Different Shades of Green

Going green has never been more popular. Use our everyday ideas to join in.

There are different meanings to the concept.

For instance, we recycle, reuse and reduce our wastes.

We also think of the plants we have around us. Like the beautiful green grass in our lawns.

Let's not forget that it could be the money, money, money in our pockets.

And if you're an Irish lad or lass in March you may think of it in other ways altogether.

These are simple everyday ideas to help your home become more environmentally friendly on the inside. You probably heard your dad repeating them when you were a child.

It's not just about saving the money in your pocket. It's also about not wasting resources.

I admit, sometimes I catch myself being careless and not following these basic everyday ideas:

- Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.

- Don't open refrigerator so often (or for so long)... no standing there just gazing in :).

- Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if you can. Some electric companies have programs to help control your air during high demand times and actually credit your bill for the peak times your air was off.

- Insulate your home. This may cost money up front, but in the long run it pays off.

- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Sometimes they are slower to turn on but use significantly less energy.

- Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles and aluminum cans. Many charity organizations have bins for these so they don't have to accumulate around your house. Not only are you recycling, but you'll also be supporting a good cause.

- Reuse paper bags and boxes when you can.

- Be more vegetarian. Generally speaking, it is more costly to bring animals to your table than plants. Vegan meals also lower risks for obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

You can also be more conscious outside your home.

- storm drains are not garbage cans. They flow to nearby streams, lakes, and rivers. Keep them clean and don't dump chemicals or wastes into them.

- Maintain your lawn care equipment with regular tune ups and oil changes. Replace filters when needed and maintain sharp mower blades.

- Be aware that small engines emit high levels of carbon dioxide. They also emit hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides which both affect the ozone.

- Use manual tools when possible. Remember this can be a great source of exercise as well.

- Incorporate a variety of plants into your landscape. Maybe you will attract a wider variety of birds and insects adding biodiversity as well as a source of enjoyment to your yard.

- Avoid spilling gasoline or overflowing. Even small spills evaporate and pollute the air.

Speaking of air pollution try these simple everyday ideas to be more green with your car.

- Drive less. Instead use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike. Combine errands into one trip. Carpool. (Please be safe when walking or riding your bike. Some roads simply weren't meant for this.)

- Fill gas tanks during the cooler hours of the day to prevent evaporation.

- Avoid revving the engine or idling more than necessary. Don't idle in long drive-thru lines. Park your car and go inside.

- Accelerate gradually. Use cruise control to maintain speed.

These kinds of concepts apply to boaters as well.

- Limit engine operation at full throttle.

- Eliminate unecessary idling.

Although most of these everday ideas seem obvious, make an effort to notice how many of them you are putting into practice.

Pay attention to them to help do your part for the environment.

Of course, when you get right down to it, it is easier to be motivated to be green when it makes a positive impact on your pocketbook.

Switching to a tankless water heater... changing to a front loading wash machine... geothermal heating...

These are just a few ideas that may cost money up front, but end up saving money long term.

If you want to live a greener life, make sure your actions are ones that show it's important to you.

We also have to make choices regarding big business and politics with our environment in mind.

In the long run, when businesses see that issues of climate change are important to us they will find ways to invest in alternate energy resources, such as wind and sun, to make money for themselves.

These bigger changes are often slow, but equally as important as the small things we can each do in our own homes.

For instance, homemade cleaning products are another everyday idea that is a step for the environment.