Go Green. It's not that painful, I promise!

With today being Earth Day, it is a good time to assess things we can do immediately that will help improve the environment. They will also save you money in the long run...obviously a good thing. Here are a few easy 'green tips':

1. Switch from plastic water bottles to reusable Eco-Friendly water bottles
2. Stop asking for paper or plastic at the grocery store. Bring your own reusable bag
3. Unplug applicances when you leave home. You will be amazed at the energy you save.
4. Shop online. Saves 10 times the energy of driving to the store.
5. Sign up for online banking. Sign up for paperless bills also. This saves many trees for us to climb later.
6. Wash clothes on cold instead of hot or warm. Saves energy and carbon emissions. Your clothes will last longer too.
7. Stop using plastic and paper plates for your picnics. Also bring resuable tupperware.
8. Skipping meat more often saves pesticide, fertilizer and acres of grain and grass from being used.
9. Tell the catalog companies to stop mailing them to you if you do not want them.
10. Switch to rechargeable batteries.
11. Use washable cloth napkins at home instead of paper towels.

One thing I am going to try are compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) because they save electricity and save the environment, too. The bulbs produce about 75 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling. These will supposedly change the electricity bill immediately. I hear they are brighter, sometimes more harsh light but I am ok with that. Amazon.com actually has a great 'green' section on their website where you can see their suggested products and reviews. You can even suggest products you think are green and healthy for the environment. The only problem I see associated with these bulbs is that you have to make sure you dispose of them properly because there is a trace of mercury in the bulb. Ikea is one national retailer with a recycling center in their stores to take old CFL bulbs back for recycling. Also, visit EARTH911.org and type in "CFL" and your city/state to find a recycling center near you.

Make a difference today...or at least wear a green colored shirt.

Order bulbs here:
SYLVANIA 13-Watt 120-Volt Compact Fluorescent MiniTwist Lamp with Medium Base, Warm White, 12-Pack # CF13ELMTWSTCVP