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So you want to Go Green. Easy tips to Live Green, and care for the environment
A 2007 poll of Angie's List
 members found 94 percent say the environment is important to them. Three-fourths of poll respondents participate in curbside recycling. Of those, two-thirds pay nothing, while just 2 percent pay $35 or more per year.
It would be great to purchase a hybrid car or install solar panels, but we can't all make big changes like that. There are some simple ways to live green. If your community offers curbside recycling, take advantage of it. If not, find the nearest drop-off location.
Here are 17 unique eco-friendly tips to help make a difference.
1. Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home's heating and cooling. It's made from recycled, formaldehyde-free newsprint.
2. Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden. A 55 gallon barrel costs about $20.
3. Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC's it contains.
4. Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.
5. Check your mulch level. If it's low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you'll need to buy.
6. Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.
7. Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones (www.energystar.gov). They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
8. Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.
9. Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
10. Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.
11. Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.
12. Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans, hanging clothes to dry, etc.
13. Print or copy on both sides of the paper.
14. Grow your own compost: An organic compost pile is one of the easiest and most environmentally friendly additions that you can make to your garden. Good materials for composting can be divided into two large groups: 1) materials with lots of carbon, usually dry or brown materials such as papers, straw and wood chips; and, 2) materials with lots of nitrogen, usually green or wet grass clippings and weeds as well as horse, cow or rabbit manure. Tip: To prevent attracting mice and other unwelcome visitors, do not let your mixture “simmer” next to your home.
15. Avoid harsh pesticides: Ask your lawn care company about the best natural pesticides. Natural pesticides can be used safely to rid your garden of certain pests. Remember, if the name or contents contain “cide,” the Latin root for “to kill,” it will and should be considered hazardous for all living things. Just because it says it is a natural product doesn’t necessarily mean its safe. Instead, consider spraying a solution of soapy water on plants (1 teaspoon per gallon of water.)
16. Harness the power of flowers: Select hardy, native plants. Those suited to your climate zone will require less watering and maintenance. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
17. Water wisely: Use a rain gauge or straight-edged container, such as a tuna can or drinking glass, to determine how long you need to sprinkle. Put the can or glass under your sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill that glass an inch. That’s how long you need to sprinkle. Use drip irrigation or sweating hoses to water garden beds, trees, and shrubs. It puts water at the root zone where it’s needed.
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