7 ways to Live a Greener life

 by Aliya Hassan

Most of us have learned that recycling is important, and even though we may grumble when it’s time to separate the plastics and the cans from the rest of our garbage, many of us still do it. However, now the question at hand isn’t should I recycle, rather it is how much should I conserve? Americans now have choices between driving regular vehicles or hybrids, eating their normal vegetables or buying organic produce and so on. Whether it’s turning off the lights when we leave a room or turning in that bag of cans to the local recycling center, Americans are beginning to discover ways to help conserve energy, eliminate waste and help the environment.

The kitchen is an area of the house that has seen reform during these times of environmental awareness. Here are a few kitchen tips to keep in mind to keep those energy and water bills as low as possible:

• When cleaning the dishes in the dishwasher, only wash full loads of dishes. This will lower the use of the dishwasher through the week and in turn, lower your electricity and water bills. Don’t wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, find a good soap and one cycle in the dishwasher should be adequate.

• Put a water filter on the faucet in the kitchen. Therefore, instead of buying new water bottles every day, buy a reusable water bottle and get clean, fresh water from the tap. This will cut down on your spending budget and keep water bottle pollution at a minimum.

• Whenever possible, use a microwave to cook and reheat food. Using the microwave is a much faster and much more efficient option over the conventional oven; possibly reducing up to 70 percent of energy used.    

• When it comes to the kitchen, think permanence. Avoid temporary, one-time use items such as plastic cups, paper plates, towels and napkins. As an eco-friendly substitute, use washable napkins, plates and cups. This will cut down on the amount of garbage produced in the home, and also save families a considerable amount of money.

There are other ways to conserve energy and live a greener life. Here’s advice applicable all around your home, to help you live green and save green simultaneously:

• Ignore the myth that taking baths saves water and stick to your shower routine. With a new lo-flow showerhead for your shower, taking a shower can conserve up to 13 gallons of water. But if your routine includes running the water on high while waiting for it to heat up, some changes should be made. While waiting for the water to get to your desired temperature, be sure to run it on low (the flow should be no wider than a straw). Or if you’re really dedicated to your environment, try starting your daily shower while the water is still cold.

• Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Instead of using new plastic or paper bags every time you run to the store, buy your own cloth bags and re-use them at your own accord. Leave them in your car as a reminder that just in case you decide to go shopping, you’re staying true to your “green” lifestyle.

• When you’re not charging or using an electronic device, unplug it from the wall. Many electronics still consume energy even when they’re in the off position. So it’s very possible that the old computer still plugged in the wall in your living room is why your electric bill broke 100 last month. For those who are worried their memory’s might fail them, there are devices sold in stores that will cut off electronics from their power source at your desired time.

Living a greener life is simply a matter of changing small habits and routines to live an eco-friendly life, aware of the environment and opportunities to conserve and cutback. An obligation to the environment is an obligation that all of us have, and thankfully there’s no need to quit your day job. Merely using cold water instead of hot, substituting the microwave for the oven and cutting out the paper plates and napkins will considerably help the environment and enhance your connection with lovely Mother earth. Enjoy these tips on living green, and make sure to pass them on.