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Living green means something different to different people. Some people are making significant changes in their lives, while others are slowly taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint (and learning what that means). However, living more green does not need to be difficult. There are things individuals and families can do, while helping kids learn how to pitch-in and help. You can make smart choices every day and make your imprint on the planet lighter and more green.

Here are some simple ways to live more green:

1. Turn down the heat or air conditioning when you leave, the house can be a bit less comfortable and use less energy.
2. Learn more about green furnaces and heating sources that use renewable energy.
3. Wash your clothes in cold water if possible. The cost of heating water for warm and hot loads uses the most energy.
4. Use filtered tap water in a re-usable container instead of bottled water. The plastic water bottles you buy are a major source of waste, plus take lots of resources to manufacture.
5. Recycle your electronics. When you get the latest gadget at Christmas or on your birthday, do not put it in the trash. Sell it, donate it, or give it to someone else. Places like Best Buy take old electronics.
6. Use reusable bags when shopping. Most of these bags come from recycled materials. Also, you will not be using paper or plastic bags that take plenty of resources to make.
7. Keep your faucets and toilets in good repair. A slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons a year.
8. Keep unused areas of the house closed off. There is no need to heat or cool unused space such as the attic, a three season porch, or storage space.
9. Pay your bills online and lower the amount of paper waste you get each year by half. Some places are offering electronic receipts too.
10. Buy in bulk when possible. Buy the largest containers that you can use without wasting contents. This will reduce the amount of packaging your purchases have while preventing you from wasting the product. Many grocery stores, bulk cooperatives, and farmers markets even encourage you to bring your own reusable containers.
11. Shop local when possible. Foods, fuel, and other items that don’t have to travel long distances can save on the environment.

What are some additional simple tips for people to live a little bit more green? What small steps did you take at first?

Did you see us, American Energy Systems, on “Designing Spaces” which aired on Lifetime last Friday? “Designing Spaces’ Think Green believes it is time we take care of Planet Earth” and we couldn’t agree more!

Here is the episode, now available on YouTube! Don’t forget to post this video to Facebook and share with your friends!