You don’t have to be Al Gore to understand that going green is vital to Mother Earth’s survival—and our own. Most of us want to do our part to prevent global warming, but don’t really know how. The good news is, if each of us did our part to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by just 2 percent a year, we could actually prevent the worst effects of global warming by the year 2050!
With the year 2008 well under way, now is the perfect time to resolve to make 2008 your greenest year ever! To get you started, here are 10 easy resolutions you can make today:
1. Say goodbye to energy vampires.
Reduce your utility bill and your carbon dioxide emissions by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, like an adjustable thermostat, throughout your home. Also, unplug common appliances like your cell phone charger, computer, and TV when not in use: if they’re plugged in, they’re draining energy even if they’re not turned on.
Tip: Don’t have time to go around unplugging appliances at night? No worries, with a multi-plug power strip you can save tons of energy just by hitting the off switch each night.
2. Make the switch to CFLs.
Still waiting around to change out your regular incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs? By making the switch, you can save about $50 over the life of each bulb—and reduce your CO2 emissions.
Bonus: Nowadays, CFL’s and LEDs come in a variety of fashionable shapes and sizes, perfect for even the most fabulous light fixture.
3. De-tox your home.
Since green is everywhere, nowadays you can opt for an eco-friendly redecoration by using low-voc paint, carpet, paints, and even wood cabinetry. Also, detoxify your home by avoiding standard household cleaning and personal care products, which contain toxic chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and phosphates. These chemicals are not only carcinogenic, but also wreak havoc on the planet when rinsed down the drain and into our rivers and streams.
Fact: Every cup of dish or laundry detergent you use eventually kills one cubic foot of photo plankton, tiny ocean organisms that can actually help prevent global warming. Through photosynthesis, they replenish the planet with oxygen, and absorb ozone-destroying CO2 from the atmosphere. Try eco-friendly cleaning products for your home, like Seventh Generation’s laundry detergent (it even comes in a refreshing lavender scent), and Dr. Hauschka’s biodynamic personal care products for your face and skin.
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