Nowadays everyone is talking about going green or saving the environment. If you feel this is the right thing and want to fight global warming but you don’t know where to start, this article is probably a good starter.

These are just simple steps that may not significantly shrink the big hole in the ozone layer but will make you feel good to know you’re taking steps for a better environment and a better you.

photo by aaardvaark

1. Forget paper towels.

They are always easy to get and seem hygienic to use. Right, but what about all those trees they need to put down to make the paper towels? If you care about them, you may want to consider cloth towels that you can later put in your washing machine and use them again the next day.

2. Save some power

Studies showed that your computer or the TV, when plugged in, even if turned off still consumes electricity. Therefore if you’re leaving for a trip or something that will take a few days un-plug the electronics you don’t need. You can even do it in the morning when you leave for work and plug them back in when you get back 8 hours later.

3. Recycle

Not sure if you’ve heard but the Vatican talked about modern sins. Pollution and not recycling are some of them. Therefore if you want to be closer to God and live a greener life consider recycling. Old materials are used to create new products and reduces the need for raw materials and energy.

4. Use less packaging (plastic bags)

Plastic bags pollution or plastic pollution is already a big threat. For example in some cities (like San Francisco for example), supermarkets have been banned to offer their customers plastic bags. Isn’t it true that you always seem to get more plastic bags than you need and you end up stacking them under the sink? Use a bigger bag that you can put all your groceries in or re-use your carrier bags

5. Drive less

You can set your own targets like “this month I will drive 200 miles less”. Car emissions are one of the biggest threats to global warming and if we don’t do something about it, we will be the ones to suffer the consequences. If you can shop locally and walk to the store instead of driving outside the town to a huge store you will not only put less CO2 in the atmosphere but your body will feel better because you walked.

6. A-rated electronics

If you have an old (collection) fridge that you don’t want to get rid of, you can turn it into “furniture” if it looks that good. A-rated products they build these days are using less power, so you may want to change the one you have with one of these. By the way, I’ve chosen the fridge example because from what I know they contain CFCs which contribute to the hole in the ozone layer. We don’t want that to happen, right ?

7. Cleaning. Watch out

Did you know that many of the products you use to clean your kitchen for example are extremely toxic? Polycarboxylates, phosphonates or bleaching agents are harmful for plants or pets so if you want to make sure you clean “green” make sure you’re using green kitchen products like Ecover for example.

8. Take showers instead of a bath

Many call this one a myth, but taking showers not only uses less water than a bath does but will also use less energy. Save water, take showers! However, if you feel stressed out and a good old bath is your thing do it.

9. Plant a tree

I don’t think this one needs any comments, because it may not only be a green decision but also a great life decision. Imagine when the tree grows and you see it bigger and bigger, fighting with CO2 emissions?

10. Switch lightbulbs

Though Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) are a little bit more expensive they will probably lower your electricity bill by 60%. Another great thing for using them is they last 12 times more than traditional bulbs.

11. Travel by train

Air transportation is currently responsible for 3.5 percent of all greenhouse gases that are helping the ozone layer hole getting bigger and bigger. Therefore, if the distance is not very big and you can travel by train do it at least 2-3 times a year (instead of flying).

If you can think about more ways don’t hesitate to comment below.