Your Style Journey

Happy Earth Day 2014 everybody:) I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day. I also hope you take the time today to think of some “little” changes you can make that will have a Big impact on the environment. Going green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and doing anything at all is better than nothing- every little bit helps!

Here are a few EASY changes that you can start with today that will make a difference immediately .

* Unplug your cell phone charger when you aren’t using it.

*Buy a canvas tote… Whether you use it at the grocery store or to take your lunch to work this can save so many plastic and paper bags over time.

*Cut your shower down by 2 minutes, YES 2 min can help (5 gallons saved)

*Fix that leaky faucet NOW! Homeowners this can save you $30 a year and 74 gallons a day. Renting? This is FREE, just call your landlord and you’ll be saving 74 gallons a day in no time.

*Turn water off while brushing your teeth, turning the water off during the recommended 2 minute brushing can save 5 gallons every day.

*Recycle electronics…. check out http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/CompElec/ to find recycling resources in the LA area. Not in the LA area? check out your local dept. of public works website for info.

*Never throw away old clothes, they unnecessarily fill landfills and could be worn by someone in need. Always donate to your local church, goodwill or salvation army. Also look for Donation Bins in your neighborhood. There is also a really cool website ,pickupplease.org, where you can schedule a FREE pickup of your donations and they go to Veterans and their families. If the clothes are in bad condition, keep them- cut them up and use them as rags.

*Turn off lights when you’re not in the room- just do it!

*Walk whenever you can… turn your grocery trip into a workout or return your netflix by foot. Burn calories and save gas!

*Share these tips.… Most people don’t know how easy it is. Have kids? your efforts are doubled when you get your kids involved, helping them understand the why to the what.

There are so many things we can all do, The list is never-ending. I like to add something new, get comfortable with it then add something else, making new greener habits. Here are some more ways to go green……….get an environmentally friendly car (I am seriously considering a Prius) using reusable water bottles and biodegradable doggie bags. Solar panels on your home will cut your energy bills in half or more AND your State may subsidize energy-saving and alternative power. Replacing existing light bulbs with more efficient ones, composting, and running your dishwasher only when full are great ways to help save energy and waste. When doing laundry pay attention to the wash setting, if you have a small load, change the setting accordingly and wash with cold water when possible. Also, don’t forget to program those thermostats-changing it by a degree or two can save you money and energy.While we’re on the topic,  Free cycle is a website you should check out asap. Shopping at farmer’s markets also saves gallons and gallons of gas-think about where your fruit and veggies come from- plane, train or automobile- they all take fuel.  A super easy change to make is going paperless-paperless bill paying online saves so much paper and saves you a stamp! The list goes on and on. Do your part- for a better earth!

What are you going to do?

Tags: 2014, be conscious, be the change, blogger, donate clothes, Earth day, easy ways to, energy, fashion, go green, recycle, reduce, reuse, save, save energy, water