Not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? Here are some of the pros and cons of installing a water filter in your house.

Pros

Saves you money

Depending on the brand and type of bottled water you buy, you’re paying from $1 to $5 or more for a gallon of bottled water. After the cost of the initial installation, a gallon of water filtered at home will cost you less than 5 cents per gallon. This is even taking into consideration the price of changing the filters every few months. There are water filters at all costs you can choose from.

Clears your water of contaminants

The biggest advantage of having a water filtering system in your home is that you’ll have 24/7 access to clean water. A water filtration system will eliminate chlorine, nitrate/nitrite, lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bad taste and odor. Some filters will also remove nominal particulates (Class I) and toxaphene.

It’s better for the environment. Another big advantage of a water filter house system is that it eliminates the need for plastic bottles. While a good percentage of bottles are recycled, many end up in landfills or the ocean, endangering wildlife and damaging the environment. Processing and transporting bottled water also increases greenhouse gases, as it requires the use of energy. Most water filter systems require no energy at all, since they’re directly connected to the faucet or plumbing. Some need to be plugged in, but their energy consumption is minimal.

Cons

Expensive

Installing a water filter in your house might require an initial investment of $1000 or more, depending on the type of system you choose. Some filtration systems require additional expenses because they can only be installed by a professional plumber.

Wastes water

Not all filtration systems are efficient when it comes to water processing and filtering. Reverse-osmosis water filters waste the most water for every gallon of drinkable water they produce, they waste three to five gallons. Others waste less but still don’t make all water usable, discarding at least part of the water that passes through the filter. Think about the earth’s dwindling water supply when choosing your filter.

Gives you a false sense of security

Installing a water filter in your house doesn’t automatically mean that you’re protected against all types of bacteria, metals, and other contaminants. For example, only reverse-osmosis filtration systems completely clear arsenic, lead and nitrates out of the water. However, reverse-osmosis systems might let through some bacteria, so you probably need to get a second carbon-based filter to clean the water a second time.

It doesn’t work for everybody

Filters that are attached to the main plumbing system only work if you have new, clean pipes. If the pipes in your house are old, corroded or dirty, in-plumbing filters will not work, as the water will get dirty and contaminated again as it goes through the pipes. If you want faucet filters, you need to make sure the type of faucet you have will accept a filter. If the filter doesn’t fit, you will either need to change the faucet or use the filter in a different faucet of the house. This can be inconvenient and expensive.

If you’re sure a water filter system is a good choice for you, make sure you compare brands and models to find a water filter that fits your house and lifestyle best.

Installing a Water Filter in House: the Pros and Cons is a post from: Green Gordo

Water Is Precious… and it’s running out!

Did you know the average American uses 123 gallons of water per day? About 30 gallons are used in the shower, and a shocking 15 gallons are wasted shaving. This is because most people let the water run while they’re shaving, rather than opening and closing the faucet as needed.

Those who aren’t affected by water shortage problems often ask the question, ”Why save water?” There are many reasons why saving water is so important. For one, using water produces greenhouse gases because water purification plants need to run non-stop to ensure you get drinkable water. Need more reasons to cut down on the amount of water you use? There are plenty.

Why Save Water:

1. It saves you money

If you don’t do it for any other reason, just save water in order to reduce your utility bills. Much of the water we use is hot water, which requires power to heat up, so cutting down on your water consumption also reduces your electric bill. Finally, keep in mind that every time you pay your water bill, you’re paying for the work of processing plants, the building of dams, and the services necessary to ensure the water delivery system works. The more we use, the more work is necessary to maintain the infrastructure working. This can lead to price increases for everybody involved, including you.

2. It helps the environment

It’s easy to be green. Water is essential to wildlife but the more we waste, the more we have to take away from nature in order to provide water to cities and farms. This leads to rivers with smaller flows, which in turn affects the life cycle of fish and the animals that depend on them for food. Changes in water levels also affect life to the smallest level. Microscopic organisms that inhabit our rivers and lakes might die or stop reproducing if there isnft enough water. These organisms not only affect the quality of the water but are an important part of the food chain. Changes in the levels of rivers and lakes can cause animals to migrate and completely change the environment of a region.

3. If you don’t have enough water you will dehydrate

Less than 2% of the water on the planet is drinkable water. The rest is either salty water or contaminated water that is not fit for human or animal consumption. To put it simply, our water supply is limited. Sure, 2% is still a lot, but it’s hard to say what will happen to future generations if we don’t start making changes now.

