| Living Green is More Than a Slogan... It's a Way of Life By: Lydia Clark The term “Go Green,” is starting to become a part of all our vocab- ularies. Whether its recycling, conserving energy (like unplugg- ing unused electrical devices throughout your home), planting a tree, freecycling or freesharing, conserving water, washing your clothes in cold water, drinking hormone-free milk, saving paper by printing on two-sides, paying your bills online, turning down your thermostat, installing compact fluorescents (CFL) as lighting, using a lap-top instead of a desktop computer, starting a garden, line drying your clothes or using rechargeable batteries all have something in common-our planet. These small-yet large in result-actions go a long way and cost very little or nothing at all; they are all connected to a greater purpose (our Planet) and we need to set the standard for a greener, leaner environment. So, I guess you're wondering, “What does this have to do with me?” Everything. How our environment reacts has a lot to do with how we treat it. We can't starve our bodies and expect to live long. We have to nourish and protect ourselves and the same goes with our environment. It's been neglected for too long. Teens can make many eco-friendly Green Living lifestyle changes. Things such as hanging up your clothes, volunteering at a Park, recycling, and using less paper can go a long way. Another eco-friendly and rewarding idea is donating a percentage of every online purchase you make to a nonprofit organization or association. We-Care.com, GoodShop.com and EarthShare.org all make this possible. Their websites give access to thousands of online merchants. When you buy, a percentage of the purchase price is automatically donated to the charity you choose. There are hundreds of charities to choose from that range from animal welfare to the environment. You'll find coupons and deals that make shopping more affordable. Take advantage of online Green Coupons to save big bucks on green gear for yourself, family and friends. GreenCouponCodes.com, PristinePlanet.com, and EcoBunga.com all are awesome and unique websites that are very eco-friendly. They have everything: discounts, coupon codes and deals for your favorite stores. EcoBunga calls itself the guide to "green giveaways and deals," so look not just for discounts but freebies, too. Read product descriptions before you buy to avoid greenwashing (yes, it happens with coupons!) It's amazing how many ways there are to go green and live green. I came across so many eco-friendly tips until it's unbelievable. I found an excellent powerhouse, eco-friendly website that you can read, research and review for yourself—you'll be glad you did. The site connects to other websites that share even more information. The facts, ideas, and tips they give are phenomenal. TreeHugger.com/gogreen.php, has many green tips ranging from why you should go green to volunteering, back to school, natural skin care, and green dorm room tips. Each category that you choose is divided into sections that are loaded with green living tips. One other site that I wanted to mention was Eco-Chick; this website is awesome and gives a different perspective on the environment and our planet. There are numerous companies that are helping in this revolution for Green Living. Companies like SC Johnson, Target, Xerox, Dell, and Payless all are doing their part in helping the environment. If you want to go to a graduate school that was basically built on recycled goods, consider The Biodesign Institute. Each one of the links provided will take you straight to their cause and what they are doing to protect our environment. Going Green is so much more than a movement, it is a way of life that should be incorporated into our daily activities. The little things are what count and will make the difference. Most of all, you will make a difference. So become involved in your towns and communities to help protect and keep our environment safe and healthy-not only for us, but for our children in the future. And remember to always reduce, reuse and recycle. |
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