20 Ways to be More Environmentally Friendly

It’s no secret that recently the weather has been crazy. In places (like the North Pole and the east coast to name a few) where it is supposed to be freezing, it has been crazy warm, and others where it is supposed to be relatively warm in the winters it has been rather cold. If you were here in El Paso the week after Christmas I’m sure you’ve noticed the alarming change in the weather. In addition if you’ve kept up with recent news, El Nino has been wreaking havoc on places like Southern California. I feel that climate change it pretty apparent at this point. Luckily though governments are starting to take actions, even on a global scale! Such as the UN Climate Change Summit that happened recently in Paris. It’s time for us to do our part, so below is a list of simple things we can do to help!

1) Plant A Tree

2) Change Your Lights

Changing and replacing at least one light bulb with a new compact fluorescent one can save energy and reduce pollution. It has been said that is the equivalent of removing one million cars from the road! If you don’t like the look of these fluorescent lights, you can still help out by replacing your lights in more hidden places such as closets, garages, laundry rooms, etc.

3) Turn Off Computers at Night

4) Recycle

Any way you can!

5) Don’t Rinse

Most people rinse their dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. So to save water get rid of the rinsing all together. Most dishwashers are made so now that you don’t have to!

6) Hang Dry

Instead of using a dryer hang dry your clothing to save energy. It can also help by saving you money and your clothing will maintain its shape and color longer!

7) Vegetarian Once a Week

Once a week consume a vegetarian meal to help the planet and bonus: your diet.

8) Wash Cold or Warm

Replace washing your laundry with hot water and use the more environmentally friendly and energy saving cold or warm water. Bonus: Make sure you wash only full loads. It’ll help you save money and water.

9) Use One Less Paper Napkin

10) Rethink Bottled Water

Bottled water is a big offender. Most bottled water (about 90%) isn’t recycled causing mass pollution and waste. So instead, try a reusable bottle and refill it. It’ll save money as well as the environment.

11) Use Less water

Omit baths all together; they waste more water than showers. It will also help to time showers, every two minutes you shave off will save more than 10 gallons of water!

12) Car Pool

Carpooling will save gas and produce less pollution, driving with your cruise control on can help a great deal too.

13) Adjust Your Thermostat

Air conditioning and heating use a lot of energy and by adjusting your thermostat just one degree higher in the summer and one degree cooler in the winter can help immensely. Each degree Celsius less will save about 10% on your energy use!

14) Buy Local

Farmer’s Markets can help not only your wallet but also the environment by reducing pollution from transportation. Some local markets include El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer’s Market and Ardovino’s Desert Crossing.

15) Turn Off Lights