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Last Updated: Jul 21, 2011 - 12:58:55 PM

Going Green Going Green generally means practicing an environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible lifestyle as well as decision making, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Reasons to Go Green 1. Too Much Trash - Each year Americans generate millions of tons of trash in the form of wrappings, bottles, boxes, cans, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, phone books, and much more.The typical American family throws out 550 pounds of paper, 18 pounds of steel, 90 pounds of glass, and 318 pounds of food scraps. Yard trimmings such as grass clippings and tree limbs are also a substantial part of what we throw away. In addition, many relatively small components of the national solid waste stream add up to millions of tons. For example, one percent of the nation's waste stream can amount to about two million tons of trash each year. 2. The Greenhouse Effect - Our atmosphere is constantly changing. Some of our favorite activities create gases that pollute the atmosphere. As those gases build up, the atmosphere keeps in too much heat. These gases include: Carbon dioxide: all humans and animals produce carbon dioxide. The main source of carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, gasoline and wood. Nitrogen oxide: is given off by cars when driven and by coal-burning power plants as they generate electricity. Methane: is created by rotting plants and household garbage as they deteriorate in landfills. We have been creating these gases for a long time. But now we are producing too much of them and they are making the earth a little hotter. 3. Air Pollution - There are many factors that contribute to poor air quality such as the pollution generated by power plants and cars. When the air gets too dirty it can be uncomfortable to breathe, and with every breath you may be inhaling substances which can make you sick. Air pollution can also hurt animals and plants. It can also poison trees and crops, and may even kill off entire forests. 4. Damage to the Ozone Layer - Ozone is an invisible gas, a form of oxygen. A thin layer of ozone exists above the Earth and forms a protective shield. One of the biggest culprits destroying the ozone layer is a family of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These are used in the manufacture of hundreds of different products such as plastics and foam packing materials, and refrigerants. The effects of the CFCs cause holes in the ozone layer which in turn could cause eye and skin diseases in millions of people, farmers’ crops could become damaged and food sources for animals could be destroyed. 5. Water Pollution and Excessive Water Consumption - There are many sources of water pollution. We usually think of huge pipes dumping industrial waste into rivers, but only 10 percent of water pollution comes from industrial dumping. Most people get their water from underground sources. Rainwater and melted snow running off parking lots, rooftops, streets, and farms carry with them harmful substances. During a storm, the pollutants are washed into rivers and streams. The average residence uses 100,000 gallons of water in one year. The less water used the better for the environment it will be. Do you know how much water is used in homes each day? Here is a guide: Activity Water Used 1 flush of the toilet 3.5 gallons 1 bath 70 gallons 1 ten-minute shower 20-50 gallons 1 washing machine load 41 gallons 6. Save Money - Switching all the bulbs in a home from conventional incandescent to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs could save about $270 in one year. A typical home has 20 lamps or light bulbs. According to the Energy Star Program, the annual operating cost of a 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulb is $3, while that of an equivalent 60-watt incandescent bulb is $20. So with a compact fluorescent light bulb you can save $17. Other things you can do to save include: Turning your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer. Make sure your walls and ceilings are well insulated. Replace bathroom and kitchen sink faucets with low-flow models, and install low-flow showerheads.

Buying Green If your plan is to become more environmentally friendly a nice way to start is by buying environmentally friendly products for use around the house. Many environmentally friendly products can be identified by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Green or Energy Star logo. Here is a list of items that an average household purchases and some helpful hints on how to purchase "green": Cars - Hybrids are a type of car that get great gas mileage, and produce less emissions than regular automobiles. Purchasing a hybrid can also mean a tax break - what a deal! Appliances - Today’s major appliances don’t hog energy the way older models did because they must meet minimum federal energy efficiency standards. Efficient appliances don’t just save money, they are good for the environment. So which models use the least amount of energy? Here are some guidelines: Energy Star models are the most energy efficient in any product category, exceeding the energy efficiency minimums set by the federal government. Check this chart to see products qualifying for a federal tax credit with your purchase of an Energy-Star rated model appliance. Use the Energy Guide label to compare the typical annual energy consumption and operating cost of different models of any type of appliance you’re thinking of buying. Make sure the product you are buying suits your needs. Choose appliances that run on natural gas. It’s usually more efficient to burn natural gas where it's needed -- in your home -- than to burn it at a power plant, convert the heat to electricity and then send the electricity over wires to your home. Energy-efficient appliances may cost more initially but will save you money over time. In addition, the most efficient clothes washers and dishwashers save energy and use less water which can reduce your water bill. Organic Food - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed national standards for the use of the word “organic.” Whether produced in the United States or imported, we can be assured that the foods are produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bioengineering. Organic farmers are required to adhere to certain soil and water conservation methods and to rules about the humane treatment of animals. Farmers who produce organic foods use renewable resources that conserve the soil and water for future generations. Clothes - Unlike energy efficient appliances and organic food, finding eco-friendly clothing is a little more difficult. Here are a few fabrics that are made with the environment in mind: Organic cotton : It’s grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility and are grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Bark Cloth: 100% organic, not having undergone any textile agents or other chemical treatments during manufacturing. Textures can range from fleece to leather. Organic wool: To be certified organic the livestock must follow federal requirements for organic livestock production. Some of the organic wool products most widely available today include: baby clothes, blankets, coats, knitting yarn, socks, sweaters, and throws.

