I admit I havent been into the "green" lifestyle. I would like to try and be a more environmentally friendly person. How would I go about starting? Any tips or advice?

For me it started with awareness. I’ve always been into energy conservation and taking care of nature, I’ve recycled since the 70′s, but that was as far as I had gone. I got invovled with the Earth Club at my sons school and started looking for more information. I read "The Green Book" and was amazed at how many things I did without thinking that was harming the environment. I started making changes and have saved a lot of money, reduced the amount of harmful chemicals in my life and eat healthier. I believe in a green, greener, greenest approach. There are many things to consider and sometimes you just aren’t ready to make drastic changes, so just doing better can be a way to start.

I also believe we vote with our wallets, when you have to buy something buying from a company that uses sustainable or non toxic practices takes money away from the toxic manufacturers and helps the companies trying to do the right thing. I like the websites www.biggreenpurse.com and www.treehugge.com to find links to eco friendly retailers. I’m not saying you need to go out and buy green products the most important principal of a green lifestyle is reduce. Think about things before you buy them, do you need them or just want them. Before you go out and buy new clothes try this, decide what a reasonable number of shirts, pants etc is then count what you have, chances are good you have a lot more than you think you need. If you really feel like you need to refresh your wardrobe throw a swap party, go through your closet and find things that you never wear, invite a few freinds to do the same, have them bring their unwanted items and trade items. You could wind up with a whole new wardrobe without spending a dime. Then make a commitment to never buy an article of clothing without trying it on first.

Technorati Tags: green living

US $177.77 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-21-2010 9:14:48 PST Buy It Now for only: US $197.77 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

(more…)

Technorati Tags: air, alpine, generator, Green, living, ozone, purifier

Why don’t Green people say that living green can be cheaper way of life rather than calling someone an idiot for ignoring or not believing in global warming?

That is one of my favorite points to make. I don’t argue about Global Warming, I have no idea if it what they say is true. I was green long before I heard the term.

When the 1st principal is reduce how can it not save money. You don’t have to go out and spend money on solar panels or live like a cave man to reduce the amount of energy you use. We have so many things in our home that use electricity with no benifit to use. Almost all electronics use standby energy, we have many things that have batteries that we charge 24/7 when they only need to charge once a week. I cut my electric bill by at least $50 a month by using a power cord with a switch to plug in my tv,vcr, stereo and game system. I also unplug chargers when they aren’t charging. No decline in lifestyle there.

I save money also be switching to durable reusable items instead of disposable one use items. I haven’t had to buy disposable plates for our bbq’s for years instead I have a selection of heavy duty plastic plates that will last for years.

I save money and reduce my exposure to questionable chemicals with natural cleaning products, it cost about 50 cents to make a bottle of window cleaner instead of paying over $3 for windex and I don’t have to worry about amonia damaging my lungs.

Technorati Tags: environmentalists, green living, save money

Green Living has been an interest of mine for quite some time and need more information. I have researched it and just can’t seem to find a sight or book that can explain in simple terms the purpose, how to begin, what it is and how to make it a part of life. I live in a large metropolitan area that to me seems not all "green" friendly. Please only serious replies, life is too short to waste reading junk from people who have nothing better to do with their life than think of stupid things to write.
Wow, such valuable info you have all given me. As I read through I felt I had to give myself a pat on the back, though, because I have already started doing some of the suggestions. It just made good sense to me to do them. Little did I know I was already starting to live Green. Yeah !!!

Here is a list with something for everybody
Everybody is different with different lives here are a 101 Ways To Live More Ecologically,may be you find something that applies to you

1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable
items.
2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.
3. Avoid power appliances when handpower works.
4. Avoid highly processed foods.
5. Avoid using styrofoam—it can’t be recycled.
6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.
8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.
9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.
10. Buy foods without additives.
11. Buy foods without preservatives.
12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust
13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.
14. Buy living Christmas trees.
15. Buy locally grown food and produce.
16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
17. Compost your food scraps.
18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,
19. Don’t burn trash or other smoky materials.
20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.
21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpooland use public transportation.

23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.
24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.
25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.
26. Exercise regularly.
27. Explore and learn about your bioregion.
28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.
29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.
30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.
31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.
32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.
33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.
34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.
35. Install a water-conserving showerhead.
36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.
37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.
38. Invest in solar power, where practical.
39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.
40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.
41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.
42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.
44. Oppose private development of special areas.
45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.
46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.

47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.
48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.
49. Plant trees throughout your community.
50. Plant your living Christmas tree.
51. Practice preventive health care.
52. Practice responsible family planning.
53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.
54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.
55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.
56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.
57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.
58. Recycle aluminum.
59. Recycle glass.
60. Recycle newspaper.
61. Recycle old clothes.
62. Recycle plastic.
63. Recycle used motor oil.
64. Recycle your unneeded items.
65. Re-use paper bags.
66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.
67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.
68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.
69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.
70. Speak out about your values in community groups.
71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.
72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.
73. Support energy conservation in your bioregion.

