Ten Things You Can Do Right Now To Go Green For Free (Or Next To It)

I was having a discussion with a coworker about The Story Of Stuff (which I'll review soon). He said that he understands that there is a problem but it all seems overwhelming and he feels like he is too poor to do anything about it. This seems to be a common thread of thought. That was my first reaction as well. So here is a list of things you can do that will make a difference for free or next to it. Try one or all but let's start doing something.

1) Navy Shower

As I've said before this is a great way to save water and energy. All you have to do is get in the shower until you are wet, turn of the water, lather up your hair and body, turn the water and rinse off, and then you're done. You can save up to twenty gallons of fresh water a day and the energy it takes to heat that water. I think this is a great start. For one, it takes no money and saves you time. And for two, it shocks your system into doing something green.

2) Skip One Car Trip A Week

I bet there are always a few trips you make in a week that could either be combined with others or avoided all together. If you need something from the store and there is a store within a mile of your home, walk to it. Not only are you saving some CO₂ from going into the air you are getting some exercise.

3) Shut The Lights Off When You Leave The Room

It seems like a no brainer but if you really think about having the lights on you'll start to notice all the times that you leave the room with the lights on. It is a simple habit to get into and it can be applied to any of your appliances.

4) Stop Eating Red Meat

Cows release methane that is actually worse than CO₂. So do we. But the sheer number of cows we raise for beef is really adding to the problem. Not only is there an increase in methane release but also forests are being burned down to raise cattle and soy to feed them. Industrialized farming is to blame here but you can stop it by changing your purchasing habits. I'm not saying you have to give it up forever but skip on the Wal-Mart "meat" and save your money for a great steak at a steakhouse (a quality one not a chain). Not only is their steaks probably free range but also there are also probably from the United States.

5) Recycle

Another one that sounds like a no brainer. But if you have an option between throwing something in a recycling bin or a trash bin, always go for the recycling one. Take the lids off of bottles and pitch them (they are generally not recyclable and you are just slowing down the process on the other end). If you have free recycling in your area use it and encourage others to do the same. If not, see if there is a drop off point near by and save up your recyclables and drop them off once a month. Not only will this help with climate change it will help with your health. Red meat is just bad for you. You should mostly avoid it. This should help keep health costs down and all the CO₂ emissions that go along with treating people.

6) Go To A Farmer's Market

There is almost always a farmer's market somewhere. Stop by them instead of going to the grocery stores. You can get quite a bit of produce, eggs, milk, and sometime soap at them. You are supporting your local economy, keeping food from traveling thousands of miles by a fossil fuel burning vehicle, and you can talk to the people who grow what you are putting into your body. You can generally find organic produce and hormone-free eggs just by talking to the farmers. You are also feeding the need of community that we all have on some level.

7) Grow Some Of Your Own Food

If you have a back yard do it there. If not grow it in a box on your windowsill. You will avoid the drive to get it. It can save you quite a bit of money. And it will reconnect you with your food.

8) Don't Buy New Things

There is so much stuff out there already why ad to it? Sure you may want to buy new socks and underwear but everything else can be found somewhere else. There are tons of things for sale on craiglist. You can join freecycle and give and get free stuff all the time. Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and your local thrift shops are all places to get things or donate things you have no use for any more. Try repairing things as they break or finding someone who can. Use things until they are no good anymore and then…

9) If You Have To Buy New Buy…

American, or whatever your country of origin is. You are probably more aware of your own countries environmental policies on businesses. It is said that by spending an additional $3.33 on American made products per week would add 10,000 jobs per year. Also nothing has to get shipped overseas.

Also, if you buy new try buying more efficient products: trade in old incandescent light bulbs for CFL's or LED's, trade in your old internal-combustion-engine car for a hybrid or electric car, recycle your old refrigerator and get an energy star one. If you have to spend the money spend it where it will save the environment and your wallet latter down the road.

10) Write Your Representatives

If you want change to happen you need to be actively involved in your governing process. Which means you have to know what these people you vote for actually stand for. If you want change call them or write them a letter (or email if they take them). Start local and go from there. They work for you and they will take you seriously. If they don't, fire them and vote someone else in.