Green Tips
Simple, practical green tips for adopting a healthier, greener lifestyle and reducing your environmental impact.
Clean Up Your Food
1. Buy organic, locally grown produce. A weekly visit to your local Farmer’s Market is a great way to support local farmers.
2. Eat less red meat. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN says livestock production is one of the major causes of the world’s most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, and air and water pollution.
Reduce Waste
3. Be vigilant about recycling. Don’t forget to also recycle used batteries.
4. Avoid individually packaged items.
5. Consider making your own baby food instead of buying hundreds of those pesky little jars.
6. Buy items in recycled packaging.
7. Instead of throwing away stuff you don’t need, donate.
8. Take old computers and electronics to a gathering center.
9. Instead of buying books and videos, check them out at the local library or rent videos at the local video store.
10. Reuse paper scraps and packaging for crafts and play activities.
11. Choose a reusable bottle and fill it with filtered tap water.
12. Cut up old clothes and linens and use them as cleaning rags.
13. Keep a reusable bag in your car at all times for shopping trips.
14. Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible.
15. To avoid use of “to-go” packaging, sit down, have your coffee at the coffee shop and ask them to use a mug instead of a paper cup. It will give you a nice break too!
16. Give a great deal of thought to your purchases. Don’t buy something unless you truly need it. Don’t engage in “recreational shopping.”
17. Use reusable cloths and towels instead of paper towels.
18. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
19. Consider using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. Not everyone agrees this is actually helpful in terms of the environment, but if you’re expecting a baby, it’s a good idea to research the topic.
20. Reuse empty jars: turn them into containers for leftover foods, for holding craft supplies, or even for original homemade gifts.
21. When packing or storing food, choose reusable plastic containers instead of Ziploc bags.
22. Sign up to receive paperless statement from your bank or broker.
23. Pay your bills online.
Save Energy
24. Don’t be too quick to turn on the lights in the evening. Are you SURE you need to turn them on? Could you get enough light by simply opening a curtain?
25. Turn off the light when you leave a room.
26. Unplug electronics when they are not in use, especially overnight or when going on vacation.
27. Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
28. Wash your clothes with cold water.
29. When using the washer to wash clothes, only do full loads. Small loads are wasteful.
30. Turn your thermostat down in the winter.
31. Minimize use of air conditioner during summer. Install a ceiling fan.
32. Plant deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in the fall). It’s a great way to cool your home and reduce your air conditioning costs during the summer.
33. Regularly clean your refrigerator coils.
34. Replace weatherstripping around the house.
35. Use a clothesline in the summer instead of the dryer.
36. Keep the temperature of your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
37. When it’s time to replace your appliances, buy energy-efficient appliances.
Conserve Water
38. Install a low-flow shower head.
39. Limit your showers to five minutes or less.
40. Only use the dishwasher when it’s packed.
41. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.
42. When landscaping, consider low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawn grass.
43. Fix leaking faucets.
Support Eco-Friendly Manufacturers
44. When shopping for clothes, check the labels for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton.
45. When you have a choice, choose organic and green products, including personal care products and cleaning products, over mainstream items.
Save The Air And The Soil
46. When it’s time to buy a new car, get a smaller, more fuel-efficient car.
47. Use public transportation or bikes as much as possible.
48. Combine your errands into a once-a-week session to minimize driving.
49. Use green detergents and soaps. Avoid chlorine bleach and antibacterial products.
50. Compost. Composting is a natural process that keeps organic nutrients cycling from soil to plants and back to the soil. You can use organic waste from your home such as fruit peels to return needed nutrients to the soil and reduce trash.
51. When looking for a home, look for a small home with green features.
52. When planning a trip, be aware of the damage air travel does to the environment and try to find alternative ways to travel.
53. Consider a staycation instead of a vacation.
54. Carpool to school and to work as often as possible.
After struggling for a long time to incorporate green practices into my daily routine, I am finally doing better. I probably follow more than half of these tips, which is huge for me. I’ve definitely come a long way since last year. But it’s not enough. My goal is to incorporate more and more of these tips until they become second nature and I don’t feel like I’m making a special effort anymore.
Can you offer any more green tips?
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Related Reading: Nature Pictures
Green tips posted for Earth Day 2009.