Recycling The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 75% of our waste is recyclable. This is great news, especially since the American Forest and Paper Association states that 87% of the U.S. population, or 268 million people, have access to curb-side or recycling programs. The hold-up is many people are unsure of what exactly can be recycled and if not in the curb-side bins, where random items can be recycled. Aluminum - To recycle aluminum foil or aluminum cans they must be rinsed thoroughly to prevent odor. You may either put them in a recycle bin or find a recycling center. Car Batteries - Car batteries contain lead which can be toxic. Many car part stores and garages accept battery drop-offs for recycling. Carpet - Natural fibers can be composted. Individual consumers generally can’t get rid of a carpet, but according to Earth911.com there are some local recycling centers for you to drop off old carpet. Your local trash company may pick-up carpet if special pick-up arrangements are made. Cell Phones - With only 10% of unwanted cell phones being recycled in 2007; the EPA is encouraging consumers to increase the nation’s cell phone recycling rate. Cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are made of precious metals, copper, and plastics. Recycling or reusing cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping reusable materials out of landfills. If Americans recycled the 100 million cell phones that are no longer being used, enough energy could be saved to power more than 18,500 homes for a year. Phones that are not in use should be recycled because they contain toxic materials. Visit the EPA or GRC Wireless Recycling for different options on how to turn your cell phone into cash or donate. Composting - Composting is a great way to convert food and yard scraps into valuable garden soil. The EPA has information on what household organic materials can be used for compost and what should not. Electronic Waste - Electronic waste is growing exponentially. Televisions are used on average for less than 2 years while computers are used an average of 3 years. Electronics contain lead and other chemicals that should not be placed in landfills. Visit the Telecommunications Industry Association website to find a recycling center nearest you. Also, some office supply retailers allow consumers to drop off old computers for recycling. Glass - Glass bottles should not be mixed with other types of glass such as windows, light bulbs, mirrors, glass tableware, or auto glass. Do not put broken glass in recycling containers for someone to cut their hands on. Household Toxics - Items such as poisons, paints, oil, solvents, automotive fluids, cleaners, and herbicides must not be dumped into regular garbage. Water seeps through landfills and toxins can end up in the water table. If you have accumulated toxics to dispose of, contact a local recycling center - most have household drop-off days. Motor Oil - Motor oil contains heavy metals and other toxic substances, and is considered hazardous waste. Go to Earth911.com for recycling center information. Also industry associations are encouraged to take used motor oil so check with your local oil change center. Packing Peanuts – Many packing stores will take used peanuts, but call ahead first. Just pack them up in a plastic bag and drop them off. There is little recycling potential for “packing peanuts”, but they can be reused. Paper - Most types of papers can be recycled. The key to recycling paper is collecting large quantities of clean, well-sorted, uncontaminated and dry product. Paper goes in your recycling bin at the curb to be picked up by your city’s service. Plastic -The plastic industry has developed a SPI resin identification coding system – these codes can usually be found on the bottom of plastic bottles to identify their polymer type. Some misconceptions are that these markers mean the plastic can be recycled or that the container is made of recycled plastic. Your bin at home should only have plastics that your local recycling agency accepts. Typically types 1 and 2 are widely accepted in container form. Contact your local sanitation department for current information. Rechargeable Batteries - These batteries keep your wireless products and cordless tools going for thousands of charges, but when they eventually run out, it’s our responsibility to recycle them. Call2Recycle, provides information to over 50,000 convenient rechargeable battery recycling centers nationwide. Just enter your zip code to find a list of recycling centers in your area - it’s that easy! Also, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation is an industry funded group promoting battery recycling - just call 1-800-8BATTERY. Refrigerators, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners - All contain freon, a chemical known as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). Before throwing away any of these appliances make sure the CFCs are drained out and recycled first. You may also be able to arrange for a curbside pick-up, sometimes at no charge. If disposing of a refrigerator curbside, secure for safety reasons so children do not get trapped. Single Use Batteries - Once recommended for the trash, increasingly these batteries are collected. Go to Earth911.com for a recycling center near you. Other Items - Unwanted household goods such as small appliances (that work), tableware, clothing, furniture, toys, sports equipment, and books can have a life again if donated to a local charity. Check with a local thrift store, consignment shop, or organizations such as American Red Cross or Salvation Army to see if they could use any of the items you are looking to dispose of.

Recycling Centers Contact your local recycling center for information specific to your neighborhood. You can also visit the EPA or Call2Recycle for additional information on recycling old appliances and batteries. Unable to find a one-stop-shop for all states and counties recycling needs? Visit Earth911.com - here you can put in your zip code and the type of item needed to be recycled and find a center within the parameters given.