More and more people are becoming more conscious of the harmful environmental effects that are taking place on our planet.  You may have recently seen a lot of companies who are promoting their "Green" products.  These products range from household cleaning products to baby clothes.  I've even begun to see home developers say that their houses are green.  So what does going green really mean?  Simply put, it means that products being used for various purposes are more planet friendly and are made from natural biodegradable products.  Basically, we're using products from the earth for the earth.

• Food and other non-biodegradable packaging materials such as Styrofoam, paper, and plastic.

• Fuel and fuel based products such as petroleum and oils.

• Exhaust such as that from motor vehicles and plant/factory emissions.

• Smog and cigarette smoke

• Chemicals such as those found in household cleaning products, industrial cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, and personal care items.
• Overcrowded landfills
  

All items that are not biodegradable (meaning they don't break down and dissolve) are harmful to the planet. As you know plastics and Styrofoam products take years to break down if they ever do.

Here are just a few simple solutions to help you go green.

• Try purchasing items in bulk to help eliminate packaging waste. This will also help you to purchase the item less frequently saving you money and the planet in the end.

• Try purchasing "Green" products for your home. Make sure your household cleaning products, and detergents are planet friendly. Check the label to see if they're biodegradable.

• Try purchasing personal care items such as lotions, soaps, shampoos, and make up that are user friendly and/or organic.

• Avoid pouring any substance down the drain that isn't planet friendly. This includes medications. Never flush or pour prescribed or OTC medications down the drain. When this happens, our water supply becomes filled with chemicals and toxins.

• Try carpooling to work or using public transportation. If you're within walking distance of local stores or post office, get out and walk.

• Purchase reusable shopping bags or recycle the plastic shopping bags. More stores are becoming familiar with reusable bags. Some will even donate a few cents to a save the tree charity or use it towards a refund.

• Purchase PBA free bottles and fill with water instead of purchasing bottled water. Make sure you have a good water filter and believe it or not, your water will be cleaner than bottled.

• Try purchasing an acrylic or PBA free plastic container for your lunch, including sandwiches instead of using plastic wrap, plastic baggies or foil.

• Plant a garden. You'll save money by eliminating produce purchases and fuel costs from running to the store for fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're not the green thumb type, purchase in bulk from a local organic co-op. Use biodegradable herbicides for your garden to keep the bugs away.