Some people may think that going green means that you must be some kind of treehugger. But nothing is further from the truth. All going green means is that you are taking some small steps in making a change toward your future don't let the "Treehuggers" turn you off on your part to save our planet. One of the first places you can start is in your own backyard.
Power Up With the Sun
You can spend a lot less on outdoor electricity by replacing floodlights and garden lanterns with solar-powered options, which require only the sun's energy.
Water Wisely
Grass needs only about 1 inch of water per week to thrive, and even less if you water it early in the morning (so that the sun doesn't evaporate as much moisture).
Grow Your Own Groceries
Lettuces, herbs, and vine vegetables (like tomatoes) are the most cost efficient to grow. August is the month to replant for a fall lettuce harvest. Or invest in a mature fruit tree, which can produce up to about 200 pounds of produce (worth about $200) a season.
Switch to Native
You can slash your watering costs by changing to trees and plants that are native to your area. Some will not need watering at all. You can find local recommendations at wildflower.org/plants.
Make Your Own Compost
Start a compost heap with produce scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells as well as grass clippings and leaves. Your garden will thank you next year. The Greenest Dollar can help you get started with your compost today.
Prevent Pests
Avoid extermination costs by sealing exterior cracks, trimming tress and shrubs so they do not touch your house, and installing exterior-door sweeps all will help.
Use Fire
Barbecuing is a national pastime so why not turn off the propane and start up a good old fashion charcoal barbecue?
Be a Good Neighbor
Many of us have items in our garage that we could lend to our neighbor, or vice versa, borrow from our neighbors like:
- Gardening Equipment
- Lawn Mowers
- Snow Blowers
- Power Tools
You can find people in your area who are willing to exchange items at neighborrow.com.
Did You Know
- For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months
- You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can
- By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours
Shelly Thomson-Blevins - Shelly Thomson-Blevins is just a girl trying to balance love, life, and everything in between.
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