It's not that easy being green . . .

Before April comes to a close, I want to put my two cents in about "going green."

Kermit may be right that it's not easy, but that will not stop me - and nor should it stop you! Since when do the best things come to us easily?

After reading several sites' suggestions about being eco-friendly, I compiled a list of tips that are useful to house-owners and renters alike!

At the store:
*bring reusable bags to the grocery store & Target (use these bags to hold your produce while you're shopping instead of those little plastic bags)
*buy bulk pack of towels to use instead of paper towels/napkins
*support farmers' markets (fresh & all money goes to the farmers, cuts down on shipments)
*eco-friendly cleaning supplies (or just mix vinegar or baking soda with warm water for a legitimate cleaner)
*buy less meat (even one day/week) & eat more organic foods

At home:
*recycle (wish it were as easy here as Baltimore!)
*turn off lights when not in use
*use a power strip for electronics & turn it off when not in use
*plant a tree (one site suggested doing this with a child . . . whatever . . .)
*buy plants for your home
*replace light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs as old ones burn out
*in the colder months, wear more clothes instead of turning up the heat
*have a "shoes off at the door" policy to save on vacuuming, work, energy, and cleaning chemicals

With water:
*if washing dishes, plug sink & use dirty dishwater to water plants
*create a rain barrel outside to use for watering plants
*wash clothes in cold water & hang clothes instead of drying, when possible
*less bottled water - use PUR/Brita filters or tap water
*lower temperature of water heater to 120-degrees & insulate

On the go/Work:
*walk/ride a bike/carpool to work
*reusable containers/bag for lunches - bring your lunch
*use recycled paper
*use sleep modes or turn off when not using computer to reduce CO2
*dispose of old paint, oil, batteries, chemicals, and medicines properly

My fav:
*use iTunes!!! (less driving to the store/gasoline/emissions, and less non-recyclable jewel cases)

Take 'em or leave 'em, but I'm with Kermit here . . . "I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful/And I think it's what I want to be!"