Did you make any resolutions for 2014? If so, you’ve just joined the 30 percent of Americans who were planning to do so, according to a CBS News poll. Hopefully, one of the resolutions you made was to have a greener lifestyle. It’s a resolution that will not only benefit you, but also the planet. Fortunately, making your life more green can be done in a myriad of painless ways that will leave a better world for your children and their children.
Eat Less Meat
Did you know that the raising of livestock for meat is a great contributor to global warming? According to a report published by the United Nations Environment Programme, the production of meat — which includes deforestation and emissions related to animal agriculture — is contributing to the greenhouse gas problems of the world. Plus, cutting down on your consumption of meat may also reduce your risk of heart disease. According to a recent study published in Nature Medicine, eating red meat may cause atherosclerosis, which — in turn — could lead to clogged arteries and possibly to heart attacks.
Drive Less
By planning out your day carefully and combining the trips you need to make with your car, you could significantly reduce your automotive emissions. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, vehicles are responsible for releasing approximately 1.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases into the air every year. Don’t contribute needlessly to this bleak number by mindlessly hopping into your car any time you need something. Driving less will also help you save money on gas and car maintenance; so overall, it’s a win-win for you.
Make Your House Air Tight
If your home isn’t air tight, according to Energy.gov, you are wasting money and energy by allowing your heating and cooling to escape into the atmosphere. To prevent these types of losses, you should search for areas in which air is leaking in and out of your home and then add caulking and weatherstripping where appropriate. Keep an eye out for unexpected spots where air could be entering your house, such as dog doors. If the one you currently own does not have a weather-resistant seal or a way to close it in inclement weather, then it may be time to install a new pet door that boasts these features, such as the ones available from PetSafe.
In addition to air sealing, you should also check your attic to make sure that your home has adequate insulation. If not, adding insulation can also reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home.
Go Green Fashion
If you aren’t already doing it, consciously choose items that are good for the environment and the world in general. Look for items that are made from recycled materials or that are Fair Trade certified, like the BagInspiration purses. Fair Trade’s mission is to provide farmers and workers with a fair price for their produce and goods, as FairTradeUSA.org outlines. So these products help workers and companies who have agreed to use sustainable and socially conscious practices that will make the world a better place. By purchasing BagInspiration purses, you are buying a custom, recycled, fair-trade item that looks unique and does some good for the world.
Kill the Vampires
If you thought vampires only existed in movies and books, then you are wrong. Your house is probably full of energy-sucking vampires. What are these vampires? They are items like the phone charger you left plugged into the wall. According to Energy.gov, that charger is using .26 watts of energy even when not in use. Other devices that could be sucking you dry include that computer or game console you left on or that DVD player in the basement that you never use. Take the time to turn them off and you’ll be helping the planet and your wallet.
