We have previously discussed on 10 things one can do to have a greener home, but some minor lifestyle changes can also create a positive impact on how we can become greener citizens. These simple habits, when shared to others, will have a major impact in the environment.
1. Choose to Walk, Bike, Commute, or Carpool - Cars with only one user means a high personal carbon footprint. It is usually better to walk to a place 15 minutes away or even bike if the distance is longer. If it is possible to have neighbors who work in the same area to join, do a carpool. Commute is a good idea as long as smoke belching vehicles are avoided.
2. Throw trash in proper areas - Throwing trash on the road will lead trash to the rivers through the sewage system, if not, it will clog the drain. Throw trash in their proper receptacles (paper, plastic, etc) and do our part to have a better environment.
3. Paper or Plastic? Choose none when you can carry it by hand in a convenience store.
4. Take the Stairs - It is not easier said than done, because it is easy. Take the stairs if the person you have to visit is up to 3 floors up. It is also good for the health.
5. Keep a Reusable Water Bottle - Going to the gym or at work? Stop buying bottled water when you can stick to reusable bottles. It is cheaper over time, and does our landfills a huge favor.
6. Buy Green - Make the conscious choice of buying green products over others, this will force companies to go green. Show your support to those who are going green and keep them motivated.
7. Turn off lights even when in a public place - Ever go to a restaurant toilet and find the lights on? Many toilets are good for one person and closing the light after you leave will not only help the restaurant reduce their energy bill, but you are helping make the environment greener.
8. Use reusable bags for groceries - There are many reusable bags available at a low price. They become multi purpose and reduce the need for plastic.
9. Patronize green establishments - Establishments who have made an effort to go green needs your support to encourage others to see that they too have to go green. Otherwise, give suggestions to your neighborhood restaurant to take green steps.
10. Spread the word - Going green means getting everyone to go green. Spread the word and let it spread. This will increase the impact.
There is a strong rising importance for different organizations to go green. The focal point of going green has mainly attributed to a better understanding of ecological cost aside from economic cost.
But there are some more important points to be brought out when "going green" is discussed. Green is not just choosing products with a "green" label, it is a lifestyle, and a thought process, that makes us reflect on the very basic point. ECOLOGICAL COST.
Ecological cost's currency is carbon footprint. But just like in economics, Dollars is not the only denomination. In ecological sense, there is an addition of the different types of toxic chemicals, the efficient use of nature in keeping environmental balance, and the overall positive lifestyle impact. If we take all these things into consideration, it may sound overwhelming, but it actually is very simple.
Some important pointers to understand are the following...
- Going green means using products that can be disposed without causing harm to the environment. If the product being disposed on land can kill a human, then it is toxic and not environmental.
- Less is more with going green. Lesser packaging, lesser maintenance, and longer life (meaning, lesser replacements) makes something more environmental.
- In many situations, if it makes ecological sense, it actually makes economical sense. By using less resources, we put less burden on the environment, and since less resources is used, then our cost of consumption goes down as well. Going green is using less energy, using less water, using less fuel.
I have talked to a few very notable individuals whose aim is to sincerely go green in their different facilities. It is encouraging to discover that people really do want to go green. This is not just for the marketing opportunity, but most importantly, due to the understanding that the environment does matter. Many have opted to better understand their energy consumption by understanding how to manage their energy. They now look into reducing water consumption through sincere waterless urinal system or low water consumption showerheads. They also now understand how much their lighting can contribute to their energy bill. This impact can now be managed and looked into.
What is found to be impressive is that the simplest things do make a startling difference. One of the facilities currently uses a drinking water fountain with a water filtration system to reduce or eliminate the need for bottles for water. They have also taken the initiative to put plants within the facility to improve air quality.
In many cases, some of the simplest renovations do make a big impact as well. Looking for heat leaks within the facility and eliminating them reduces the load for cooling machineries. Increasing the temperature of the cooling system by 2 degrees, up to 27 or 28 degrees, does make a large impact on energy savings. Fixing leaks in toilets also save a lot of money aside from valuable water. These important facets in design create and contribute to a more environmental workplace.
Aside from choosing the right products and fixing areas of concern, lifestyle also has to adapt an environmental attitude. Wireless energy monitoring systems help determine the current energy consumption and be better managed from its source. It was noted that people who are aware of their energy consumption can save up to 20% on energy consumption. But it even goes further, taking 2 minutes less in the showerhead can save a lot of money and energy as well, up to 300 watt hours on heating and 4 gallons of water on efficient showerhead systems. They might sound like minor adjustments, but they do create a large impact on our lifestyle.
Going green, therefore, is an awareness, it is a new insight that has to be understood that another dimension does exist when it comes to our lifestyle. It is a decision, an option, but a very rewarding one. After all, our own decisions become our own impact. Going green is not just a lifestyle to save the Earth, it is a lifestyle to save ourselves.