No Water = Dehydration

4. It stops pollution

Another reason why you should save water is that using too much of it can increase your carbon footprint. Hot water requires energy to heat, which in turn produces greenhouse gases. Bottled water is the worst, as it requires energy not only to purify it, but also to package and transport it. Nobody expects you to stop drinking water, but you could use a water filter rather than buying bottled water. Additionally, make sure you use tap water for anything non-essential, such as washing. Save water and stop global warming.

5. It requires little effort

If nothing else, commit to saving water because it’s easy. Saving water is as simple as installing a low-flow showerhead or fixing leaky faucets and toilets. You can save up to 12 gallons of water per day just by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Donft waste water by running your dishwasher or washing machine when they’re not full. The machine still uses the same amount of water, even though there’s no need for it.

So, the next time someone asks you the question, ”Why save water?” you’ll know exactly what to say. Saving water isn’t as complicated as many people think. You don’t have to make major lifestyle changes in order to help save water, and both the planet and your pocket will thank you for it.

Why Save Water? 5 Reasons It Makes Sense (And Cents) is a post from: Green Gordo

Use less energy

This is probably the easiest and most effective thing you can do. By turning off all your lights and appliances when you’re not using them, you can easily save up to 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. To save even more, donft leave anything on stand-by. Unplug the coffee maker when not in use and do the same with the DVD player, the toaster oven and the cell phone charger. If you’re going away for more than a couple of days, unplug your microwave and TV, as well.

Adjust your thermostat

Adjusting your home’s temperature by just two degrees will have a huge impact on your energy consumption. In fact, raising your thermostat by two degrees in the summer and lowering it two degrees in winter can save up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in a single year. You’re unlikely to even feel the difference, but if you do, just wear an extra sweater or a lighter T-shirt in summer. Can you do without the AC, at least for a few hours? Running a floor fan for an hour will use only 100 watts of energy, while a window AC uses up to 1,440 watts per hour, depending on the model.

Recycle

Recycle as much as possible. Not only should you recycle paper and plastic, you should also recycle batteries, paint, glass, computers, and anything else recycling centers near you will take. You can also recycle or reuse things in your own home. Recycle leaves and branches by adding them to a compost pile, and reuse items you no longer use by finding a new purpose for them. For example, glass jars can become pots for herbs or impromptu coin jars and an old bookcase can be used to hold tools in the garage. Another way to recycle things is to donate them. Rather than throwing away clothes, furniture or household items that you no longer use, give them to charity, pass them on to other people or simply reuse them.

SAVE WATER

We are completely depleting our usable water supply at an alarmingly increasing rate. A huge concern right now is how to preserve the fresh water supply that we currently use from cross-contamination and depletion due to mass consumer wastage. Fresh water is an important natural resource for everyone! Human use of water for irrigation and industrial applications can have catastrophic effects upon our water supply. Any type of contamination can have serious effects upon our supply. Fresh and unpolluted water accounts for 0.003% of total water available globally. The fact is we need to stop wasting now. We can do this by many methods: 1. STOP watering down your driveway and sidewalk. Use a broom instead. 2. DON’T water down your grass with a hose. If you need to water your lawn use a time released sprinkler system. 3. STOP flushing the toilet when you pee. Leaving it yellow won’t hurt you any. 4. When you wash your hands or the dishes DON’T put the water on full blast. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish with a trickle. SAVE WATER before it’s too late.

Get involved

If you want to get more involved in the green movement, there are ways you can help at a political level. You can write a letter to your mayor, governor or other local authorities, asking them to make a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their cities. You can also join the Stop Global Warming Virtual March, a free online pledge to reduce your energy consumption.

Buy carbon offset points

If you’re a frequent flyer, you can buy carbon offset ”points” to help reduce your carbon footprint. To do this, you first log in to a website that sells carbon offsets, such as the Carbon Fund organization. You then use their online calculator to figure out how much carbon dioxide (CO2) you create a year by flying, using your car, running the AC, etc. The website then transforms those carbon emissions into dollar equivalents. All you have to do then is pay that amount, which will be used to plant trees, implement new renewable energy projects and prevent deforestation. Your money goes toward things that will ease the damage youfre causing by flying and driving.

