Start Living Green Today!

Some people think that living green is a hard lifestyle to maintain. It isn’t. You do in fact need to make changes and be more aware of your environment. Now if that is too hard to do than I would question your priorities and the everyday choices you make. Not to be judgmental but there is a certain responsibility that we all have as humans to take care of our planet and live the best lives we can. If we don’t understand the importance of that than we are in big trouble.

Now is the time to change your life for the better and finally feel a sense of pride that you never thought you could. Its 2011 people. It’s never too late to try to become the person you never thought you could be.

The first thing to do is take a look at your life and see what you can change asap. Whether its buying natural and organic food or taking a walk instead of driving, taking baby steps is perfectly fine. You want these changes to be fun and exciting! And with a positive view and peaceful state of mind you will get there. You must realize that a lifestyle change such as this one will also change who you are as a person. That is the true meaning of being green.



Having the eco-friendly vision everyday come natural and not thinking twice about an earth-friendly decision. Its about observing yourself and realizing that you, the people you love and the earth from which you live are worth much more! Here are 10 easy simple ways to get started. You can do them at your own pace and take the time you need. The more you start doing, the more you will be comfortable with your new lifestyle!

Recycle & Reuse
I am surprised when I hear that someone does not recycle. Shame on you! If everyone in America recycled we could decrease the waste in landfills by 75%. Sounds good to me! Another way to recycle is to reuse. Bags you get from the grocery store, packaging, rags to clean and even refilling your ink cartridges for your printer. These all make a difference.


Take a Shorter Shower
You can conserve more than 10 gallons by just shortening your showers by 2 minutes. Not to mention your water bill! Just think how much that would be if everyone did the same.


Junk Mail
We all get crap in the mail that goes straight to the garbage. Instead of throwing it out recycle it instead. If you want to reduce your junk mail or rid of it forever you can register with the Mail Preference Service. It only costs $1 and you can do it online. Its that easy so there is no excuse! Just go to www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist.


Curtains & Blinds
During summer and winter keep your blinds closed. That will keep your house cooler when its hot out and warmer when its cold. By doing this you can reduce your energy needs up to 25% and save on your electric bill!


Use Fewer Napkins
When you are out try to take 2 -4 napkins instead of 10. We all do it. You go to the movies and get popcorn. Well you need tons of napkins because of the butter! Do your best to conserve and more than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved from landfills each year!


Subscribe to Magazines:
You could save up to 75% off the newsstand price if you simply subscribed. Plus, who wouldn’t want the convenience of coming home to your favorite publication! About 60% of the magazines at stores aren’t sold and wind up getting dumped. What a waste!


Unplug Electronics
Not only will you save money but tons of energy as well. Surprisingly enough, even though they are turned off your electronics are still using 10 - 15% of energy. Just unplugging your TV alone can save more than $1 billion in energy bills if we all did it. 


Carpool to Work
If it is possible, try to hitch a ride with another coworker or even a friend that may work in the same area. You would save hundreds of gallons of gas and not to mention the $$ in your pocket. Another plus of carpooling is less traffic. We don’t need any more cars on the road or any more road rage!


Pay Your Bills Online & Go Paperless
Why waste money on stamps and envelopes when you can pay all your bills online. Thats the convenience of the internet! Take advantage and save time and money.
 Most companies offer to go paperless as well. In fact, they recommend it! Who wants more mail they are just going to throw away.

Paper or Plastic
The best solution is to use reusable bags. Nowadays, every retail store sells them and they are usually only $1 or so. Its worth it. Plus they are stronger and more reliable. But if you have to choose one than go with paper. And don’t forget to recycle and reuse!



I hope that you can follow these steps and have fun in the process. Just think about all the great choices you are making and the difference you are able to achieve. With these 10 steps you are well on your way to an eco-friendly life!

How to Start Living Green

Some people think that living green is a hard lifestyle to maintain. It isn’t. You do in fact need to make changes and be more aware of your environment. Now if that is too hard to do than I would question your priorities and the everyday choices you make. Not to be judgmental but there is a certain responsibility that we all have as humans to take care of our planet and live the best lives we can. If we don’t understand the importance of that than we are in big trouble. Now is the time to change your life for the better and finally feel a sense of pride that you never thought you could. Its 2010 people. It’s never too late to try to become the person you never thought you could be.

The first thing to do is take a look at your life and see what you can change asap. Whether its buying natural and organic food or taking a walk instead of driving, taking baby steps is perfectly fine. You want these changes to be fun and exciting! And with a positive view and peaceful state of mind you will get there. You must realize that a lifestyle change such as this one will also change who you are as a person. That is the true meaning of being green. Having the eco-friendly vision everyday come natural and not thinking twice about an earth-friendly decision. Its about observing yourself and realizing that you, the people you love and the earth from which you live are worth much more!

Here are 10 easy simple ways to get started. You can do them at your own pace and take the time you need. The more you start doing, the more you will be comfortable with your new lifestyle!

Recycle & Reuse: I am surprised when I hear that someone does not recycle. Shame on you! If everyone in America recycled we could decrease the waste in landfills by 75%. Sounds good to me! Another way to recycle is to reuse. Bags you get from the grocery store, packaging, rags to clean and even refilling your ink cartridges for your printer. These all make a difference.

Take a shorter shower: You can conserve more than 10 gallons by just shortening your showers by 2 minutes. Not to mention your water bill! Just think how much that would be if everyone did the same.

