Going green
Written by Nadine Aljets Tuesday, 02 February 2010 08:00
It may seem like everywhere you look nowadays, you will hear something about “going green” or being more environmentally conscious. Many people probably think there is little impact that they can make, but that is not true. There are many easy ways to help make the environment a little cleaner, and it can help you too.
We have only been given one Earth, so it is vital to take care of it, not only for future generations, but for us now. Playing your part is as simple as instituting a few small changes to your daily routine.
Understandably, we can’t all purchase new hybrid cars, put solar panels on our rooftops or recycle every item that we use. However, we can make substitutions and limit our uses of certain resources.
Since we live in North Dakota, we obviously can’t always use alternate transportation to make our way around town. No one wants to walk to work in snow shoes when it’s 20 below zero. However, when there is decent weather, why not walk, ride your bike or rollerblade to work, the grocery store or even the post office?
Not only are you using less gasoline and reducing pollutants in the air, but you are also helping yourself by getting more exercise. If you can’t seem to leave your vehicle at home, then at least try to run your errands all at one time, so you only take the vehicle out once.
While you are out running your errands, remember to drop off your recycling. Although not everything can be recycled here in Fargo, there are many items that can be. Aluminum cans, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, number one and two plastics, glass and even plastic shopping bags are some of the items that can be recycled in town.
Why not take a few minutes to separate them from your trash? By separating your trash from your recyclables, you can reduce the amount of garbage going to the landfill by more than 75 percent. It is better for these items to be turned into useful items once again than to sit in a landfill and rot.
It is astonishing to learn how much of an impact simple recycling can have. Just recycling one aluminum can will save enough energy to run a television for three hours.
If it is something that can be reused, then reuse it! Everything from clothing, furniture, plastic containers and grocery bags can be reused in countless ways. Donate old items that you never use anymore.
Another way to help the environment is to do the things you probably learned as a child: shut off the lights when you leave the room and limit your water use.
Whether you are leaving a room or if you just do not need a light on – turn it off! There is no need to waste more electricity than is necessary. It is a simple way to help the environment since all it takes is the flip of the switch or pressing a button – everyone can do it.
In addition to turning off lights, remember to turn off the water or limit your water use. When you are brushing your teeth, don’t run the water the whole time. Cut a few minutes off your shower, only do full loads of laundry, and use water from your dehumidifier to water your plants. All of these options save water, and consequently save you money on your water bill.
We are all busy with work, family and life in general, but that does not mean we can’t take a few minutes a day to consider the environment and how our actions are affecting or will affect it.
Take steps now to minimize damage because every little thing helps. We were only given one place to call home, so we need to treat it with care and consider our actions.
