Earth Day 2010 is the 40th anniversary of the day we set aside to honor our planet. What will you do to celebrate? Here are 10 simple ways you can make your life a little greener, from CNN.
1. Make the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
They’re not even expensive anymore! The green bulbs are about $2 each and will last up to 10 times loner than regular bulbs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every American household were to swap just one bulb to CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.
2. Monitor your thermostat
You’ll save money AND energy. Pick a sweater or blanket (or SNUGGIE – you know you love them!) and warm up without depleting the planet’s resources.
3. Clean or replace your air conditioning filter.
If your filter gets clogged, it needs to use more power to run. Running clean, you can save up to $150 each year and you’ll also be subject to fewer allergy causing particles in the air.
4. Unplug idle appliances and electronic devices.
Don’t just turn something off – unplug it! The average household can save up to several hundred dollars a year – and lots of energy – just by unplugging.
5. Buy a low-flow shower head with a shutoff valve.
This one saves water, energy AND money! Did you know that water heaters account for about 25 percent of home energy use?
6. Drive smarter.
Driving less aggressively is the single most effective way to save gasoline: accelerate out of lights more gently, avoid rapid braking, and only drive as fast as you must. And turn off your engine rather than idling excessively. If your car starts reliably, consider shutting it down at long lights. Skip the drive-through window, park and walk your business inside whenever possible. Buying a Hybrid is also an obvious energy saver!
7. Get an annual tune-up for your car.
Faulty oxygen sensors, worn spark plugs and dirty air filters can all drain extra gas. Keep your car in good shape!
8. Dust off that bike.
Maybe you can’t commute to work on your bike, but can you use it for short errands to the post office or bank? Even using your bike (or walking) instead of using your car just once a week can make a big difference! You’ll burn plenty of calories, too.
9. Go meatless once a week.
According to Diet for a Small Planet, livestock production absorbs 16 pounds of grain and soy feed for every pound of meat that actually gets to the plate. Each calorie of animal protein requires 78 calories of fossil fuels to produce, and irrigation directly associated with livestock production (including feeds) amounts to about half of all the consumed water in the United States. Have a pasta night instead!
10. Buy local; buy in season.
According to the nonprofit group Sustainable Table, the typical carrot travels 1,838 miles before it ends up in your kitchen. Imagine how much is wasted on that journey! Buying regionally produced food saves energy costs and also keeps a portion of your grocery money close to where live.
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