How To Go Green

Going green doesn’t mean transforming your house into an eco-mansion and altering every aspect of your life to become the ultimate eco-freak! There are hundreds of simple, no-fuss things we can all do to lead a greener lifestyle and help preserve our precious planet. And it needn’t be expensive as some may think. In fact you may find yourself saving money.

Reduce, re-use, recycle. We’re all familiar with these three words but how many of us practice what we preach? To get you started here are ten tips you can do NOW to make a difference. They may seem minute and insignificant, but if everyone made just a few effortless changes in their daily regimes it would make the world of difference.

1. Love your daily caffeine hit? Start taking your own mug to your local café or coffee house
2. Turn off your computer when not in use. Stand-by isn’t off and remember, screen savers don’t save energy
3. Visit your local library instead of buying new books. This will save you money too
4. Reuse bags and say no when a shop assistant tries to place one or two items in a bag. And at your next grocery shop invest in some canvas bags. You’ll find they hold a lot more groceries than your standard plastic versions and frustrating rips will be a thing of the past
5. Offset CO2 emissions by planting a tree. Dedicate your tree to someone special or make this a fun (and educational) activity with your kids and/or family
6. Switch all appliances off at the wall when not in use, especially when on holiday
7. Exchange your current lightbulbs with an energy-efficient brand. You can find these at your local supermarket. While the initial cost may be slightly more than your average bulb, you will save money in the long run
8. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transport. Next time you’re stuck in peak-hour traffic have a look at how many cars contain just one person. It makes you think
9. Use Google black. ‘Blackle’ was created by Heap Media to remind us all of the need to take small steps in our everyday lives to save energy. Check it out at www.blackle.com
10. Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they are full. No half loads

Got an easy, no-fuss green tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it!