Green Tips

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If you’re new to the real-life game of green there’s a lot of information out there saying how and why and what. Slow down and start simply. Filter through the clutter and get to the basics (you can start with How to craft a sustainable lifestyle). Don’t worry if the changes you make seem small or inconsequential. They add up! As we learned recently, one million acts of green starts with one.

YOUR HOME: GETTING STARTED

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Where to start? A great place to begin is home sweet home. You’ll know just where to focus your efforts once you’ve got your home’s eco score. Water down the drain is a common issue – something to which we don’t pay enough attention. Help remedy the down-the-drain dilemma with these 3 easy water saving tips. You could even go so far as to replace outdated plumbing fixtures with eco-friendly brands like Kohler. But if that’s beyond your budget or the handyman is out of town, the simple act of powering your portable gadgets with a green tool will save energy immediately. And here’s another easy one – if you’re prone to leaving the lights on, practice these 5 bright ideas to save energy.

CLEANING

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I’m sure you’ve heard that cleaning products are some of the most environmentally damaging items on the market, so there’s plenty of progress to be made in this department. Get started with the top 10 nontoxic cleaning tips. Now that you’ve tossed the toxins and opted for easy eco-friendly bathroom cleaning instead, you’ll be helping your health as well as the planet.

Speaking of cleaning, if you do loads of laundry each week, try adding greener laundry products to the fold and feel the difference. Another great eco-option is to skip the machine and let your clothes stay on the line for a natural dry. And cleaning up the way you live means there’s no need to fret if you spill. Where there’s an eco-will there is a way to clean the 5 most common stains naturally.

YOUR CAR: GREENING THE COMMUTE

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While driving a car won’t set you on the path to green, most of us rely on our cars to work and run errands. Look for little ways to improve your car’s carbon tire-print – for example, rather than driving dirty get your car squeaky green without getting wet. In addition to saving water, learn tricks to save on gas, too.

ECO EATING

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In the kitchen, going green doesn’t have to mean going veg, but these 7 delicious meat alternatives will help you eat less meat. And if lettuce is more to your liking, make your salad into a filling meal – it’s an easy way to green your diet. Where you grocery shop is just as important as what you eat. We recommend that you eat organic for your own health and the good of the planet, too. And don’t forget to avoid plastic and paper and carry an eco-shopping tote for all your organic goods. If you’re well on your way to eating green, now it’s time to switch from brown paper to one of the best eco friendly lunch bags. Another recycled favorite is the vintage lunch box. Adorable, thrifty and green.

TALKIN’ TRASH: DISPOSAL

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It may not be for everyone, but countertop composting is an ideal way to lessen the landfill and even fertilize your lawn. You’ll be surprised at the unexpected and unusual things you can still put in the compost. And since we’re talkin’ trash, remember to dispose of hazardous products such as latex paint, batteries and electronics in a safe and sustainable fashion.

FASHIONABLY GREEN

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When it comes to what you wear, we suggest these 5 easy pieces for starting your sustainable wardrobe. After that, convert what’s old into new by adhering to the three R’s – recycle, renew, recycle – and go vintage for a viable planet. You can also check our Fashion Guide for further details and shopping tips.

DIG DEEPER

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We hope this little guide helps you get started with going green. Once you’re acquainted with the basics, feel free to go deeper and unlock your inner green goddess; or get crafty with 12 fun DIY projects; or go techie with 10 handy green gadgets; or be thrifty and save the planet by saving cash. Finally, see what green influence you can create in your own life with 25 ways to be the change.

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