Here are some of our top tips on how to go "green" in your home and life. Most are easy to do and require little extra time or effort. Remember that every "green" effort, even if small, add up considerably when enough people do it. Please share eco information with others and invite them to visit Gathering Home. We're always looking for new ways and technologies to have save energy, time and money. So, let us know how what you're doing and how you've "greened" up your life recently.
No Bottled Water - It's pricey and uses fuel to produce, transport, and store those bottles. Use what comes out of your tap instead but filter it. (you know, alot of bottled water is filtered tap water anyway!)
Buy Local- Most produce in the United States is shipped around 1,500 miles before it's sold. Reduce the shipping by rediscovering the bounty of your surrounding area. Find farmers' markets, co-ops and CSAs (community-supported agriculture projects).
Use green cleaning methods. Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and dish soap can conquer the majority of your household cleaning. There are many green alternatives, check your local health food grocer.
Don't use Disposables- Rather than using single-use containers, get real dishes, and wash them!
Reduce lawn / grass in your yard. Plant shrubs and other groundcover to replace your high demand lawn. It's also less work and expense for you!
Use natural, organic lawn care products and methods (push mower instead of gas or electric).
NO Excess Packaging ! Buy items in larger sizes if you have the need. Select items that have less plastic and less packaging.
Heat your home to 68 degrees F, cool to 72 degrees F. Reduce both at night. For each two degrees, save 6%.
Upgrade appliances and electronics with Energy Star certified equipment.
Get a Green Thumb - Growing plants helps soak up excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but can help clean toxins from the air and provide habitat for wildlife. And, obviously, vegetable plants supply you with fresh, organic food.
Eat Less Meat - Meat is a huge energy and resource drain on the planet. And, factory farms are huge polluters. By eating less meat, you pollute less!
Educate yourself, friends and family about GREEN - Learn to save money and time by reducing waste and unneeded consumption. Read up on green initiatives and progress to stay informed!
Install a programmable thermostat to save up to $100 in energy costs per year.
Use smart plugs to shut off power to appliances. Also unplug chargers and other stand-alone appliances. The U.S. spends about $4 billion annually on stand-by energy alone.
Use timers for both indoor and outdoor lights. It's a great convenience and money-saver too.
Bring Your Own Bags when shopping- It's simple to do. Plastic / paper bags take resources to produce and distribute, then end up as litter. Plus, many stores pay you to use your own bags.
I'll be adding to this list periodically, keep checking back. Thanks !!!
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