Liz Goes Green with helpful tips!

November 14th, 2011

Let’s face it. We are living in a modern day world where it is extremely difficult to live a life that is completely Eco-friendly. There are ways that you can make small changes in your daily regime that can help save our planet in major ways! Below is a list of tips and tricks for lessening your carbon footprint. If you have ideas on how to be Eco-friendly then why not share them in the blog below!

• Replace light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) use up to 75 percent less electricity and light emitting diodes (LED) use up to 90 percent less. Both last roughly 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Use a timer to control lights while you’re away.
• Unplug devices and small appliances when not in use. This will reduce wasted “phantom power” and could reduce your electricity use by up to 15 percent.
• Reduce your speed. Driving 100 km/h uses 20 percent less fuel than driving 120 km/h, for example.
• Don’t drive aggressively. Speeding combined with rapid acceleration and long distances. If you can do this once a year, the impact is considerable.
• Try a staycation. Traveling consumes a lot of energy. Instead, stay at home and rediscover everything your community has to offer.
• Avoid products with excessive packaging. Especially those that come in plastic containers that you can’t recycle.
• Purchase fewer processed foods. Fresh food is not only healthier, it doesn’t travel as far or consume additional energy to manufacture.
• Buy products made from recycled materials.
• Buy second-hand. Manufacturing and distribution consumes a lot of energy and produces a lot of waste.
• Rent or borrow instead of buying new. This saves both money and energy.
• Use your own shopping bags or bins. Cut down on plastic bags.
• Get creative with gift wrap. Instead of buying wrapping paper, try gift bags or recycled paper options.
• Send eCards instead of paper greeting cards.
• Donate unwanted clothing, electronics and housewares. There are many organizations that will make good use of them when you no longer will.