Going green is a laudable effort and certainly a worthy one.
In our hectic modern lives, sometimes it can seem as though we simply do not have time to do everything we wish to do.
There are ways you can contribute to saving the planet for our children and grandchildren without taking a lot of time away from your other responsibilities.
Read on for details on 15 easy ways you can go green in 15 minutes or less.
1.
Bump up or down your thermostat depending on the season.
By changing your thermostat just two degrees down in the winter or up in the summer, you can have an impact without spending a lot of time doing it.
2.
Bring a canvas bag with you to the market.
This method will actually save you time because you do not have to make the decision about paper or plastic nor worry about what to do with the packaging once you have unpacked your groceries at home.
3.
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth and then turn it back on when you are ready to rinse.
This one little change can make a big difference over time without taking up a lot of your time.
When you shower and shampoo your hair, turn off the water and then turn it back on when you are ready to rinse.
4.
If you wash dishes by hand, do not allow the water to run continuously.
When using a dishwasher do not rinse the dishes first.
5.
Replace your air conditioning filters once a month.
Your air conditioning system will work more efficiently and require less energy to do so.
6.
Lower your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees to save energy.
7.
Clean out the lint filter on your dryer after every load to conserve energy.
Your clothing will dry faster and you will also have less of a fire hazard in your home.
8.
Unplug appliances that you do not use very often, particularly charging units such as cell phone chargers.
Even if the items are not turned on, they can still draw a small amount of energy.
9.
Use your microwave whenever possible rather than your conventional oven.
It saves time and energy.
10.
Plant a tree outside your home.
The shade will provide you with great energy saving benefits in the years to come, not to mention the fact that you will be giving something back to the environment.
11.
When you rake your yard, place the leaves in a compost heap rather than throwing them away or burning them.
12.
Rather than collecting grass clippings and throwing them away when you mow your lawn, leave them there.
You will save time, reduce waste actually be giving nutrients back to the soil as the clippings decompose.
13.
Install water saving devices on all of your faucets and toilets.
Set a goal of installing a water saving device once a month until every toilet and faucet in your home features one of these devices.
14.
When you leave a room for even a few minutes, turn off the lights.
Your electric bill will be reduced and you will be doing your part for the environment.
15.
Use re-usable containers to store leftovers for the next day rather than using aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
All of these methods are simple ways to have a positive impact on the environment without taking time away from work and family.