So, how can we go green? It’s certainly not all or nothing. Every action, no matter how small, will help. Incorporate the tips above into your life so that you start on the path to eco-friendly living.

How To Be Green is a post from: Green Gordo

Under $10

Cheap bottle filters are not meant to do much more than improve the taste of water. For example, the Power Bottle USA Filter Water Bottle 20 oz. reduces chlorine taste and smell but it’s meant to be used only with municipal tap water, which has already been deemed safe to drink. If you want a basic filter, this is a good choice at just under $10. Rubbermaid’s 20-Ounce Filtration Personal Bottle sells a similar system that constantly gets good reviews because it produces great tasting water. Like Power Bottle, it also sells for $10 and only gets rid of chlorine. Brita makes a bottle filter that sells for $10 and reduces sediment, chlorine, grit and other small particles present in water. Although it wonft completely eliminate heavy metals, it will reduce the amount of lead in the water.

Under $30

At just $25, the Aqua Vessel “Ultra Lite” Filtered Water Bottle is a very affordable option if all you want is a bottle filter to help you get rid of basic contaminants. The Aqua Vessel removes 99.9 percent of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, two of the most common water pathogens, as well as chlorine and dirt. It also reduces (but doesnft completely eliminate) heavy metals and other microscopic pathogens. Spend a little more ($40) and you get the Seychelle Flip Top Advanced Water Filtration Bottle. This bottle filter gets rid of 99.99% of metals, bacteria (including E-Coli), viruses, pesticides and other contaminants found in water.

Under $50

Middle-of-the-line bottle filters offer great protection for an affordable price. The Wellness Enhanced Large Capacity Water Filtration Sport Bottle sells for $55 and offers the same filtration power as the Seychelle. However, the Wellness bottle is BPA-free, so it produces clean water that never has a plastic taste. Because the bottle has a 30-oz capacity, you donft need to keep filling it up every few minutes, and it’s also ideal for long trips.

$50 or More

The Lifesaver Bottle 4000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle is the queen of bottle filters. It sells for about $150 but it is well worth the price. A single cartridge eliminates all microbiological waterborne pathogens and filters about 4000 liters of water before it needs replacing. The bottle was created for use during natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, when access to drinkable water is limited. The bottle also has a unique safety feature: when the filter is no longer good and needs to be replaced, it will actually shut itself off, so you cannot longer use the bottle. Lifesaver also makes a 6000 version of the same bottle, which lasts longer and filters at the same quality level. Keep in mind that the replacement filter for the 4000 bottle sells for about $100, so this is not a cheap investment. This type of bottle filter is a better option to keep around for emergencies, rather than for everyday use.

What Bottle Filter Options Are Available? is a post from: Green Gordo

Water filters come in different shapes and sizes. The best (but most expensive) option involves setting up a home filtration system, which ensures all the water coming out of the faucet is already clean and safe to drink. Pitcher filters are a smaller option and allow you to filter a couple of liters of water at once. Using water filters with bottles, on the other hand, is the ultimate choice when it comes to portable filters.

Using a water filter with bottles is a good choice for outdoorsy people, but also for those who donft want to spend money on bottled water every time theyfre out and about. They are also convenient for kids, especially those who play sports.

How They Work

Filter water bottles look like the refillable bottles commonly used to drink at the gym or during hiking and camping trips. They have a removable cap and usually a permanent straw-like hole from where you drink. Most bottles have a carbon filter that connects directly to the straw or is located inside the bottle. When you’re ready to drink, you unscrew the bottle and fill it with tap water before closing it again. When you drink, the water passes through the filter before it reaches your mouth, getting cleaned in the process.

Types of Filters

The cheaper bottles are similar to pitcher filters. They get rid of chlorine and other mild pollutants, but do nothing against bacteria and other serious contaminants. Most filters are for people who want to eliminate bad taste and odor from the water they drink. If you’re going somewhere where the quality of the water is dubious, you’ll need to get a water filter that’s especially designed to get rid of common bacteria, fungi, heavy metals, and pesticides. These are known as ”wilderness filters” and are usually sold at specialty stores and some sports and outdoor outlets.

