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- Going Green

Going Green

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

We want to know your favorite everyday go green solutions! Add your ideas using the comment form and they may be printed in the next edition of the Advantage newsletter.

Going green is defined as, 'The social phenomenon describing individuals who use their consumer voice to increase sustainability and decrease their impact on the environment.' Here are a few every day solutions to living green on Earth Day and beyond.

*Avoid harsh room sprays and air fresheners by leaving uncovered bowls of lemon juice, vinegar or charcoal throughout your house to capture odors.

*Replace refrigerators that are 10 to 20 years old, as they could be 40% less efficient than newer models. A new fridge can reduce your costs by as much as $15 a month.

*Plant with native plants, it will not only save you money, but will require less maintenance, enhance the livability of the plant and help keep your yard from needing new soil or pesticides to grow.

*Check the air pressure on your tires and inflate any that are lower than the pressure recommended in the owner's manual. Properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent.

*Hold the sugar, and use honey as a replacement. It provides nutrients in the form of vitamins C, D, E and B-complex, traces of amino acids, enzymes and minerals. Other sweeteners may include chemical additives in addition to high fructose corn syrup.

This article was taken from the Brown Advantage newsletter. For the complete Brown Advantage you may download the pdf file or sign up to receive future issues.

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12 Comments

Jay Kristner

22 April 2009

For Earth Day, I decided to replace all the lights in my house with compact fluorescent bulbs. It's a small step, but if everyone was able to do this, the impact would be huge. Also, the price of the bulbs has dropped tremendously over the last couple of years, and the fact that they last so much longer then a traditional light bulb made the switch a no brainer.
Nicole

22 April 2009

In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic that I consume I have purchased and have re purposed old purses and bags for reusable shopping bags. I always carry 1-2 around with me (especially for those "quick" stops at the grocery store) to eliminate my need for plastic bags.
Paul S.

22 April 2009

In addition to Nicoles comment, I think it is important to remember that carrying these same bags around with you is important. If you're going to a store and you've forgotten your reusable bags, dont feel bad and try to resolve the situation by buying reusable bags at the store. Often these cost around $1. The problem is, these bags aren't as sturdy as the canvas ones that you should invest in. Over time these cheap and poorly made bags will break or tear and end up in landfills just like your plastic bags would. Bite the bullet, get plastic and re-use the plastic again.
Martin Swank

22 April 2009

I took up biking as a hobby to take some responsibility for going green. I found that during half of the year I could get around on my bike, and when the weather is poor outside I'm still able to take the bus. This might not apply to those that dont live in urban areas, but this additional freedom enabled me to sell my car which not only saves me around $400 a month with gas, maintainence and parking but has also got me in better shape and closer with the environment around me.
Amanda

22 April 2009

Request to receive electronic statements and pay bills online.
Noel

22 April 2009

Switch to a reusable water bottle and fill it up throughout the day. It cuts down on the need to buy plastic ones, and it's a nice reminder to get your eight glasses a day.
Cory

22 April 2009

I decided to stop using plastic bottles a year ago. I moved in with two roommates who were absolutely addicted to buying bottled water in bulk. I tried to convince them that buying a three gallon jug and getting water refills at Whole Foods was the same as buying bottled water. It worked temporarily. Then we finally got recycling in our building and now I feel less guilty for letting them buy bottled water.

I admit, bottled water is extremely convenient but one way to overcome this is to buy a few reusable aluminum bottles. Now that they're semi popular you can find them for around $10. They keep your water colder and you can fill a few up and keep in the fridge for the convenience factor.
Meghan

22 April 2009

A few quick suggestions:

1) Wash your clothes in cold water, it saves your clothes and it saves on heating

2) Turn off the the faucet when you're brushing your teeth - you can save up to 8 gallons of water a day!

3) Glass is always best when purchasing and storing food - it comes from a renewable resource (sand), it can be easily reused, the recycling process is very quick, and it's pretty pure, no need to worry about harmful chemicals

4) Bring your lunch to work - believe me, this saves on money, calories, and it can be eco-friendly. Think about all of the napkins, plasticware, straws, and packaging involved in taking food to go. Plus, cooking can be fun!

5) Visit a Housing Works Store - donate your clothes, shop, and support a fantastic nonprofit all in one go. You save on money, you help reduce carbon emissions from clothing manufacturing, and you may walk out with a cute outfit!
Rob Schley

22 April 2009

Thanks for the tips!
Bret

22 April 2009

Take shorter showers! Get a waterproof timer and set it at 5 minutes.
Jason Hart

19 May 2009

Quote:
Hold the sugar, and use honey as a replacement. It provides nutrients in the form of vitamins C, D, E and B-complex, traces of amino acids, enzymes and minerals. Other sweeteners may include chemical additives in addition to high fructose corn syrup.

Honey is lower GI as well I think...
Sharon Baldwin

10 August 2009

I installed an outdoor clothesline and saved over 125.00 per month on my electric bill. I love it and my clothes smell country fresh!