Image credit: pomme rewny
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Hayden Tompkins responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 6:09 am →
We started composting and I was shocked when I really saw how much food/vegetable matter we were throwing away. Throwing it away takes any nutrients and organic matter out of the system. And I didn’t even think of that until I read a study about how much water is getting trapped in our landfills when you add up what is left over in all the bottles. So I also make sure to never throw out a drink or ice into a garbage can either.
Love this list, Vered!
Dot responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 6:30 am →
Of those that are possible for me, I was surprised to find I’m doing over half of them, but this is a reminder that there are plenty more. I don’t own a car, but i would if I could. I used to use cloth napkins and cleaning rags, but stopped when they wore out and didn’t replace them. All my batteries are rechargeable and all my lightbulbs are compact fluorescents. Composting isn’t really possible in a condo, nor is growing herbs and vegetables in pots (the chipmunks eat them all).
Patricia of Patricia’s Wisdom blogged a month or two ago about a power strip that will shut off power to all the peripherals when you shut off your computer or TV. I think she said it was available on Amazon.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Success responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 6:44 am →
Great, well-thought out list, Vered.
I’ve stopped using drinking straws at home and in restaurants. Straws are wasted plastic and over the course of a week a restaurant uses hundreds that just end up in landfills.
I’ve also stopped buying disposable pens. They’re just as wasteful as straws.
Tracy responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 am →
As the mom of a big family, I try to be as conscious as possible of our environmental impact. The great news is usually the greener choice is also the most frugal choice in the long run, making it win/win.
Actually, I find that there are usually multiple benefits to any greener choice. Walking to school not only saves gas and reduces pollution but also gives the kids some exercise and gives us a chance to talk and notice lots of little things we might not in a car. Combining errands gives you less of a chance of buying things you don’t really need and gives you more time to enjoy with your family.
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 8:16 am →
Fantastic, well thought out, stumble-worthy list Vered. Semi- related, do you have a water shortage in NorCal, or is it just down here? We have it bad. Our water bill has almost doubled in the last year despite a reduction in usage.
Carla responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 am →
I am going to start composting. Since we eat mostly fruits and veggies in the home, there is no reason why we shouldnt compost the scraps. Thanks for these tips!
RC Rambling... responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 8:30 am →
We still have a lot of work to do on this list, but like you, we are doing better this year then we have done last year. We watch our water usage (we only water our lawn where there is a new planting), reuse bags, buy foods from local sources (our beef comes from a friend who is a farmer, and I try to hit the farmers’ markets in the spring/summer, etc.), recycle (an area we can always improve on), rarely use more than a single lamp in the evenings, donate/resell items no longer needed, plus a lot of other small steps.
Another idea for parents – for my son’s packed lunches, I’m looking to incorporate the trend of using small containers, and making bento-styled luncheons. Usually these reduce food waste by kids (food is more interesting and portions are more controlled), as well as disposable container waste, since you are encouraged to use reusable containers for each portion. This is such a small thing, I know, but if everyone would take small steps…
Theresa responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 9:22 am →
Thanks for all these great tips!
Additional info for tip #14. Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. – and afterwards, always recycle them. The average household uses 6 cordless electronics daily. All powered by rechargeable batteries. In addition to replacing disposable alkaline batteries, there are many electronics that get their power only from rechargeable batteries such as cell phones, laptops, camcorders, digital cameras, mp3 players, power tools, electric toothbrushes, two-way radios, remote control toys, just to name a few.
Visit Call 2 Recycle, type in your zip code to find a convenient drop off location in your neighborhood.
Tricia responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am →
Great list! I certainly have a ways to go before I can check off each item.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 am →
@ Hayden Tompkins: “I was shocked when I really saw how much food/vegetable matter we were throwing away.” I agree. Once you pay attention to it, it IS shocking.
@ Dot: That power strip sounds interesting. I’m going to look for it.
@ Laurie: I haven’t thought about straws! You’re right. It’s unnecessary and a waste.
@ Tracy: “usually the greener choice is also the most frugal choice in the long run” – absolutely true.
@ Writer Dad: We do have a water shortage here. They were even talking about water rationing, but so far they haven’t implemented that.
@ Carla: We don’t compost – yet. It’s one of the things I want to start doing.
@ RC Rambling: Food waste by kids is an interesting topic. I have learned over the years to serve them TINY portions. Grownups tend to way overestimate how much food kids would be willing/ able to eat.
