Nadya Go Green

1. Learn more about the problems facing our planet. How can you join an effort if you don't know the reasons why? If you want to be a green thinker, do some research on common causes of pollution and ways to live eco-friendly in your own home. From organic food to green washing machines, research multiple topics online easily.

2. Change the way you get around town. If you use your car every day, find a greener way to get to get from point A to B. You can walk, bike or use a mass transit transport. If you must use your car, consider investing in a hybrid vehicle.

3. Energy conservation is a major global ecoissue. While you may have heard of solar panels, wind turbines and flux capacitors, you can simply exchange your light bulbs for energy efficient lights, turn off lights when you leave a room, choose a better insulation for your home, and buy energy efficient appliances. If you do choose solar energy, you can actually save money over time from electricity bills and even earn money if the utility company uses your solar energy.

4. Conserve water whenever possible. Install shower heads that save water, never let water run while you brush your teeth, and collect rainwater for use in gardening. These are some simple tips but there are even new toilets called “selective” flush which are even better for water conservation.

5. Look at food differently. We all have to eat, but there are ways to prevent the excess waste that comes with overproduction of our food supply. We can eat locally, seasonally and organically. We can change our diets to a vegetable-majority diet, instead of meat-heavy. This is essential for a green diet. Many of the meats that we eat are preserved with chemicals or filled with hormones, which means it's not exactly natural.

6. Reduce your waste production. It's hard to reuse and recycle, but this is necessary for a greener future. You can also create a compost bin. Give away your old goods on Ebay or take things you don't want to throw away to shelter or Goodwill center.

7. Choose organic fabrics. So, you have heard of eating green, but what about wearing green? Cotton is a planet just like any other, and it is sprayed heavily with pesticides every year. You can choose organic cotton, hemp, flax and other recycled materials for clothing.

8. Pick furniture from harvested recycled materials. If you're buying furniture, look in thrift stores or check online for used items. If you're buying new, check that the wood is harvested or made from salvaged materials. We need to send a message to companies cutting down rainforests and other vegetation that we don't want sofas and end tables made from a destroyed habitat.

9. Look for green labels on your cleaning products and try natural alternatives for cleaning. They didn't use 409 for everything back in the 1600s, did they? Well, you don't have to be that extreme to make a change in your cleaners. Simply make smarter choices about what you clean your home with and look at the labels on your products for “green” approved stickers.

10. Take your own bags to the super market. Paper or plastic? Neither! About 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used by shoppers every year. You can gogreen simply by bringing your own bag.