Going Green.pdf

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Going Green
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
3
Lights Out
3
White’s Out/Brown’s In
3
Give the Boot to Bleach
4
Stop Using Antibacterials
4
The Right Sponge
5
High Efficiency Showerheads
5
Military Showers
5
Hot Water Heater Rehab
6
Outdoor High Efficiency Lighting
6
Compact Florescent
6
Only Wash with a Full Load
6
Drive Smart
7
Skip Fast Food
7
Buy Local Flowers for Mom
7
Toilet Training
8
Plastic Bottle Controversy
9
Have the Pros Wash your Car
9
Green Nail Polish
10
Energy Saving Coffee
10
Save Toner and Paper
10
No-Iron
11
The WaterSense Label
11
Long Grass is Good
12
Start a Rain Garden
12
Mini Changes for Maxi Impact
13
More Quick Tips
13
Use Less Energy in the Kitchen
14
Conclusion
14
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Going Green
INTRODUCTION
Going green. It’s what we’ve heard so much of lately with eco-friendly
being today’s watch phrase.
We all must be aware of our carbon footprints. What’s that? Your carbon
footprint measures the impact you and your activities have with respect to
greenhouse gases and your overall contribution to global warming.
Going green can help offset your footprint. And that’s a good thing!
Living cradle to cradle is something everyone should strive for: what
comes out of the earth must go back into it whether it’s recycled, repurposed or
become biodegradable.
Here are some tips you can use to start your own carbon offset/going
green program at home.
Lights Out
The simplest method you can use at home to start your green program is
to turn out lights when you leave a room. So many people simply walk out of a
room and leave lights burning but you can change that by making sure to hit the
switch when you leave.
White’s Out/Brown’s In
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Going Green
Brown rice is healthier for you because it packs a whole lot more vitamins
and nutrients than white rice. But there’s an environmental benefit as well: brown
rice takes less processing and that means less energy used.
Give the Boot to Bleach
Hydrogen Peroxide is a great alternative to chlorine bleach. It’s just water
with an extra oxygen molecule that breaks down into oxygen and water.
Hydrogen peroxide – or H2O2 -- is made naturally when sunlight acts on water
and is produced by both animal and plant cells.
Have You Bought into the Antibacterial Movement? Stop!
Antibacterial products litter markets everywhere from soaps and cleaners
to cutting boards, and even toys. Triclosan is responsible for all the antibacterial
muscle.
But there’s a problem.
Scientists are now worried that widespread use of triclosan will make it
useless because bacteria will develop a resistance. Save the antibiotics for when
you need them.
Both the American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention say you can stay clean and safe by washing your hands
in hot soapy water for 20 to 30 seconds, and scrub surfaces regularly. And
instead of antibacterial sprays, try using vinegar or baking soda to kill bacteria.
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Going Green
Choose Your Sponge Wisely
Cellulose fiber sponges are the only way to go these days. Why?
Cellulose comes from plantation forests or is made of recycled materials.
Synthetic sponges have been found to contain triclosan which, besides being a
health risk, is believed to wipe out fragile aquatic ecosystems, especially algae.
Snag a High-Efficiency Showerhead
These showerheads can save up to 3,000 gallons of water per person per
year. You can buy them specially designed to conserve resources and still feel
like you’re luxuriating in a spa-quality shower.
Shower Like a Midshipman
Ever tried a “Navy” shower? It’s a great way to be energy efficient. When
you get into the shower get your body and head wet. Then turn off the water.
Soap up and then only turn the shower on long enough to get rinsed off. The
point is to only use the water you need for rinsing.
Recycle Water in Your Bathroom or Basement
Don’t waste the cold water flowing out of the faucet before the hot water
kicks in. Fill a bucket with the cold water and use it to water your plants.
Do you use a basement dehumidifier in the summer? Don’t toss the water
collected out of the air down the drain – use it in the garden!
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