Live Clever, Live Greener
by Simon M Skinner.
Date: 08 January 2010
One of the benefits of living green is it can extend your lifespan. This may be surprising, but it is very true.
There are many things that not only help the earth, but they help you, too! Eating fresh organic foods, cutting down on driving, and many other things will help you live greener, longer!
However, there are some easy ways to live a greener life. Recycling is in place now, where you can simply place your recyclables out in the correct wheely bins for pickup.
It's easy to separate your plastic, aluminum and other recyclable materials. The recycling pickup service takes care of the rest - all you have to do is to take it outside!
Freecycle
Joining your local Freecycle list like the Lincoln one, is another great way to live greener. Don't throw things away, put them on the list and look there for things you need instead of buying new items. Odds are, someone will want what you've got to give away. By the same token, if there's something you need, it is more than likely to be found for the taking there as well.
This keeps these items out of landfills and saves everyone money.
Composting
Composting your food scraps can save you money by providing you with great soil next season for your own garden. It also keeps a lot of good stuff out of the landfills. Just keep adding your fruit and vegetable wastes, egg shells, coffee grounds, and grains to the compost pile.
You can add your raked leaves and lawn clippings as well. Don't add meat or bones... they will attract insects like flies and will take longer to compost. Water the compost down once in awhile to get the enzymes activated.
Come spring, you'll have some nice compost soil to add to your own vegetable garden for more healthy eating.
Solar Lights
You can use solar lights in your drive and garden. These lights work just as well as electric lights, but cost nothing to operate and conserve the use of electricity. There are many appealing designs available and they can fit into anyone's budget.
You don't need to have an electrician install them and the lights are quite bright enough to illuminate your yard. You can even get solar holiday lights, adding a cheerful seasonal touch without adding a thing to your electric bill.
Look at the Small Things
Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic packaging helps lower your carbon footprint.
Use cloth bags when you shop instead of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even give you loyaly points when you use your own bags.
All of this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you because you'll be breathing cleaner air.
It's Easy
Contrary to popular opinion, it is easy to be green and even easier to go green. It saves you money while doing something good for the environment.
Before you know it, living green will be second nature and you'll be looking for ways to add some more green living to your lifestyle.
