Going green is an admirable choice. Many people want to take part in doing what is good for the environment, but they do not know what to do or don't have a lot of money to spend. While it is true that many green options do cost money, not all of them do. There are many things you can do that will help the planet and many of them cost you nothing at all or very little. Continue reading to learn some of the free, cheap and easy things you can do to go green and do your part to help our planet.
One thing you can do is recycle. Yes, it does take a little time and effort, but it is time and effort well spent. First, check in your area and find out what items they recycle and how you deal with your recyclable materials. Many areas pick up your recycling on the curb, while others require you to drop off your recycling. Either way, you need to find out how to go about recycling. You also need to know how to package your recycling. Some areas will sort it for you, and in some places you need to have it already sorted.
You can recycle many different materials, but again, check in your area to find out exactly what is accepted. Normal things that most places take are paper, metal and plastic. Some places will accept glass, and you can also recycle batteries and electronics. Just about any paper product can be recycled: junk mail, newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, product packaging, cardboard boxes and so much more. Many items come in plastic bottles or containers, and most of that can be recycled. Plastic bags can be recycled, too. When it comes to metal, you can usually make money off of it if you want to make an extra trip and find a place that will pay you for it. Batteries and electronics can generally be recycled at your local recycling center or at a big electronic store.
Use energy efficient light bulbs. While this is not a free option, it is still worthwhile. The energy efficient bulbs do cost more than traditional light bulbs, but they use less energy and last a lot longer. So, in reality, you are actually saving money by paying a little bit more in the beginning.
Air dry your laundry. Putting clothes and linens in a dryer uses a lot of electricity and puts a lot of wear and tear on your clothes. When you air dry your clothes, whether it is out in the sun or somewhere in your home, you can save a lot of money and use a lot less energy. This may not always be an option, but every little bit helps.
Going green is a great way to do your part for the environment. Even by spending very little money, you can still do great things. Use the tips shared here and you will feel good about going green.