Prices

You can get basic water filter bottles for as little as $10. These are the types that only filter chlorine and other minor contaminants. Filters that get rid of all types of bacteria are more expensive and you can expect to pay $50 or more for them. When comparing prices, also look at the lifespan of the filter and how often it needs to be replaced. This will affect the overall cost of the bottle.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit of a water filter in a bottle is portability. Once you have one, you can get safe drinkable water anywhere. This is especially important for hikers and campers, who wouldnft want to carry heavy bottled water along for the trip. Bottle filters also produce instant results, while other wilderness options, such as water purifying tablets, can take up to 30 minutes to produce drinkable water. Bottle filters also eliminate the need to buy bottled water, which not only saves you money but also allows you to help the environment.

Disadvantages

Using a water filter with bottles has a few disadvantages. A possible one is that it’s easy to get confused and assume all filters give you 100% potable water. As a result, you might end up using a basic filter for water that requires more advanced filtration.

With a basic bottle water filter, you also need to keep track of how much you’re using the bottle and when the filter needs to be replaced. More expensive models come with some sort of device that lets you know when the filter needs to be changed, but in many cases it’s up to you to keep track of the date. If you don’t pay attention or forget to change the filter, you might end up with a bottle that doesn’t filter contaminants like lead properly.

If you’re willing to keep track of how much you use the bottle filter and take care to choose a filter that’s powerful enough for your needs, you should not have any issues. In fact, youfll likely find that the pros of using a water filter with bottles outweigh the cons, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.

Should I Use a Water Filter With Bottles? is a post from: Green Gordo

Buying a water filtration system for your home has many benefits. The most obvious one is that a filtration system makes your water cleaner, tastier, and safer to drink. Removing harsh minerals and metals from the water also has additional benefits for your hair and clothing, as softer water is less harsh and will not be so drying. In some cases using a filter can save water and help prevent global warming. Not all filters save water though so read on…

Faucet-Mounted Water Filter

There are two main types of water filtration systems for the home. One is a faucet-mounted system, which attaches to a single faucet or more than one faucet if you want to buy several filters. These filters are cheap and easy to install, as you usually just screw them onto the faucet. Faucet-mounted systems usually have a small carbon filter inside that needs to be changed every couple of months. More expensive systems have a hose that connects to a small machine that sits on your counter top or under your kitchen sink. This machine is the actual filter. These electric filters tend to be expensive. For example, the eSpring system from Amway sells for almost $1000.

In-Line Water Filter

The second option in water filtration systems for the home is an in-line system. This is a large filter that mounts to the plumbing system and filters the water before it even enters your house. The obvious benefit of this type of filter is that a single filter works for all the faucets in the house, even the ones in the garden. These filters run into the thousands of dollars, but need little maintenance once installed. The main filter needs to be changed about once a year, depending on how much water you use.

Aside from the filter model and system, you also need to think about what contaminants you will be filtering. This will depend on where you live and what comes through the tap. Cheaper filters typically only get rid of chemicals and chlorine and cannot remove heavy metals or microbes. More expensive filters get rid of everything, including organic contaminants, lead, and more. If you donft know what type of filter you need, test your water first. You can buy a testing kit at hardware or home repair stores.

Water filtration systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, if your water is high in calcium or other minerals, you might need to use a water softening system on top of your filter. The testing kit you buy should also measure the minerals in your water.

Reverse-Osmosis Filter

There’s an additional type of home filtration system known as a reverse-osmosis filter. These filters must be installed under the sink and are bulky and expensive. They also create a lot of waste. The filters discard up to five gallons of water for every gallon of clean water they produce. These filters require regular maintenance, which can increase the overall cost of the system. Reverse-osmosis filters are a good choice if you suspect your water might contain solids, pesticides, or arsenic, though, as reverse osmosis gets rid of all of these contaminants.

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a faucet or in-line system, your other option is to buy a pitcher filter. Pitcher filters, also known as carafe filters, have the obvious disadvantage of only being able to filter a couple of liters of water at a time. Their filtration tends to be slow and their cartridge life is short, so they are not the most convenient type of filter. Despite those shortcomings, the filters themselves are still effective in getting rid of chlorine, calcium carbonates, and bad odors. Pitcher filtration systems do not purify water, however, and are not meant to replace more advanced water filtration systems for home.

How to Buy a Water Filtration System for Home is a post from: Green Gordo

You have probably heard people talking about the global warming problem for years. But do you actually understand what it means and what’s behind the problem? If you don’t, you’re not alone. A 2008 survey by Gallup Polls discovered that 30 percent of the worldfs population is either unaware or misinformed about what is the global warming problem.

