By Colleen Heenan
Trying to incorporate new lifestyle changes into your life will never come at a convenient time. You just have to make minor adjustments to begin your new routine. I have listed what I think are five easy steps to transition into green living
(1) Take public transportation: I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but with these historically high gas prices and the beginning of summer it is a perfect time to change your commuting routine. Biking is a great way to incorporate your daily physical activity and by far the best way to shrink your carbon footprint. If your commute is over 10 miles away, check out local bus or train routes and schedules. Some busses even have bike racks if the route does not drop you right in front of you building. Also, check out company van-pools or start your own car-commute system.
(2) Bring you lunch, water and coffee/tea to work: This saves on paper, plastic or Styrofoam containers and silverware from filling up your trash can at an exponential rate. Buy yourself a nice mug and a lunch box (perhaps from recycled material). On top of reducing your garbage space you will be saving a ton of money per week.
(3) Eat smart: This is the best time of year to become a localvore (someone who only eats food that comes from nearby farms to help contribute to their community) Farmers markets are almost everywhere and the produce usually come from within a 100 mile radius. And if you really want to lower your carbon footprint reduce your beef and dairy intake (check out my July 30th blog ‘Greening the way we eat’).
(4) Pay your Bills Online: This is very easy to do; many phone, electric and water companies offer E-payments. All you usually need to get started is your account number and your credit or debit card info. I have noticed that my energy company charges me $2 per transaction, so if this is the case go to your bank’s website and see if they offer online banking, which will be free for you and convenient.
(5) Recycle! Easy as Plastic, Paper, Glass and Tin! Curbside recycling is offered in so many cities these days and there are still many drop-off areas available if needed. If your work place does not have recycling bins, start a recycling revolution and get people informed then interested (check out Amber Fagan’s article on ‘Telling your boss to go green’ in the Green your Future blog).
With a little work we can start a green revolution. Lets do a little more then we did yesterday and feel good about going green while encouraging our friends and family to do the same.
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