Go Green: 10 Ways to be Green

1. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
2. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
3. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.
4. Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
5. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
6. Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
7. Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
8. Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
9. Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
10. Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

Go to WorldwideWatch Institute to find out more ways to go green!