"Going Green": It's become a marketing catch phrase as much as a way of doing better for the planet. Feel overwhelmed and like there's no point to trying since you can't buy a hybrid or put electric panels on the roof of your apartment? Don't. About.com helps you save the environment with baby steps.
The first step sounds easy enough: buy nothing. Just for today, don't bring anything new into your life. But it can be harder than you think because acquiring things is part of our nature as humans. So just try, for one day, not to buy that thing that caught your eye that you really don't need.
Take your car in for a tune-up so it runs as efficiently as possible. It's much greener to keep your car than for a new car to be manufactured, even if it's a hybrid. Another simple step: buy organic food. If you can't buy everything organic, focus on the "best buys" in organic foods.
Trying to plunge into recycling and feeling overwhelmed? Start small: pledge to recycle at least one thing today. You're still making a difference. Another way to make a small difference is to turn up your thermostat in the summer (turn on a fan to keep you cooler), and turn it down in winter (put on a sweater for warmth). This one has the extra bonus of saving money on your electric bill.
Switch at least one light bulb out for a CFL or LED light, which is even safer and more energy efficient than compact fluorescents. Plus it doesn't contain mercury. While you're at the store, buy some green cleaners to replace the ones at home that contain all sorts of industrial chemicals. Or make your own!
Finally, get out there and take a walk to enjoy the greenness of nature and get inspired to give Mother Nature a helping hand!
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