Going Green
Hearing this phrase quite a lot? Seeing many posters and advertisements promoting this term? What does "Going Green" mean?
It actually means using various everyday methods to help save the world and its environment. From the smallest details to the most sweeping aspects of life, saving the world by implementing a green lifestyle is something that more and more people are aiming to do. The meaning of going green translates to using common sense and having empathy and respect for the natural resources that we depend upon.
There are many simple ways of going green to save our planet.
Save energy to save money: Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) only. Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer. Avoid artificial lighting. Turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more. Install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.
Keep electronics out of the trash: Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible; don’t change them frequently. Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes because e-waste contains mercury and other toxics, and is a growing environmental problem.
Maximize computer efficiency: Make it a habit to turn off your computer when you leave for the day. Set your computer to go to sleep automatically during short breaks (Remember, screen savers don't save energy). Make it a policy to invest in energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers and make sure that old equipment is properly recycled.
Print smarter: Print on both sides. Avoid color printing. Print in draft mode whenever feasible. Buy chlorine-free paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones.
Go paperless when possible: Before you print, think: could this be read or stored online instead? And, post employee manuals and similar materials online.
Save water: Take shorter showers to reduce water use; install a low-flow showerhead. Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.
Skip the bottled water: Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
Eco-Friendly Car Washing Tips: Buy some micro fiber towels. Park your car on your lawn; instead of letting the hose stream continuously. Use a spray nozzle to control the water flow. Use only one bucket of soapy water to wash your car. Wring out sponges and washrags into a bucket instead of onto the ground.
Healthy environment: Use nontoxic cleaning products. Buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and won't off-gas toxic chemicals.
Recycling: Make it a habit to recycle everything your company collects. Place recycling bins in accessible, high-traffic areas. Provide clear information about what can and can not be recycled.
The above points are just few tips on keeping your environment healthy and safe. There are just so many other things one can do to save the planet earth. Countries across the globe, are putting efforts in this direction. And individual efforts too, are highly required if the environment is to be saved from the ongoing damages.