Climate change? Water shortages and droughts? Floods? Pollution getting into rivers, lakes and our drinking water? Smog? Sometimes the dangers to our health and the earth can be overwhelming. So many solutions seem to cost lots of money. Sure you could really help out by buying an expensive hybrid car, or installing energy efficient appliances in your home, putting solar panels on your home, the list goes on. But here are ten simple ways to help the earth, help each other and save some dollars while you're at it.
Do your dishes in soapy and rinse wash basins to conserve water.
Running water while washing dishes uses tons of water. Dishwashing machines use even more. Save that water for a refreshing drink. Turn off your computer at night and disconnect it from the power supply.
Computers, TV's and some radios still use power when they are "off." So unplug "em and watch the electric bill go down.At the ATM drive-thru, don't let your car run while you're waiting, especially cars made in the last five years.
You use more gas running the engine during 30 seconds than by simply turning it off and back on again.Re-use building materials for your home repairs.
Plenty of towns have waste prevention programs to help residents give their household goods and usable building materials a second life. Check with your town's Waste Management Department for information the next time you have a plumbing, building or renovating project. You'll save money too, cause it's usually free.Start a compost pile or bin for all your kitchen scraps.
Toss it with yard waste once in a while. You'll be amazed how much composting will reduce the amount of trash you put out each week. And come spring you'll have all the soil and fertilizer you need for the garden.Get some of those old glass mason jars to store flour, beans, chocolate chips, sugar, or whatever you can get at your local natural foods store bulk section.
Buying bulk not only saves money, it saves our landfills from waste from packaging. Plus that means no trees or foreign oil wells contributed to your dinner.Shovel that side walk instead of snow blowing.
Get a hand mower for your lawn and retire the gas mower. Stop the dependence on oil. Plus you'll save money on that gym membership.Barter
Check out your local Craigslist, farmers market or group of friends for bartering options. Everything from clothes and food to vacations. Bartering is a great way to keep costs down, create community and it is usually local, which means less (I'll say it again) dependence on oil.Forget the tupperware, reusable or not.
That stuff leaches bad chemicals into your food. Instead keep leftovers in your ordinary cereal bowls and cover it with a plate. For food to go, try wrapping it up in parchment paper or wax paper. If you're really a dedicated environmentalist, use a compost toilet
You'll need a bucket, wood shavings, and a compost pile. Check out Composting Toilet. Benefits include less water use, no sewage and more compost. But its best to use this end composted product on flower gardens not veggie gardens.
Now you have some new tools for a cleaner healthier future. So get out there and save this planet and some dollars too.
