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Going Green – One Step at a Time

By Bill Lord
408 Words, including title and footer. 

“It’s not easy being green,” lamented the Muppet character, Kermit the Frog. Two decades later, “being green” is easy, even desirable.   

Changes in global climates and increases in oil prices have caused us to evaluate our energy usage and our individual and collective impact on the planet and its limited resources.    

What is “being green?” Simply put it is “reducing our impact on the environment and returning to the earth, either in whole or in part, what we use of its resources.”  Ultimately, “being green” means we give back as much as (or more than) we take.    

Most of us use more resources than we return resulting in a life-long negative impact on the environment.

 So, how do you become green?  The transition is easy. But, as the old adage goes, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”  If you are not already on that journey, maybe you can use the renewing spirit of the New Year to take that first step toward becoming green.   

Here are a few easy-to-do ideas which will have positive effects for our air, water, energy consumption and landfill capacity.  

• Start recycling or increase what you are already recycling.  Call your local recycling center, waste hauler or the website www.nwaedd.org/waste.

• Install compact florescent bulbs.  You’ll see reductions in your energy bill.

• Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket. A big percentage of energy consumption is in heating water.

• Turn your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer.  It’s greener to adjust your clothing.

• Start a backyard compost pile. It’s easy, takes a little time and produces high quality fertilizer.

• Grow some of your own vegetables and buy locally grown food. It’s fresher,  requires less energy and supports your farming neighbors. On average, food travels 1,500 miles before reaching us.

• Use rechargeable batteries. Saves energy, money and is less toxic.

• Buy second-hand.  Reusing items conserves landfill space and uses less energy when compared to creating new “stuff.” 

“Going green” is fun and easy. Plan it with the family and take that first step. 

Remember, a lot of people doing small things make a big difference.  Be part of that difference. Your grandchildren will thank you.  .

This article is a provided by the Environmental Writers Project of the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District. For more information, see  www.nwaedd.org/waste or call 870.741.6536.

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