The Definition of "Go Green"

Reducing and reusing are steps to going green.

With so much environmental information circulating, not to mention green products, books and advertisements, it can be difficult to understand what it means to "go green." Taking steps to decrease energy and water consumption in the home, office and other areas of daily life can help you attain a more sustainable lifestyle.

At Home

Going green at home

Making your everyday activities more energy-efficient allows you to go green at home. Ways to do this include cutting down showers to five minutes or less, shutting off the faucet while washing dishes, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth and unplugging appliances not in use.

In the Office

Going green at the office

Going green at work means effectively using resources such as paper, electricity and other supplies to decrease waste. Using recycled paper is one way to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. You can also recycle bottles and cans; assess inventories before ordering new supplies such as pens, paperclips and paper; opt for reusable containers for food and beverages; and encourage co-workers to take the stairs, recycle and adopt other green practices.

On Vacation

Going green when you have time off.

It can be easy to slip out of the green habits you have adopted at home and in the office when you're traveling. A few of the biggest environmental culprits during vacations are water use, fuel use and waste generated by disposable products. You can avoid these pitfalls by turning off lights and electronics when leaving a hotel room, re-using towels by hanging them in the hotel bathroom and bringing along a reusable water bottle to avoid accumulating plastic bottle waste. You can also use an environmentally friendly transportation source such as a shared shuttle, bus or train when you reach your destination.

Transportation

Going green during your commute

When commuting to work, sports or other activities, going green means opting for a source of travel with low carbon emissions and high fuel efficiency. There is a range of options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example, you can carpool to work, sports events or weekend excursions; invest in a bicycle or a pair of walking shoes; plan routes for shopping trips to cut down on the frequency of travel; and avoid allowing a car to idle because this burns unnecessary fuel.

Finding the Right Definition

Chart your own path to a greener future.

For each individual, going green will mean something different. Lifestyle changes can range from something as simple as unplugging appliances to organizing a neighborhood carpool. In deciding your next step, consider what you already own before purchasing new products and reuse household items when possible. Remember to lead by example: Others who see you making green changes are likely to fall into step.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Wastes - What You Can Do
• EPA: Paper recycling
• Green Living Tips

Resources

• FloridaKeys.com; Green Vacations
• Green Peace
• Planet Green: Simple Green Steps