By: Art Gib

Realizing the affects that people are having on the planet is one of the first steps to reversing the problems that are happening with the environment. In order to really change things, you must stop and consider what you can do to help out just a little bit. Because if everyone did just a little bit, this planet would be a much safer, cleaner and happier place to live. Here are four ways that you can help change the environment while also helping out your body and your pocket book.

The first way to help out the environment is to save energy. In your home, don’t freeze yourself out during the summer and burn yourself up during the winter. Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and you will start saving money on your heating and cooling bills. Replace all of your light bulbs with fluorescents. Not only do they cost less, but they use less energy, brighten up rooms more and last years longer than standard bulbs. When you are finished using an appliance, unplug it. A lot of the time people don’t realize that leaving your phone charger in the wall is still using energy.

Save on your use of water. Try to take shorter showers and you will see a dramatic decrease in your water and heating bills. Think about your lawn and your home and how you could change it. Try to plant flowers that are natural to your area so that you aren’t spending a great deal of money just making your flowers stay colorful. Keep plants natural and you will see a great decrease in your water bill. Third, try using less gas.

If you can, walk or bike to work. Even if it takes you a little more time, it will help save you a lot of money while also letting you feel the cleanliness of the air around you. Also, it will help your health because you can get a lot of exercise going to work that way.

Consider moving closer to where you work if walking isn’t an option. It may end up saving you a lot of money in gas over time even if you have to pay a little more for rent. Fourth, learn how to eat smart. Natural foods like natural beef and meat can really help your body and the environment out. Organic farmers do not use harmful chemicals to grow their food so you know that the food going into your body is going to be good for and helpful to the environment.

Author Resource:-> Niman Ranch (http://www.nimanranch.com/) sells natural and organic meats. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Article From Article Avalanche

13 ways to help the environment.

Bike, use public transit, carpool to work, drive slower, keep your tires inflated
One-third of all traffic is commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible. If you must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation. It saves both fuel and tires, and lowers emissions. It also saves lives.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost
Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. By avoiding extra packaging, you save both energy and landfill space. Yard and kitchen waste (leaves/grass/vegetable scraps) are 30% of trash. Reduce this amount by composting. Also be sure to re-use plastic bags, or better yet… refuse plastic bags when you really don’t need them.

Conserve water
Don’t let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Place a brick in old toilets. Take low flow short showers. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Let grass grow longer. Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.

Quit smoking
Second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit, both you and your family will lead longer and healthier lives.

Don’t use pesticides/herbicides on your lawn
Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants.

Keep your cat indoors
Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cat averages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminate ground nesting birds.

Eat less meat/eat more local and organic foods
Feedlots are a major source of organic pollution. Tropical forests are cut to raise beef.

Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it in the summer
Wearing a sweater in the winter and short sleeves in the summer saves energy and reduces pollution.

Dispose of old paint, chemicals, and oil properly
Don’t put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use proper toxics disposal sites. Never buy more than you need.

Consider the environmental costs of major decisions and purchases
When relocating or changing jobs try to live close to work. Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances. Buy fewer things. Choose products with lower energy inputs.

Volunteer/Lobby for the Environment
Work locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollution and prevent the destruction of wilderness areas for timber and oil.

Plant a tree with a child
Take a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store CO2. Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to insure the future of humankind.

Wash dishes by hand in a basin, and then use the dish water for outdoor gardens.

Companies that focus on humane treatment of animals and organic, non-toxic products should be acknowledged. For those readers living in the Washington, DC area, I would encourage you to visit and support the many markets and cafes that rely on Eco-Friendly Foods.

Because of growing public concerns for commercial industrial standards, EcoFriendly Foods offers an alternative and brings together those who are striving for an economical and ecological life style.

I take great pleasure in a clean home, however, like most of us, I do not like cleaning, especially using toxic chemicals and products that damage the environment. I found a great site that features non-toxic ways to clean without chemicals. Visit Mindful Momma for a wealth of ideas, tips and formulas for making your own cleaning products from non-toxic materials that will not harm your family or the environment.

For reliable suppliers of earth friendly home products, shop Nandu Green