@ Theresa: Thank you for the info!
@ Tricia: Me too. But I’m improving.
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 11:14 am →
I do a few practices that are better for the environment.
When I go shopping I almost always use bags I purchased. However, I’ve read that these bags that you buy use up much much more energy to produce than the free plastic bags. In that case, if one is constantly buying new bags and losing them – it defeats the purpose entirely.
Another thing I do is I try to buy organic produce as well as locally grown produce. It’s much better for the environment as the food didn’t have to be transported nearly as far.
This is a very good list with great tips.
Sagan responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm →
Awesome ideas! We all have to do our little bit to make the world a better place. And I think that you’re right; we should be acknowledging that we’re doing some of these things BUT not just stop at a couple- it’s better to keep pushing ourselves to incorporate as many of these habits as possible over time.
Daphne @ Joyful Days responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm →
Vered,
Love the graphic at the top of the post. The biggest things I’ve done on your list: eat less red meat, stop using the air-con, and stop driving and take public transport instead. Thanks for raising awareness on another meaningful topic!
rowe responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm →
I think it goes to show how much more mindfully we need to be in everyday living. Perhaps a lot of manufacturing should return to the days when products were made to last longer, and can be fixed if breakdown occurs. And the quality of clothing is getting very poor, whether it is cheaper or more expensive to buy. We do have a real problem of excess everything. I used to be really minimalist to the point of being ever so daggy. I have always had a green conscience and tried to live with as much care and concern for the environment as possible, but like everyone there is always room for improvement.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 5:02 pm →
@ Bamboo Forest: “However, I’ve read that these bags that you buy use up much much more energy to produce than the free plastic bags.” You’re pointing out to an important issue. Sometimes being “green” is not necessarily helpful. Cloth diapers are a good example.
@ Sagan: I agree. I can’t say I’m where I want to be, but I know it’s better than last year, and I’m sure by next year I’ll be even better.
@ Daphne: When I enter a house, or a store, and it’s so air conditioned that I need to put a sweater on in July, I can’t help but think of the waste.
@ rowe: You’re right: people don’t fix things anymore, they throw them out and buy new items instead. It’s hard to believe that our grandmothers used to mend socks!
Davina responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 pm →
Hi Vered. Great list! I’m surprised at how many I’m doing. I’d forgotten about recycling batteries though. I do use a lot of rechargeable batteries, but not when I go camping. Another couple of small things to add to the list is to minimize how long the refrigerator door is left open. I have a friend who leaves her fridge door open while she is working in the kitchen. I’m not kidding, she had it sitting open for a couple of minutes while chopping veggies. I closed it and she was annoyed and opened it again. Arggggh!
Becky responds:
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm →
Great tips! We have just learned about shutting the power strip off each night before we go to bed and can’t wait to see my next electricity bill! One thing that I wanted to share is a book titled, “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget ,” written by Josh Dorfman. The book is filled with lots of “green” affordable suggestions.
Michelle @ Find Your Balance responds:
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 am →
I’ve been trying to clean the house with more baking soda/white vinegar and less clorox. It’s better for our health and for the water supply, not to mention cheaper! When it comes to food, eating less meat is definitely the way to go. The meat I do eat is from pastured chickens and grazing cattle, animals raised in harmony with the Earth instead of against it. Good quality farming methods are essential for maintaining our environment, whether for animals or fruits and veggies.
Oh, and we don’t own a car. Walk to the store!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 at 10:29 am →
@ Davina: “minimize how long the refrigerator door is left open” – this is a good tip. Thanks!
@ Becky: Thanks for the book recommendation!
@ Michelle: I do use commercial cleaners, but only “green” ones. I should definiely look into using baking soda and vinegar.
Marelisa responds:
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm →
Hi Vered: These tips are fabulous! I just read about a British supermarket chain that has started using bicycles and carts for home deliveries. I also read about an entrepreneur who started a home-cleaning service with the added bonus that she uses only earth-friendly products. On the negative, I read on Boing Boing about fishermen in the Philippines who found a really rare shark (there’s only about 40 of them left in the world) and they ate it.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm →
it’s funny how many of these things we do in our family that were motivated by saving money. don’t get me wrong, i’m thrilled it helps the environment too, but i think sometimes money hits home in a more acute way.
