Lifestyle

Greener Outlook

Being a responsible resident of Planet Earth doesn’t have to mean driving an electric car or installing solar panels on your roof (although if you do, kudos). There are simple things you can do to leave a less dramatic carbon footprint. Here are a few tips to make your life greener.
Text by Cecilia Dubon Slesnick | May 16, 2018 | Lifestyle

BYOB
This doesn’t mean what it did in college. Today, we’re talking about “Bring Your Own Bag”! Next time the cashier asks you if you want “paper or plastic” just tell them you’ve got your own. Keep a small stash of 3-4 reusable bags in your car and a couple more at home. Some bags come can collapse into a tiny pouch, making it easy to slip into your pocket if you’re walking over to the market. A few brands can even stretch out enough to plop right into your grocery cart as you peruse through the aisles.

FARMER’S MARKETS
A great way to be greener is to “think globally and act locally.” The old adage is oh-so-true. Shopping at your local farmer’s market is a great way to start. Not only are you supporting the local economy, but you’re making sure that those tomatoes you’re picking out for dinner didn’t come from another part of the world. Better yet, you’ll have a chance to interact with nature experts who are more than willing to shell out a few tips (and delicious recipes) as you pick out the perfect ingredients for your next feast. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your own bags.

IT’S ELECTRIC
One of the easiest things you can do to lessen your impact on Mother Nature is to switch out your lightbulbs — in every room of your house. If you change to a CFL Bulb (found at most home improvement stores near you or online), not only will you be using less energy, you’ll be able to finally shave some dollars off of that dreaded (and ever-rising) electric bill. In fact, these long-lasting bulbs can knock off as much as $30 per bulb! That means more money for the farmer’s market — and for those reusable bags.

POWER DOWN
Last month’s FPL bill got you nervous? Not sure why it’s gotten so expensive? Don’t fret, there’s a simple fix. Try plugging all of your electronics into UL-Certified Power Strips. Before bed, you can turn off your systems completely and save more energy than you ever thought possible. Not only will you be greener, you’ll save some green, too! Night-night toaster, panini grill, blender, TV, DVD player, microwave, Sonos, Roku…well you get the point. You can leave on a night-light, for safety, of course.