| 0;Going Green” is a term more and more | | | | programs. And those that don’t usually |
| of us are becoming aware of. You see it on | | | | provide access to free recycling centers that you |
| magazine covers in the supermarket checkout | | | | can take those recycled items to. Try it for a |
| line. You see it in newspapers and on the internet. | | | | month. You will probably be amazed at how much |
| You hear about it on television. It has become the | | | | longer it will take you to fill up that kitchen trash |
| "fad" of the early 2000's. A fad that unlike big hair, | | | | can. Okay, so now you’re recycling and |
| avocado green appliances and acid dyed jeans, will | | | | well on your way to "going green". You have |
| hopefully become a permanent way of life for not | | | | greatly reduced the amount of refuse you send |
| just the United States, but for the entire world. | | | | to the landfill each week. Now what? |
| Unlike previous fads, this one is actually good for | | | | Well the second step you can take is replacing |
| the environment, and the planet as a whole. | | | | those toxic cleaning products under the kitchen |
| You see, practically everything we humans do has | | | | sink with "green" ones. For general, all purpose |
| some sort of impact on the environment. Even | | | | cleaning, vinegar, baking soda and essential oils can |
| something as seemingly benign as a pack of | | | | work wonders. There are many great books and |
| chewing gum can have adverse effects. Is the | | | | websites that contain recipes for making |
| cardboard package made of recycled paper? | | | | powerful, non-toxic cleaners; cleaners which are |
| What will become of the plastic that houses the | | | | easy on the environment, your health and your |
| individual pieces of gum when I am through with | | | | pocketbook. |
| it? Will it just add to the mountains of plastic and | | | | The third step is switch to appliances that |
| other garbage filling up land fills? Okay, that may | | | | consume less energy to operate. Neon and LED |
| be a bit deep. But it does make one think about | | | | lights make a great alternative to normal lighting in |
| how something that seems so insignificant, when | | | | that they use less energy to operate with than |
| multiplied by millions, can become a problem. | | | | standard incandescent bulbs. They also look great |
| Fortunately there are three easy steps we all can | | | | for advertising your store. So basically you can |
| take to ensure that "going green" does in fact | | | | increase your business while helping the |
| become a permanent lifestyle change and not just | | | | environment. Aside from the lights, also look into |
| a passing fad. | | | | other energy saving devices; such as televisions, |
| Recycle! Another word we've all been hearing a | | | | washing machines, and ovens that use less |
| lot of for a very long time. But one of the easiest | | | | energy to help your house leave a smaller carbon |
| things you personally can do to ease the burden | | | | footprint. |
| on the planet. The only things you should be | | | | So there you have it. Three easy and inexpensive |
| throwing in that kitchen trash can are food scraps | | | | ways in which you can help ensure that "going |
| and plastic packaging. Having separate bins for | | | | green" becomes more than just a fad. Making it a |
| cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and even | | | | way of life will help improve the quality of life for |
| cardboard packaging, is easy and affordable. Most | | | | this and future generations. Good luck on your |
| municipalities now have curbside recycling | | | | quest to "Go Green"! |