Jannie responds:
Posted: April 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm →
I love the toilets at our library. They flush wiht about 1/2 gallon of water. I must go back and see what the brand is so I can get them here. Actually it’s kind of a tank within a tank, sounds like a tornado.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 1:01 am →
Hi Vered – Thank you for all of the great green tips. I think it’s amazing how easy it is for us to save energy, money and/or the earth – all it takes is a little bit of effort.
Patricia responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 8:51 am →
Vered,
Happy Earth Day to you – what a Grand list, between you, Bikingarchitect, and Barbara Swathford’s new blog the world should have no excuses. And then there is Deep Friar who several weeks ago posted his humorous list of how to irritate the earth friendly folks. We put it on BA for fun – Friar got over 100 comments and more funny suggestions.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 11:06 am →
@ Marelisa: A “green” cleaning service sounds interesting. I’m pretty sure ours is toxic.
@ MommyNamedApril: I agree. I think it’s great that being greener often translates to saving money. It’s the best incentive.
@ Jannie: Take a look at this: Make Your Toilet Flush Less Water
@ Barbara Swafford: I agree: many of these are very easy to implement.
@ Patricia: Friar makes me smile.
The Stiletto Mom responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 1:45 pm →
So many great tips, my favorite is cutting up old clothes to use as rags. T shirts make THE BEST polishing and dusting rags, don’t they?
Dr. J responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 2:37 pm →
I’ve been an advocate of voluntary simplicity for a while. I’m grateful it can be voluntary
Great list of suggestions, thank you!!
Chris responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 3:16 pm →
You have a great knack for knowing when to turn on or off your comment section!
Natural responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 4:30 pm →
i’m slowly becoming more green. the only thing that i haven’t done that i’ve been meaning to do is buy reusable bags and stop using the plastic bags at the supermarket. all the light bulbs have been changed, i recycle and i don’t liter.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: April 24th, 2009 at 8:51 pm →
@ The Stiletto Mom: “T shirts make THE BEST polishing and dusting rags” – absolutely. I can’t believe you commented while recovering from surgery!!! You shouldn’t have. Please rest.
@ Dr. J: I agree – we’re lucky it’s voluntary.
@ Chris: Really? I’ve been getting angry emails about closing comments so often.
@ Natural: I’m the same – slowly improving, but not perfect.
Blogroll: Green Day | Green + Chic responds:
Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 12:18 am →
[...] Tips for Green Living: Earth Day 2009. Vered of Momgrind gave us 54 ways we can live a greener life. [...]
Tips For Purchasing Disposable Diapers | Free Baby Product responds:
Posted: April 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am →
[...] 54 Tips For Green Living [...]
Meaghan responds:
Posted: April 28th, 2009 at 4:02 pm →
The added bonus of “going green” is that in most cases these actions will save you money as well!
Jodi responds:
Posted: May 30th, 2009 at 3:44 pm →
If you are going to get a low flow shower head you might as well replace your faucet aerators with low flow faucet aerators Typical faucet aerators can allow as much as 5 gallons per minute of water flow vs. low flow aerators that restrict water flow from 2.2 gallons as low as .5 gallons per minute without giving up water pressure. They only cost a few dollars and you can get them at any local hardware store.
Tips For Green Living Earth Day 2009 | Outdoor Ceiling Fans responds:
Posted: May 31st, 2009 at 6:18 am →
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Tips For Green Living Earth Day 2009 | Outdoor Ceiling Fans responds:
Posted: May 31st, 2009 at 11:16 am →
[...] Tips For Green Living Earth Day 2009 Posted by root 7 hours ago (http://momgrind.com) Apr 22 2009 install a ceiling fan 32 plant deciduous trees trees that drop their two way radios remote control toys just to name a few you have a great knack for knowing when to turn on or off your comment section powered by wordpress accessible beast blo Discuss | Bury | News | Tips For Green Living Earth Day 2009 [...]
Marlene Affeld responds:
Posted: June 18th, 2009 at 8:06 pm →
Marlene Affeld…
While doing a search for the phrase “green living”, I found your site. I will visit again, thanks for all the helpful information….
Nature Pictures | responds:
Posted: July 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm →
[...] Related Reading: Green Tips. [...]