Month: February 2014

In the last decade, there has been an increased push for people to reduce their carbon footprints. However, many of us who want to help simply don't know how. Ilchi Lee, a dedicated advocate of a sustainable world, has a number of written books describing how the fates of humans and Earth are intertwined. Although these books may not be considered environmental activist literature, they provide the reader with a sense of the importance respecting Mother Earth. So, without further ado, here are the five best ways to lower your energy waste on a day-to-day basis:

Watch Your Shower Time
Water is the most in-demand resource of the 21st century. Rather than letting the shower steam up the bathroom before easing your way in, hop in as soon as the water warms. Don't spend too much time dawdling in the shower either. Monitoring how long you bathe can not only save on water bills, but also on water energy.

Carpool, Bike or Take Public Transit
Many of us drive our own cars to work every day. Instead, ask a friend or colleague to share a ride together. You might even be thankful for the than the car-ride banter. If you live close enough, map out a bike route to your office. During warm weather months, this is a perfect way to combine exercise with eco-friendliness. Or, opt for the train or bus to make your commute environmentally responsible, if possible. As a society, we have become overly dependent on ours cars. Think of new ways to cut back.

Buy Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Though almost 70 percent of light bulb sockets in the U.S. still contain inefficient light bulbs, regular bulbs are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Purchase energy efficient bulbs – it will save you money in the long run! In fact, according to Energy Star, by replacing 20 million traditional bulbs with energy efficient ones, Americans would save more than $118 million in energy costs each year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 150,000 vehicles annually. For each person, that means around cutting your light bill anywhere from $66 to $264.

Quit Overheating or Supercooling Your House
There's no need to keep your house at a balmy 72 degrees when you're not there. Turn down the thermostat before going to work and bed. Besides, most people prefer to sleep in cooler environments rather than hot ones. You'll notice a big improvement in your utility bill as well as energy savings. You can even install a smart thermostat that switches off automatically when you are out of the house.

Lee reinforces these points by sharing how important it is to consider ourselves a citizen of the Earth, putting limited natural resources before our own ego and self-serving priorities.

Recycling is a essential way to conserve natural resources and contribute toward improving the environment. But there are plenty of ways to be environmentally responsible that go beyond putting used in the recycling bin. As an advocate of a sustainable planet, Ilchi Lee points out that considering what products you purchase at the supermarket and new methods of recycling are great ways for going green. 

1. Buy products that can be recycled. When cruising through the aisles of the supermarket, look for items that can be easily recycled, such as glass jars and tin cans.
2. Purchase products made from recycled materials. You can tell if a product has been recycled by the label on the packaging.
3. Find out how to dispose of your batteries in your community. Because they contain highly toxic chemicals, batteries cannot be tossed in the regular recycling bin. For this same reason, most batteries shouldn't be thrown into the trash either. Many products contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead that could contaminate our drinking water if left to deteriorate in a landfill. Contact energy experts in your municipality to figure out the best way to get rid of your batteries.
4. Return computer and cell phone batteries to the manufacturer for proper disposal.
5. Avoid buying hazardous materials. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, hazardous waste includes chemicals, heavy metals as well as discarded household products such as paint thinners and cleaning fluids.
6. If your work or school does not already recycle, lead the charge! First, find a recycling service provider in your local area and get a list of companies with services that suit your needs. Then, consider hosting a recycling day or event to launch the new recycling program. For instance, you could hold a desk recycling event to encourage staff to recycle as much as they can from their desks.
7. Plant trees and flowers in your garden, which helps to fight climate change.
8. Start composting, which is a process where organic material decays and is used as a plant fertilizer. It's a great option for leftover food, including meats, fruits and vegetables.
9. Try grass cycling. Instead of throwing away your grass cuttings, simply leave them on the ground. These will turn into nutrients that serve as a fertilizer in the soil.
10. Try out cash for cans – it pays to recycle! The easiest items to cash in are those made from aluminum, such as beverage cans, tins and foil. Most buy-back centers accept aluminum and pay around $0.50 per pound.