This New Year, Resolve to Reduce Your Environmental Footprint
Happy New Year! With January almost upon us, it's time to start thinking about those New Year's resolutions. Are you focusing on self-improvement this year? Eating healthy, exercising more, quitting smoking - is one of those at the top of your list? Self-improvement is a wonderful goal. But why not try to be a little bit more environmentally altruistic this year and resolve to start living a greener life? With a few simple changes, each of us can reduce our environmental footprint and do our part to improve the condition of our cities and our planet.
Change Your Lifestyle
Going green doesn't have to be a difficult, painful or inconvenient process. We can all make a positive impact on the environment by:
- making eco-friendly (green lifestyle) choices,
- using products that conserve energy and pollute less,
- recycling and re-using more,
- limiting the use of toxic household chemicals, and
- promoting greener ideas in our households and our communities.
Consume Less Energy
There are many simple ways we can cut down on electricity, water and gas usage without compromising comfort. This Australian government website offers a wealth of information on cutting consumption and saving money on utilities. No matter where in the world you live, you can cut consumption and lower your bills by following a few simple rules.
Tune Up Your Vehicle
A properly maintained vehicle not only runs more efficiently, it also burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions. Earthshare.org suggests making sure tires are properly inflated, getting regular tune-ups and changing your air filter. All of these suggestions will save you money by improving your gas mileage, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Be Conscious of What Goes Down Your Drain
Do you pour solvents, paints, bleach and other corrosive or harsh chemicals down your drain? This article on Freedrinkingwater.com should give you pause for thought.
NEVER pour things down the drain that you wouldn't be willing to drink out of a glass!
ALWAYS take these materials to a hazardous waste disposal site instead of sending them down into the sewer system, from where they will end up back in the water table.