Two Sides of the Story

According to former Vice President Al Gore, global warming is such a serious problem that it requires immediate action. His award-winning documentary, ”An Inconvenient Truth” is about the global climate crisis and what can we do to fix the problem. A large number of scientists around the world agree with him. In fact, the consensus is that the Earth’s average temperature has increased about 1.4 ‹F over the past century. This might not seem like a huge number, but this change can have a huge impact on our planet.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a report in 2007 that estimates what the future will bring regarding global warming. They claim Earth will warm up between 2 ‹F and 11.5 ‹F by the end of the 21st century. The huge difference depends on how much we’re able to cut down on emissions by implementing new environmental laws and increasing the use of alternative energy sources.

Not everybody believes global warming is real. In fact, there’s a large community of scientists that dispute the claim that the planet is warming up at all. Others agree that the planet might be warming up, but don’t believe this is necessarily a cause for alarm. At best, many scientists remain skeptical and claim that global warming has become a political cause.

Even if you’re not 100 percent convinced that global warming is real, it’s probably best to err on the safe side and assume it is, so you can prevent it from becoming a huge problem.

What Causes It?

Experts believe the main cause of global warming is greenhouse gas emissions. These are gases emitted by cars, factories and other mechanical and chemical devices that emit carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Greenhouse gases are produced when fossil fuels are burned. Anything that uses electricity and energy will increase the production of greenhouse gases, although some items are worse than others. For example, running the AC will produce more greenhouse gases than watching TV.

Effects

Global warming has a major impact on different aspects of the planetfs health. The worst hit are our oceans. As temperatures rise, the glaciers melt, increasing sea levels. Because the glaciers are fresh water, their melting changes the salinity level of the oceans. This in turn can affect the life cycle of plants and animals that live in it. Some experts believe that if the warming trend continues, much of the ice in the Arctic will be gone by 2037.

Overland, the warming of the atmosphere will affect the level of humidity in rainforests and farmland. This in turn will cause many plant species to suffer or die. As a result, the whole food chain will be affected and many species might end up extinct. Global warming will also affect the weather, leading to more frequent heat waves, widespread drought, and more.

What Can Be Done?

Reducing energy consumption is key to cutting down on greenhouse gas production and resolving what is the global warming issue. Little things like switching off lights and using the AC less can help. Buying a green car, carpooling, using public transportation and using solar energy are also good options. The major changes must be implemented through government policies. For example, countries can focus on using more alternative energy sources and less traditional energy in order to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions. You can support the efforts of environmental activists and sign relevant petitions to help create change at the political level.

What Is the Global Warming Problem and How Can We Resolve It? is a post from: Green Gordo

Eating healthy doesn’t mean starving yourself, depriving yourself of your favorite foods, or eating only diet foods. Knowing what to eat to be healthy is a matter of choosing foods that give you energy and long-lasting health. You need to have a balanced diet in order to stay healthy and stay fit. Below are the main components of a nutritious diet:

• Protein. Protein, which is made up of amino acids, is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues.

• Fat. Consuming some fat is necessary, but most Americans eat too much of it. Only 20 to 35% of the calories you consume should come from fat.

• Vitamins. Vitamins are essential to your body’s health.

• Minerals. Minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, are vital to the proper function of your body and the maintenance of good health.

• Water. Although water isn’t exactly a food, it is essential to your health because it keeps you hydrated.

• Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body. 45 to 65% of your calories should come from carbohydrates.

If you want to know what to eat to be healthy, take a look at the Healthy Eating Pyramid, which was created by nutrition experts at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The foundation of the pyramid is exercise and weight control, and the other bricks in the pyramid include whole grains; vegetables and fruits; nuts, seeds, beans, and tofu; fish, poultry, and eggs; healthy fats and oils; and dairy. At the top of the pyramid, there are two bricks labeled, “Use sparingly.” One of the bricks is made up of red meat, processed meat, and butter, while the other is made up of refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, sweets, and salt.

When people think about what to eat to be healthy, they assume that they have to give up the foods they love, but the truth is that moderation is the key to healthy eating. If your diet is far from ideal now, don’t fret. You don’t have to transform your lifestyle overnight. Start making small changes to your diet and wait till they become habits before making additional adjustments.

