used. Appliances that are plugged in even when not in use are known as “power vampires” because they continue to draw energy from your home and suck money right out of your pockets! Researchers found that these items account for up to 20 percent of your total in-home power use. The most notorious “power vampires” include: laptop chargers, VCR’s and DVD players, phone chargers, night lights, and printers. Unplug these vampires and only plug them back in when you are ready to use them.
5. Use reusable grocery bags. Research has shown that Americans consume more than 500 billion plastic bags a year! Only about 1 percent of these bags can be recycled which means that there is a never-ending supply ending up in our landfills, our water supplies, flying around the freeways, and everywhere in between. Almost all of the grocery stores sell reusable grocery bags which actually carry and hold more groceries than a typical plastic grocery bag. For about $1.00, you can buy one of these bags and help to reduce the number that end up in our landfills. To find one that suits your unique style, try this website: www.reusablebags.com.
Implement these easy and small changes to make a huge difference, and share them with your friends and family. Together they all add up. For more simple green living ideas visit www.thegreenguide.com.
Tags: Congress, energy costs, energy usage, plastic bags, water usage
