How to 'Live Green'

To convert your life to be able to 'Live Green' is not as hard as it seems, it just takes a bit of readjusting. Unfortunately it's not something that the average person can do from one day to the next but it can be accomplished one steps at a time.

• RECYCLING -Most townships have instigated a recycling program of some sort by now. Naturally sorting paper goods, cans, and plastics are a great start to convert to 'Live Green' BUT(there is always a but) it's not quite enough. It's also important to remember to reduce garbage. When at the drive-through at the local Tim Hortons say no to a tray if at all possible. Use a to-go-cup or if buying coffee for a few take a thermos. 'Green' shopping bags are available at many of the grocery and department stores and are a great alternative to plastic or paper bags. Or if you have a stash of fabric remnants at home you can always sew your own. Strong laundry baskets are easy for groceries transportation too. Try buying in bulk, this will save a lot of packaging.
• SHOP ORGANIC -Most grocery stores now have a descent organic food section. Not only is it better for the entire family, pets included BUT it also saves the environment from all those chemical fertilizers etc. Look for the labels marking foods that have been grown organically. Canada has a very strict code that is being constantly monitored. As an example: if a farmer wants to register his fields as organic, the land has to be without any chemical weed and feed stuff for more than three years. There also has to be so much barrier space between fields etc. Unfortunately nothing that's grown outdoors today can be one hundred percent certifiably chemical free because of the airborne pollutants and water table contamination's, BUT less in this case is definitely better.
• COMMUTING -If possible travel back and forth to work with a full car load, it not only saves gas it also saves on air pollution. How about public transportation, buses or trains are a less stressful way to get around. It's important that all vehicles are kept-up, regular oil and filter changes etc. help a little when it comes to air quality control. The trucks that are huffing and puffing enormous dark clouds of smoke have to be taken off the roads. However two other modes of transportation are on the 'best' 'Living Green' list, bicycles and walking.
• ELECTRICITY & GAS USAGE -One step closer to 'Living Green' this one is obvious, if not in use shut it off. As the old fashion light bulbs burn out, replace them with high efficiency neon's. They might seem to be more expensive BUT in the long run it's a saving because they give higher light with less usage and last at least 20 times longer than the ordinary ones. Shut the computers down for the night, get rid of the old ancient beer fridge in the garage, wash laundry in cold water instead of hot, hang clothes out to dry. Turn the thermostat down, even one degree will help and you'll never feel it. Talking about thermostats, replace your old one with the programmable type. It will pay for itself in less than a season. Install a power shower-head which will save with the hot water. Not new BUT improved wind turbines are really getting to be affordable. A one acre lot is large enough to house these new age turbines; well worth looking into. Neither, is it difficult to use solar panels to heat the pool.

Many of these afore mentioned steps are quite easy, and attainable without too much effort. Everyone has to do their part. Many SMALL will amass to make a difference. It should not be an option BUT an OBLIGATION for all to become a 'Live Green" society...