20 Ways To Go Green

In order to use the many ways to go green, you should look at "green" as a philosophy, and not simply a list of tangible building products or technologies. For a product to be green from start to finish, it has to be manufactured, shipped, used, and ultimately recycled, using the green philosophy.

In addition to product, there are many ways to go green. With no particular order or priority, here's a list of 20 things you can do. Feel free to copy it and keep it on your refrigerator.

- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)

- Add low-E coating to windows

- Add storm windows where they're needed

- Stay with styles and finishes that have remained popular for a long time

- Choose Energy Star products (especially appliances)

- Buy local. If you can't, buy regional

- Reclaim (reuse antiques, for example) and recycle

- Use natural or green materials for counter tops, floors, etc. (Linoleum is very good)

- Make sure your house is properly insulated

- Use water saving shower heads and faucets

- Bring a canvas bag to the super market and don't use plastic bags

- Make sure your house is properly ventilated

- Use items that are reusable, not disposable

- Repair or repaint, don't replace

- Have annual maintenance contracts for your heating and air conditioning equipment

- Consider replacing the hot water storage tank with a tankless water heater

- Use high-efficiency toilets

- Have sensors and/or timers on your lighting

- Use elbow grease instead of toxic materials or electric tools which might save time, but are not environmentally friendly

- Don't buy what you don't need

The key to being more environmentally responsible is to thoughtfully examine your daily life, and then do what will be least harmful to the environment. This isn't an all-or-nothing scenario.

How green you want to go is up to you. Just make the commitment, and you'll start to see things happen.

If you want to add anything, or ask a question about ways to go green, contact me here.

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