How to Reduce Your Impact on the Earth

Friday, January 30, 2009 by: Jo Hartley
Tags: eco footprint, health news, Natural News

(NewsTarget) Raising personal awareness of the impact everyone has on the environment is an important first step in making changes in how we use and reuse products and save energy. Reducing one's impact on the environment starts with thinking about how energy is consumed and how it can be conserved. Quality of life typically increases as carbon footprint decreases. With even small changes, anyone can make a difference in helping to improve the environmental legacy for future generations to come.

Here are some suggestions for making simple changes that can make a big difference:

1.Recycle -- Recycle everything possible. Use city curbside services if available or find a nearby recycling center. When first starting to recycle it may seem difficult, but this is worth every effort it takes.

2.Buy Recycled Products -- Whenever possible, use recycled paper, napkins and other paper products. Even recycled computer disks are available. Once this awareness is achieved, it's easier to find many recycled home products that are attractive and functional.

3.Buy Items in Glass Containers -- Glass is a smart choice because it can be recycled over and over again.

4.Replace Light bulbs -- Replace existing light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They are energy efficient and last thousands of hours. This is a huge energy and resource savings.

5.Walk or Bike -- Not only is this better for the environment, it also provides beneficial exercise.

6.Utilize Automated Salary Deposits -- This saves time and energy. Also utilize online services to pay bills whenever possible. This will save time, energy and postage with the added benefit of avoiding late payments.

7.Reduce Junk Mail -- Visit http://www.newdream.org/junkmail/ to begin a process for removal from junk mail lists. Additionally, calling companies that send catalogs and asking to have your name removed is effective. Usually these companies comply with requests of this nature.

8.Buy Organic -- Many organic products are not more expensive than conventional counterparts. What's more, scientific research has revealed that organic foods taste better and are higher in nutritional value than nonorganic food items.

9.Support Local Farming -- This will provide fresher, higher quality foods at lower prices. Visit http://www.localharvest.org to find a participating farm nearby. When a seasonal membership is purchased, members receive a box every week during growing season.

10.Choose Organic Gardening -- Utilize organic methods for fertilizing and pest control. Make a simple compost bin. Organic pest control is better for the environment and human health.

11.Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly -- Find out about hazardous material drop off dates and use them. They are free and are scheduled throughout the year in local communities. This is a very simple way to properly dispose of dangerous chemicals.

Source: http://www.inspiredliving.com/health/envir~r...

About the author

Jo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
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