March 22, 2010 - Many people hear about living green but aren't quite sure where to start. Earth Day is just around the corner and there are simple ways families can make a difference.

Below are ways you and your family can conserve resources to preserve our planet.

Remember - recycle, reduce, reuse.

• Recycle as much as you can
• Composting - containers are available that make this clean and easy
• Use cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic - keep them handy in your car
• Cook mostly from scratch
• Buy organic, locally grown when possible
• Buy only fair-trade coffee - it may cost a little more but promotes farmers and less processing
• Hand-me-downs - share kids clothing with friends and family
• Wash in cold water as often as possible
• Donate clothing no longer needed to a local charity
• Breastfeed your baby - it saves money and helps the environment because there are no bottles
• Feed babies 'regular' food rather than baby food from jars
• Grow your own vegetables when possible
• Freeze/preserve for the winter
• Buy in bulk when possible- less packaging, less trips to the store
• Use reusable containers instead of disposable freezer bags
• Compost grass clippings or leave on the ground
• Try cloth diapers instead of disposable
• Limit use of paper products such as napkins and paper towels
• Don't throw away misprints from your printer - kids can draw or color on the backs
• Instead of Styrofoam peanuts for packaging use newspapers or old grocery bags
• Save water by showering instead of taking baths
• Carpool whenever possible - can do this for work, sports events, etc.
• Drive as little as possible - keep your car until it dies
• Run more than one errand at a time to conserve gas
• Use fans in the house whenever possible
• Keep temperature in the house at 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer
• Use rechargeable batteries when possible
• Have your furnace/air conditioning unit checked once a year
• Keep your appliances maintained
• Turn off lights when you leave the room
• CFL light bulbs cost more but they last longer and are much better for the environment.
• Use surge protectors for electric appliances and computers
• Cut dish detergent, shampoo, and shower soap half and half with water
• Use as many natural cleaning products in your home - vinegar and water to wash windows
• Reuse as many things as possible - when done with something give it away or to Goodwill
• Another way to get rid of things is putting them on Craigslist - one man's trash is another man's treasure
• Recycle paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, glass, etc.

If you have other suggestions, your comments are welcome below. Or you can email the author at isabelle.zehnder@comcast.net. If you enjoyed this article and would like to subscribe to my articles, click on the "subscribe" link above.

Source:
Lotsofkids.com