74. Support global ecological improvement efforts.
75. Support local credit unions.
76. Support local merchants before large chains.
77. Support neighborhood food cooperatives.
78. Support proper waste water and sewage treatment.
79. Support the cultural diversity in your bioregion.
80. Support the plants and animals in your community.
81. Take shorter showers.
82. Teach your children ecological wisdom.
83. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
84. Turn off the lights when not needed.
85. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
86. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
87. Use cloth diapers.
88. Use cloth table napkins.
89. Use less tapwater whenever possible.
90. Use non-toxic pest control.
91. Use only medications you trust/understand.
92. Use rags or towels instead of paper.
93. Use rechargeable batteries.
94. Use the second side of paper for scratch paper.
95. Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.
96. Volunteer for work in a community garden.
97. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.
98. Wash clothes in cold water.
99. Wash dishes in still, not running water.
100. Weather-seal your home.
101. Work to unlearn poor ecological habits.

http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/1996/ip960321…

Technorati Tags: living green

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-09-2010 6:05:36 PST Buy It Now for only: US $12.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

(more…)

Technorati Tags: 365, eco-friendly, green living, software, tips

I am making a magazine about the environment and i need to have like 10 advice articles, but i have no idea what kind of advice to give, i have done 9 tips to living green, 4 tips to have less pollution in your home,

i cant think of any,, please help

Simple:
*Grow some of your own food in window boxes, pots, or a garden.
*Make some of your own fermented foods like saurkraut, kimchi, yogurt, chutneys, etc. so you don’t waste food.
*Don’t use your dryer in the summer. Hang clothes to dry. The dryer is the biggest energy sucker in the house.
*Turn the heat down a couple of degrees
*Only use your air conditioner when you can’t bear the heat anymore
*Stop buying stuff. When something breaks, try replacing the part rather than the whole thing. Sure, a dishwasher motor costs almost as much as a new washer, but a motor takes up less space in the landfill than a whole dishwasher!
*Don’t water your lawn. If it dies, it dies. Oh, well.
*Buy as much food from local sources as you can – especially meat, eggs, and dairy.
*Throw out toxic cleaners and use baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils instead.
*Give money to protect wolves, grizzlies, cougars and other native predators in danger (ESPECIALLY WOLVES!!)

Moderate:
*Don’t use your dryer ever!
*Unplog your refrigerator. Place foods in the garage in winter and ferment them or eat them right away year round.
*Keep your heat set at 50 degrees F all winter
*Never use air conditioning – just dress appropriately and use fans
*Get rid of your lawn and ornamental trees and grow foods, herbs and food trees instead.
*Install solar panels and unplug your house from the electricity grid while continuing to use city water and sewage.
*Pare down your possessions by half and move to a smaller house. Most people could live in 1/3 the space they currently use.
*Eat only native foods like venison, game animals, and native fruits and vegetables.

Extreme:
Move to a self-sufficient homestead. Build your own house out of natural materials like cob or straw bales. Grow all your own food. Produce your own energy with solar and wind generators. Raise your own meat and dairy. Wash all laundry, dishes, etc. by hand. Don’t install central heating and air – just a small wood stove (your single wood stove will pollute much less than a giant power plant!). Get off grid entirely and consume nothing unless it is locally produced and ecologically packaged. Dig an outhouse or get a composting toilet. Drink well or spring water.

US $11.95 End Date: Saturday Feb-20-2010 19:20:11 PST Buy It Now for only: US $11.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

(more…)

Technorati Tags: canvas, green living, personalized, reuseable, tote bag

US $14.95 End Date: Wednesday Feb-03-2010 23:25:02 PST Buy It Now for only: US $14.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

(more…)

Technorati Tags: audio book, cd, dummies, environmentally friendly, green living

With global warming being such a huge concern in the news these days, are you actually living more "green" now? If so, what steps have you taken to become more environmentally conscious?

The main thing is reduce unnecessary waste, I use motion sensors on my cfl and led lighting so my family doesn’t waste energy, power strips to stop phantom loads. Make sure the house is well insulated, when shopping I look for less packaging and use cloth bags. I recycle and compost but I have to say I am most proud of the rain barrels for landscape and gardening and flushing my toilet. (WATER shortages and overflowing storm drains that cause havoc. SIMPLE stop using drinking water to flush with).

Technorati Tags: living green

My husband and I live in a small apartment, and want to know the basics for living green. Any tips?

The key is reduce, reuse, recycle.

Reduce your purchases (of stuff and of energy). We have been encouraged to be super consumers in recent years but much of what we buy is unnecessary stuff which quickly ends up in landfill. Our parents were perfectly happy with far less stuff and keeping up with the neighbours is the cause of a great deal of stress. It also requires us to work more hours to earn the money to buy the stuff, whereas greater happiness could be achieved by spending the time with family and friends.

Reuse stuff that still has life in it rather than replace it because it is a little shabby or out of date. Learn to repair. Again keeping up with the neighbours is stressful whereas there is great satisfaction in repairing.

Recycle stuff that can no longer be reused.

Living in an apartment you will not have a lot of spare space so I recommend you Google "freecycle" and your town (for example freecycle toronto). It will probably lead you to a community of people that advertise spare stuff for collection by members of the community that can make use of it. It is a great way of reducing what goes to landfill.

Finally I recommend fresh organic food cooked at home.

I am glad you are looking for ways to be more green. Best wishes.

Technorati Tags: energy efficient, landfill, living green tips, organic food, reduce