Green energy does not always mean eliminating all the commonly used forms of energy we already have. It can also include simply cutting down on the energy we use, which will require less of it to be produced.
Shine Some Light on the Situation
One way to reduce the pollution caused by creating common forms of energy is to reduce the energy needed. Simply changing your light bulbs can help. Using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are the ones to use. They use anywhere from fifty to eighty percent less energy than a normal bulb. Another energy-saving light bulb is the LED light bulb. These last even longer and consume even less energy. LED bulbs also do not require proper disposal, as CFL bulbs do.
Is it Garbage?
Many products that are battery operated are thrown in the trash with the batteries still inside. Batteries contain chemicals which can drain out of the battery, and these will in turn negatively affect the environment. One way to reduce this is to find alternatives that use green energy for power rather than batteries. If none are readily available, simply make sure all items are disposed of properly.
Clean It Up!
Anyone can create their own cleaning products at home. Many people already know that vinegar helps clean glass without leaving streaks. The manufacturing and use of commercial cleaners can lead to environmental contamination. Using your own cleaning 'ingredients' can help reduce this effect.
Work It Out!
By walking or cycling to locations that are close to you, you reduce the usage of and therefore the dependency upon fossil fuels, whose manufacturing and usage contaminate the Earth and environment. As dependency upon fossil fuels end, we may also see companies take a more aggressive action towards replacing fossil fuels with green energy.
Get Smart
There are several types of devices that are coming out on the market called smart meters. These devices let consumers know where their electricity is being used or wasted at, and allows them to reduce this energy usage. One such device available is the "Kill a Watt" that lets consumers test the efficiency of their electric appliances so the person can decide whether to leave it plugged in and turned off, or to just unplug the appliance altogether.
Governmental Star
Look for energy efficient appliances when buying new appliances. The government, the United States Environmental Protection Agency in joint with the United States Department of Energy, has approved and given backing to several labels that show consumers an appliance is energy efficient. The most common label is the Energy Star. The Environmental Protection Agency also has tools and resources available to help tackle larger projects that will help reduce energy use.