Junk Mail: We all get crap in the mail that goes straight to the garbage. Instead of throwing it out recycle it instead. If you want to reduce your junk mail or rid of it forever you can register with the Mail Preference Service. It only costs $1 and you can do it online. Its that easy so there is no excuse! Just go to DMA Choice.

Curtains & Blinds: During summer and winter keep your blinds closed. That will keep your house cooler when its hot out and warmer when its cold. By doing this you can reduce your energy needs up to 25% and save on your electric bill!

Use fewer napkins: When you are out try to take 2 -4 napkins instead of 10. I know, I know...you go to the movies and get popcorn and you need tons of napkins because of the butter! Do your best to conserve and more than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved from landfills each year! For your home go with cloth napkins and wash them. Then you won't be wasting paper and you will saving money too!

Subscribe to magazines: You could save up to 75% off the newsstand price if you simply subscribed. Plus, who wouldn’t want the convenience of coming home to your favorite publication! About 60% of the magazines at stores aren’t sold and wind up getting dumped. What a waste!

Unplug electronics: Not only will you save money but tons of energy as well. Surprisingly enough, even though they are turned off your electronics are still using 10 - 15% of energy. Just unplugging your TV alone can save more than $1 billion in energy bills if we all did it.

Carpool to work: If it is possible, try to hitch a ride with another coworker or even a friend that may work in the same area. You would save hundreds of gallons of gas and not to mention the $$ in your pocket. Another plus of carpooling is less traffic. We don’t need any more cars on the road or any more road rage!

Pay your bills online: Why waste money on stamps and envelopes when you can pay all your bills online. Thats the convenience of the internet! Take advantage and save time and money.

Paper or plastic: The best solution is to use reusable bags. Nowadays, every retail store sells them and they are usually under $5 or so. Its worth it. Plus they are stronger and more reliable. But if you have to choose one than go with paper. And don’t forget to recycle and reuse!

I hope that you can follow these steps and have fun in the process. Just think about all the great choices you are making and the difference you are able to achieve. With these 10 steps you are well on your way to an eco-friendly life!

Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day here are a few films you should check out. Remember, our Earth is a beautiful place and all living creatures are amazing. Let's keep the planet beautiful so that our children can witness what a miracle it is to be here.

Earth Days
This film explores how Earth Day began. The 1950's and 70's were amazing times that changed the world. Director, Robert Stone, captures it all for us to see. Including never before seen footage, the film shows the true environmental crisis we faced back then and are still facing today.



Dirt
Directors Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow, shed some light on all of us about the Earth's soil. How important it is and how we are destroying it. The way we treat dirt affects us all. Jaime Lee Curtis narrates this educational and eye opening documentary about how precious dirt really is.



Planet Earth
How could I not suggest this phenomenal series. Produced by the BBC and shown on the Discovery Channel here in the United States, this breathtaking production is far beyond the others. If you haven't seen it than please do. It is so worth watching!



The 11th Hour
With all the global disasters we have seen over our lifetime it is no surprise that Earth is unhappy with us. The 11th hour explores this issue. How we are destroying the planet and what will happen if we don't stop. Leonardo DiCaprio narrates this thrilling documentary on what could happen next unless we start changing today. Joining him are many professionals and scientists like Stephen Hawking that hope to shed some light on how we see life.



So check these few films out and get a little closer to loving the planet.

Eco-Friendly Picks

I am always on the lookout for new products and food items. Here are some cool products to check out that I came across recently.

Natural Glow Facial Towelettes
Gentle, biodegradable and natural, these facial wipes are sure to freshen you up anytime of the day. Made with organic cucumber , aloe vera and Dead Sea minerals they are perfect for sensitive skin.



Vie Luxe Soy Candle
Scented with hyancinth and narcissus, this soy candle will make any room happy. The glass holder is recyclable and the candle is biodegradable.



Water Bobble
This water bottle has everything you need at no cost to the Earth. Not only does it have a filter attached its BPA free, recyclable and reusable. Its also made right here in the USA.



Sprout Watch
Not only is this watch cute but its made out of corn resin, bamboo and organic cotton. The packaging is recyclable and the battery is mercury free. And its only $30!



Loop Works - Laptop Protector
Made from 100% upcycled nylon neoprene this cover is big on protection and sustainability. It comes in white and yellow and has two zippered pockets for anything you want to carry.



IPhone Mojito
This case is great to hold your IPhone or IPod Touch along with money, credit cards and more. Made from vegan leather and microfiber lining it is friendly to the Earth as well. Check out the other products at this store too!

Recycling Electronics the Right Way

This weekend I started my spring cleaning and ended up with old electronics that my boyfriend, Danny or I did not need anymore. I am sure many of you have this issue and I hope that you don't just throw it all away in the garbage. That is not the best thing to do. Because a lot of people may not know where to bring their old electronics to recycle I wanted to share some websites that can help you out. You can also find info on where to recycle your batteries as well. Keep in mind that you can take most electronics to stores and they will recycle them for you. Best Buy and Staples are two that have the most locations.

National Center for Electronics Recycling
Electronics Take Back Coalition
Environmental Protection Agency
Earth 911
Digital Tips
Call 2 Recycle
Gazelle

Just remember that everything has its place and it's not the garbage! Recycling is very important to the earth and it is our responsibility to do it the proper way. No excuse!