I work for a green company and try to do my part in the "Going Green" revolution but many have yet to join the band wagon. Going green means different things to different people, but at its simplest it involves finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of everyday activities. Reducing waste, using fewer resources and finding alternate methods for activities that have a large carbon footprint offer numerous benefits both to your bottom line and the health of the planet.
Did you know that half of all Americans live where there are unsafe levels of air pollution? According to Environment America emissions create pollutants that take a toll on the atmosphere. Recycling, reducing energy use and using alternative energy sources help create cleaner air. One way you can help clear the air in your home is by getting rid of chemicals in your cleaning products. Melaleuca offers all natural alternatives to cleaning your home without harmful fumes or chemicals using highly effective products with plant derived ingredients.
Whether in landfills or tossed on the side of the road, contaminants can seep into the ground water when hazardous waste and electronic equipment have not been properly disposed of. Lakes, streams and oceans all suffer from the effects of pollution. National Geographic suggests that by 2050, a third of people on Earth may lack a clean and secure source of water. Switching to green energy sources and ensuring trash is recycled rather than tossed away helps the world's waterways stay clean and contaminant free. Marine life suffers from pollution in the oceans, and toxins in the water supply can lead to illness in many types of wildlife. Also most detergents contain phosphates and fillers that pollute our water ways. Switching to Melaleaca's Mela Power Laundry detergent is not only safer for our steams but because it use natural enzymes to attack stains it saves the wear and tear on your clothes and they last longer. Fun Fact: Mela Power is preferred 2 to 1 to Tide in Taiwan.
To meet their basic needs, every American will need 37,687 lbs. of new metals, minerals and fuels each year, reports the Mineral Information Institute. These are all non-renewable resources that can be conserved through the use of alternatives, such as copper recovered from recycled electronic devices, bauxite recycled from aluminum cans, or solar and wind energy.
Making energy-efficient, environmentally friendly changes in your lifestyle can be good for your wallet. Reducing electrical and water usage in your house lessen the burden on the energy grid, and also lower your utility bills. Driving less means having to put less gas in your car, and with high fuel prices, this can be a significant savings.
When you make an effort to keep items out of landfills, you may find new means of disposal that bring in a little extra cash. Depending on where you live, recycling bottles and cans may bring in a few extra pennies. Instead of dumping an old computer, consider selling it--what's obsolete to you might be valuable to someone else. At the very least, donating items may be good for a tax write-off. For more information contact your local recycling center.
Merchandise that has to be shipped a long way has a much larger carbon footprint because of the amount of fuel needed to transport it. Food purchased from a supermarket may be shipped by plane from the other side of the world, using a lot of fossil fuels, says the Nature Conservancy. Buying items that are locally grown and produced lowers carbon emissions and boosts the local economy. Support your local farmer whenever possible.
