green changes that make a big impact

15 Jan
2010

After digesting the last few posts, this is just a simple little post to get you started for the year. Nothing to hard and it is possible you are already doing many of these things already. Good! Keep it up.

easiest green changes to implement

  1. if you don’t need it, don’t buy it
  2. bring a green bag with you everywhere
  3. bring a coffee or drinking mug too

changes that create the biggest green impact

  1. stop drinking bottled water
  2. replace all your paper products with a cloth option (i.e. napkins, paper towel)
  3. buy local & organic food – support your local economy

green changes that will save you the most money

  1. changing to LED lights will save the most in the long run, but even going from incandescent bulbs to CFLs will save up to 90% in energy and emissions.
  2. energy efficient appliances will save you a small fortune and can also get you tax credits
  3. getting rid of you car – going autoshare, bike or public transport (and it’s healthier too)

here are some government rebate information sites

Australia: Australian Government, Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator

Canada: Natural Resources Canada

UK: Energy Saving Trust

US: US Department of Energy

I think we are heading in the right direction this year. Next week will continue to discuss the 3Rs and look at the reuse part of the formula.

4 Responses to green changes that make a big impact

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Ruth - Web Career Girl

January 15th, 2010 at 8:39 am

Well I’m pleased to say I don’t have a car (I can drive, but I can’t afford one and don’t actually need one!) and I carry my green bag with my everywhere. I buy WAY less than I used to as well, but I’m working on changing my paper items etc.

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Davina

January 15th, 2010 at 10:21 pm

I’m really good at following the rule: “If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.” There are a lot of novelty items out there that can easily catch a person’s attention. Then they end up gathering dust on a shelf or sitting in a closet. Impulse shopping is the worst.

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Dan Boise

January 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm

At work, we try to use as much as possible the sunlight to light up our offices. When there’s not enough, we use probably 1 out of 3. If it were up to me, I,d work in the dark (I work on a PC) but my boss is adamant to have at least one light on…..

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simply stephen

January 22nd, 2010 at 9:07 pm

@Ruth There are many who don’t even make the effort. Yours always seem stalwart. I would say the simple act of “wanting” to be green is enough to make a big impact. The rest will follow. I’m still learning, changing and slipping up every day…oh, what fun.

@Davina Welcome as always. Yes, sometimes it takes a lifetime to figure out that things don’t really add to our life and many times detract from them. Impulse a tough obstacle but…everything can be overcome. I knew you would have the care and discipline to not buy on impulse…now if only I could stop grabbing that ice cream all the time. Got any pointers?

@Dan Thanks for dropping by and welcome. Daylight and office power is something that so many people forget about…after all it’s not there work it is someone elses. Hmmmm, maybe more offices should add incentives to employees on money saved instead of it lining the pockets of the owners or corporation.

Okay, enough ranting. I’m glad to hear you take positive measures and use sunlight. I do to. My home office looks out a large bay window and today I had the pleasure of watching an eagle circling…right in the middle of Toronto. The sun really was shining.

I wouldn’t recommend working in the dark as it strains the eyes but you can get USB power LED lights to augment your reading.

Keep up the green thoughts. Every change encourages others.

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