How Going Green is Good For the Environment

Going green can help to save natural resources and preserve the environent.

Current threats to the environment include toxic rain, ozone depletion and pollution. U.S. consumers are ranked least environmentally friendly of 17 nations in National Geographic Greendex, which measures how consumers in different countries are taking action on environmental risks. However, there are many ways in which you can go green to help conserve resources and stop the degradation of the environment.

Recycling

Recycling is one way that you can conserve resources and prevent virgin raw materials from entering the production chain. You can recycle a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, metal and aluminum.

Recycling not only keeps us from exploiting new resources, but it reduces our reliance on landfills. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling also helps protect human and environmental health by removing harmful substances from the waste stream.

eCycling is a variation of recycling, in which consumers donate their used consumer electronics. These electronics can then be refurbished or parts can be reused. This extends the life of the product and keeps it out of the waste stream for a longer period of time.

Water Conservation

If every U.S. household installed water-efficient appliances, the nation could save 3 trillion gallons of water a year, according to the EPA. That adds up to about $18 billion a year, or $170 per household.

Every drop of water you use goes through a costly and energy-intensive process to deliver and treat. By reducing the amount of water used, you are reducing energy consumption and helping to address climate change.

Saving water is good for environmental and human health. When we deplete reservoirs and groundwater, this contributes to higher concentrations of natural and human pollutants. Water conservation also aids in keeping the environment healthy by maintaining natural pollution filters such as wetlands and reducing surface water withdrawals that can degrade habitats.

Green Building

The buildings Americans work and play in contribute to resource depletion and high energy consumption. Thirty-nine percent of carbon emissions come from buildings. Green building practices can reduce energy use by 24 to 50 percent, carbon emissions by 33 to 39 percent, water use by 40 percent and solid waste by 70 percent, according to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is an international green building certification program that certifies residential and commercial buildings that are built with green building standards. Some considerations include water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. You can use LEED standards to improve the green rating on your home or business.

Air Quality

Pollution caused by humans is contributing to ozone depletion and climate change. Human health risks, such as asthma, are also associated with poor air quality. By changing the way you travel to work or mow your lawn, you can help improve air quality. The EPA recommends the following actions to help improve air quality:

1. Don't drive. Take public transportation, walk or bike.
2. Keep your car well maintained to limit emissions. Avoid excessive idling.
3. Use latex paints instead of oil-based paints, solvents or varnishes that produce fumes.
4. Use an electric starter when you barbecue instead of charcoal lighter fluid.

Hazardous Waste

According to the EPA, Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. These products may contain hazardous, corrosive properties and can cause harm to the environment if disposed of improperly. Improper disposal includes pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or into the trash.

You can help by reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. When you use these products, store them carefully to avoid accidents. Always follow the rules of disposal contained on the product labels. If in doubt, call your local environmental, health or solid waste agency for disposal instructions. Many cities also have special collection days for hazardous waste, so check within your community. Collection options enable you to bring in any unused household hazardous waste, which can then be reused. Reusing these products helps conserve resources and save money, while proper disposal helps prevent pollution, which could have negative effects on human health and the environment.

References

• United States Environmental Protection Agency: Going Green at Home
• U.S. Green Building Council: Building Impacts
• National Geographic: Greendex

Resources

• U.S. Green Building Council: LEED