Essential tips to start living Green today

In this article I have put together a list of things that I am going to attempt to do from today to start living a greener life, which virtually cost me very little to nothing but the rewards are great. I have decided to try these things out in an attempt to living a greener life not only because it has environmental and financial benefits but I personally think that it is a good way of living life.

• Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs to replace the incandescent lights in my house. It might cost me a little now, but over the age of the light bulb I will save more energy and thus will save more money.
• Turn off my computer and the lights when I leave work for home.
• Plug electronics into one power strip when using multiple devices and unplug (switch off) the power strip plug when the devices are turned off. Appliances use electricity even when they’re turned off but plugged in.
• Walk to work or share a trip with my colleague. This will save a lot of Gas money in the long term and it’s also environment friendly.
• Do a little bit of electronic appliances maintenance work. Vacuum the coils behind the refrigerator to make sure it’s operating as efficiently as possible. Check the hot-water system to make sure it’s not dissipating too much heat to the environment and thus using the heater more often than necessary.
• Use more organic cleaners for cleaning instead of buying commercial cleaners which are typically full of chemicals.
• Use a cloth instead of paper towels around the kitchen. Using a towel to wipe the wet kitchen top or table is more comfy and saves paper towel waste.
• Next time when buying cookware, buy energy efficient cookware. Energy efficient cookware takes less energy to cook food. Also consider covering the top when boiling or cooking so less heat is wasted and it cooks/boils faster.
• Start using Environment friendly bag instead of plastic bag when doing grocery shopping.
• Use the dryer rack more often instead of the dryer to save electricity.
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries.
• Try to monitor how much power is used by what appliances to find a better and energy efficient solution for the appliances if needed. I am going to use the “MS6115 Mains Power Meter” to find out how much power is used by my appliances because if I want to reduce the electricity consumption then it helps to understand where and how the power around the home is being used (Understand Watt and Kilowatt-hour). There is a nice review of the ‘MS6115 Mains Power Meter’ on the Green Change website.
• Try to stay more informed about green change!

So these are the things I am going to try from today. What about you? Are you living green? I am interested in learning more ways to live green. Be sure to leave your suggestions or tips below in the comments area.