Today we celebrate 40 years of Earth Day. Earth Day creates environmental awareness and promotes conservation efforts. Taking the time to learn how to be green can save you green everyday.
Be Green and Save Green Tips
This morning on the drive to school, I asked my daughters what today was. My six year old responded, “April 22nd, its Earth Day.” She went further to explain, “Today we will turn off the lights at school to save energy.”
I smiled at the level of excitement she had about today. Especially, since she had grasped one of the concepts behind the meaning of Earth Day. Turning off lights and using natural light is one way to be green and save green.
Here are a few other tips to help you be green and save green:
- Reduce, Recycle, Reuse – Recycling is important and it can save you money when you live in a community where you pay per trash bag. Choosing products that are reusable help you save money and reduce waste. For example, using washable houseware (e.g. dinnerware, cutlery, containers) for food and drinks.
- Turn off Lights and TVs – Whenever you leave a room, be sure to turn off the lights — this can really save you money on your electric bill. As for that TV, is yours one that watches you while you sleep? If so, try using the sleep mode.
- Unplug Appliances and Chargers – Taking the time to unplug these items helps you save energy and reduce energy costs.
- Wash Clothes in Cold Water – My aunt shared this tip with me awhile back and I found it to be a good one.
- Energy Efficient Bulbs and Appliances – Replace your old light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These use 75% less energy and lasts up to ten times longer. When you need to purchase new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Use Automatic Thermostat – Set the room temperature at a comfortable level and use energy efficient ceiling fans.
- Home Improvement – Some examples include caulking windows, fixing leaking faucets, adding insulation and replacing air filters.
Share your tips…
Do you have any other tips on how to be green and save green everyday? I’d love to hear from you. 😉
Are you looking for Earth Day Freebies?
Read USA Today’s Bruce Horovitz article, “Companies turn Earth Day into freebie day with giveaways.”
In celebration of Earth day, watch Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” video:
Happy Earth Day!
Photo: FlyingSinger
Great post Kembala. Today is Earth Day, so plant something…
Another tip is to stop watching TV an hour before you go to sleep and it will help you rest better.
Mom, thanks for commenting and adding your tips. Planting something is a great way to celebrate Earth Day!
Thoughtful, informative and well written.
Thanks Dad! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
Great points on being green and saving green for Earth Day (and every day)! My Earth Day tip is carpooling. Try it one day per week. You’ll save fuel, which in turn will reduce your carbon footprint, helping our environment thrive another day. At today’s gas prices, who wouldn’t be delighted to save some green by being more green in this area?
Kai, thank you for sharing your excellent Earth Day tip. Carpooling, public transit, walking and riding a bike are great ways to “reduce your carbon footprint.” I even saw someone on a scooter, just the other day.
Washing in cold water is a big one. Heating water takes a lot of energy. I do not think CFL’s are a good solution at all as they take so long to warm up that I find I won’t shut them off when I otherwise would. They are fine for security lights but other than that I think they are counter productive.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Paul! We use CFL’s and I agree they take longer than traditional light bulbs to warm up. They work really well for us in the basement.
You provided some great information. In addition, cleaning products that are green friendly will help protect the ozone.
Thanks for sharing your tip Tim! That’s an excellent point – I’m taking note of this one personally, because I need to do a better job selecting “green friendly” cleaning products.