10 Easy Ways You Can "Go Green"

As awareness of environmental issues and climate change increases, more households are looking for ways to go green. It is easier than you might think to be environmentally-friendly. If you are hoping to boost your eco-warrior status, these 10 simple steps can help you get started.

1. Power Down Electronics 

Household appliances and electronics use power even when they are turned off. Reduce this phantom energy use by unplugging devices when not in use. Installing surge protectors is an easy way to stop the power drain from multiple devices with a single flip of a switch.

2. Use Digital Notes

Not all electronics are bad for the environment, however. Using digital notes instead of paper can be an environmentally-friendly choice. Switching to a solar panel battery system makes it even more effective by reducing your reliance on external energy sources.

3. Use Rechargeable Batteries

Batteries contain a host of potentially harmful chemicals and heavy metals, such as nickel, lead, mercury and cadmium. When you toss a battery into the trash, those chemicals can leach into the ground and cause contamination of soil and water. Recycle spent batteries or switch to rechargeable ones to minimize their impact.

4. Ride Your Bike

Even a fuel-efficient vehicle will consume extra gas while idling at red lights or during stop and go traffic conditions. That adds up to extra gas at the pump, less money in your wallet and a rise in vehicle emissions. Instead of jumping in the car for errands and other short trips, ride a bike or walk. You'll get some heart-healthy exercise in and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.

5. Compost Food Scraps

When you are preparing food, take a look at how many scraps end up in the trash. While in theory, they will break down, the less-than-ideal conditions in most landfills slow that process down. Using them to start a home composting system is a more eco-friendly choice.

6. Grow Vegetables

That fresh compost is a great addition to your home garden. Speaking of which, when you are picking out plants for next season, consider adding a few vegetables into the mix. Choices like swiss chard, okra and sweet potatoes are both attractive and delicious.

7. Skip Bottled Water

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning environmental crisis. Do your part to cut back on single-use plastics by switching from bottled water to a reusable water bottle or tumbler. Not only will you cut back on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and waterways, but you will also be more likely to stay hydrated. After all, carrying a reusable bottle is a great reminder to sip water throughout the day.

8. Recycle More

Take some time to learn exactly what can be recycled in your community. In most places, curbside bins can accommodate plastics, glass, paper and metals while plastic bags, electronics and batteries will often have to go to special facilities. Using the correct processes helps cut down on the number of recyclables that end up in landfills by mistake.

9. Shop at Thrift Stores

The incredible demand for consumer goods is a major contributor to environmental degradation. Consider the labor that goes into making a single piece of clothing, electronic device or small appliance. Buying second-hand clothes and household goods can cut down on manufacturing and waste while saving you money in the process.

10. Upgrade Your Lighting

For a really simple and affordable way to be more eco-friendly, swap out any old, incandescent light bulbs for newer LED bulbs. They use much less energy to run and last up to 25-times longer.

You don't have to make life-altering choices to be more environmentally-friendly. Start with simple swaps and move on to bigger changes as you start to see the benefits of going green.