What to Eat to Be Healthy is a post from: Green Gordo

A TEPCO worker checks a child for radiation levels

The Daiichi Fukushima nuclear plant became a household name in March 2011, and not for a good reason. When a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a series of failures and meltdowns that resulted in the release of large amounts of radioactive material into the surrounding environment.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t the earthquake itself that caused the major damage, but the tsunami following the earthquake. When the tsunami wave hit the plant, it damaged its automatic cooling system and the computerized system managing it. Without a cooling system in place, the reactor started to overheat until the point of meltdown.

During the few hours after the tsunami, the high waters and intense damage caused by the earthquake made it impossible for personnel to reach the plant. Without outside assistance, the reactors continued to overheat. By the second day, three reactors were either in complete meltdown or close to it. Two additional reactors had been shut down prior to the earthquake for maintenance. The sixth and last reactor never reached complete meltdown despite being damaged. Reactors 1 and 3 suffered the most damage, with numerous explosions, containment breaches and high radiation levels seeping into the surrounding water and air.

Damage Control

The first step in controlling damage was to add saltwater and later fresh water to the reactor cores to try and cool them down and prevent further explosions. It took over two weeks for power to be restored, using off-site sources. This was essential to getting the cooling system going again so the reactors could be stabilized.  It wasn’t until near the end of April that robots entered the plant to check the situation and not until the end of May that the first employees and emergency personnel returned to stabilize major components.

The reactors didn’t return to their normal temperature (under 100 degrees Fahrenheit) until the third week of September. For the six months between the meltdown and the return to normal, the main objective was to reduce the reactor’s temperature and to ease the pressure of the fuel vessels. During that time, there was no attempt to make actual repairs or remove radioactive material from the plant because it was either impossible or too risky to attempt that.

The Daiicihi Fukushima Nuclear Disaster’s Significance

The accident at Daiichi Fukushima is the second largest nuclear accident in history after Chernobyl. Still, the radiation that leaked from Daiichi Fukushima was about 10 percent of the total released during Chernobyl. Because of the evacuation procedures in place, the accident in Japan claimed no victims and injured less than 40 employees. Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi are the only two incidents in history to be marked as Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale. Level 7 is the highest, most serious possible level in nuclear accidents. For an accident to be marked 7, it needs to have caused significant damage to the environment and serious and lasting contamination.

Fukushima Daiichi is not expected to reopen, since the damage was so extensive. Still, experts are working hard to ensure that no further contamination and leaks happen in the area. Teams are also working on decontaminating the water and land near the plant. A 12.5-mile zone was evacuated all around the plant and has been declared inhabitable. There are no plans to allow people to return there.

The one positive thing to come out of the Daiichi Fukushima disaster is Japan’s renewed interest in alternative energy sources. As a first step, the government will build a wind farm around the area where the nuclear plant is located. Over time, they hope to replace 100 percent of the energy the nuclear plant used to produce.

Daiichi Fukushima: A Lesson for the Future is a post from: Green Gordo

Going green for kids and parents can be tough, however, especially considering how busy kids are these days. Here are some simple tips that will help you get your children involved in the process of going green.

Teach Your Kids about the Day-to-Day Aspects of Going Green

The process of going green for kids can be simplified by having them help you with day-to-day tasks. These small actions might not be glamorous, but they certainly add up and make a difference!

For example, you can encourage your kids to turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, start an organic garden in your yard, help you collect kitchen scraps to make compost, turn the water off when they’re brushing their teeth and showering, and sort the trash that goes into the recycling bin.

Have Your Kids Reuse Scrap Paper

Kids love to scribble, doodle, and color. Let them do it to their hearts’ desire, but on the back side of used paper or on scrap paper.

Buy Used Toys and Clothes for Your Kids

Teach your kids the importance of reusing items by buying used toys and clothes for them on Craigslist and at local thrift stores. You can also check if any free used items are being given away on sites like Freecycle.

Make Recycled Crafts with Your Kids

Make going green fun for your kids by saving egg cartons, plastic bags, cardboard tubes, and plastic bottles and using them to make recycled crafts. For example, you can make maracas out of used plastic bottles or totem poles out of paper towel tubes. Recycling is the easiest way to go green.

A Guide to Going Green for Kids and Their Parents is a post from: Green Gordo