Go Green: Ten Easy Ways to Help the Environment

1. Buy a Laptop

Laptops are much more power efficient than desktops. Powerful laptops on average use 30W, compared to desktops using around 200W. You could save around 80% the energy. Yes, the laptop is more expensive; it all just depends on how much you want to help the environment.

2. Print Green

Wire your printer to print on both sides of the paper. We as Americans waste around four tons of paper every year. That’s enough to build a 12 foot wall -remember, it’s pure paper- from New York all the way to California! And remember, those extra blank sheets of paper that shoot out of the printer after you print stuff, just pop those back into the printer.

3. Go Solar

Solar energy is getting more popular. It can do more than you would expect. Here are some fun facts about solar energy:

• Solar energy can be used to produce lighting, heat swimming pools, power cars, even to cook food!
• About two billion people in the world are without any kind of energy.
• More sunlight falls onto earth in just one hour than the world uses in a year.

For more cool facts about solar energy, check out http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html

4. Unplug

Unplug household appliances when not in use to save energy and be green.  It can be a hassle, but just think of all the energy you might save. Oh, and don’t forget to plug it back in before you try to turn it back on.

5. Take Showers and Conserve Water

Yeah, I know baths are great, but when you think about it, you could save a lot of water by taking a quick yet still refreshing shower. Also, turn the water off while you brush your teeth. Sure, you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times, but really, think of all that water going down the drain, and besides, it only increases the water bill. You save water, you save money. It’s a win-win solution.

6. Save on Gas

If you can, walk or bike to work. Besides saving money and the environment, you get fit in the process. Of course, not all of us can walk/bike everywhere, but if you can, you might as well.

7. Borrow

Go to the library instead of buying new books or videos. Not only does this save you cash, it saves ink and paper, too.

8. Reduce

These last three “Go Green” suggestions are called the heart of the simple things you can do to help save our earth. Reduce by buying recycled products, avoiding individually wrapped items and candies, and by using canvas bags available at many grocery stores instead of plastic or paper.

9. Reuse

You know the old saying “use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without”. Well, okay, you probably don’t, but it is a great way for  helping our environment. You can reuse by giving to goodwill or buying from thrift stores. Another example of reusing is giving clothes to Salvation Army drives or toys to Toys for Tots.

10. Recycle

Recycling is a great way to save the environment. If your city doesn’t have a recycling system, don’t give up! Hop on down to a local recycling center; some even pay you per can! Paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard are all recyclable.