Thu, September 10, 2009 - 10:28:54

SMALL Ways to Go Green

It’s amazing what you can discover on Twitter!  A few days ago, as we were trading interesting stories and quotes with our followers, we learned quite an eye opening fact from Parent Hacks blogger, Asha Dornfest (@parenthacks).  Just by cutting out one and a half pounds of meat from your family’s diet each week, you can have the same environmental impact as if you were to switch from a standard sedan to a hybrid vehicle.

Usually, when you think about combating global warming, the task can seem so immense that it feels as though the world is literally resting on your shoulders.  Yet, the fact Asha shared with all of us on Twitter serves as a wonderful reminder that each of us can have a huge impact with even our smallest actions. And it got us thinking… if such a tiny change could have such a monumental effect on our environment (not to mention our wallets and waistlines), what other small things could each of us do in order to truly change the world for the better and improve our finances at the same time?  Well, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite small and easy ways to go green and we hope you’ll take them on one at a time to start making every day Earth Day.

Have one “no-cook” meal a week.  Give your oven (and energy bills) a break by preparing just one no-cook meal a week, such as a big salad, gazpacho, or even an antipasto platter.  Both your range and oven use significant amounts of energy and combat the cooling effects of your air conditioning in the warmer months, so give each of them the night off and hit up your favorite recipe sites for a little inspiration.

Bring your own to-go cup. Now you have a good excuse to purchase one of those trendy to-go cups you’ve been eyeing at your local coffee house: it can help you save the planet.  And not only will bringing your own travel mug help you reduce the number of disposable coffee cups tossed out each year by possibly hundreds, many coffee houses actually offer discounts to people who bring their own personal cups.

Kick your shoes off.  Throughout Asia, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home and we think it’s a great way to keep your house cleaner, longer.  So, why not try out the tradition and become a shoe-free house?  By keeping your footwear off your carpets, you’ll find yourself plugging in that energy-sucking vacuum a whole lot less.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get small and go green!  The promise of a cleaner, healthier planet all starts with you.

Posted by Linda and Robin