Let’s make our world more green and clean!

Ways to keep the environment more green and clean!

Comenius project 2012-2014

Nursery Rizario School –Greece

Ways to keep the environment more green and clean!

The fact that the planet is in trouble is not something that can be disputed even if we believe or don't believe in global warming. As this is the only home we have and as our children and their children take over, it becomes a greater cause for concern.

There is no point in waiting for a magic bullet solution to the problems; nothing will really change unless we make the effort to change as well.

Here are a few things we can put in place in our own homes; the more the number of people who do this, the greater the change

1.    Whether you live in an apartment or house you can plant herbs in your garden. This way you can keep your environment green, grow your own herbs and it's always good to have a reminder around of where our food originates, so we waste less money

2.     Switch all your light-bulbs (or at least switch a few).

3.    Create a homemade compost bin. This can naturally fertilise your herb garden or whatever other plants you have.

4.    Switch all or at least one appliance to an energy efficient model. This will help reduce your annual electricity bill.

5.    Switch to a solar geyser (remember that even in winter with just one hour of sun the water will get hot enough for a bath). If you have a regular geyser, bring the setting down to 40 degrees which is more than hot enough.

6.    Stop using plastic bags. Get re-usable bags that you can take with you for your shopping.

7.    Buy glass bottles and keep your water in them as it is much healthier and better for the environment than plastic bottles

8.    Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.

9.    Turn off lights and all appliances when not in use. Even on stand-by all electronic equipment draw energy.

10.    Do not use lights in the house while you can still get natural light.

11.    Try don’t use your car if is not necessary.

12.    In areas where you can, walk or cycle for shorter trips.

13.    Try and buy as much as local food as possible at local suppliers eliminating expensive packaging and food that has been flown around the world.

14.    Use both sides of any paper whether you are writing or printing.

15.    Reuse scrap paper.  Print on two sides, even clean pages from various notebooks can be ripped out and bound into new notebooks

16.    Before buying anything new see if it is available second hand. By the same token give away your things to people who don't have them yet so they can be re-used instead of throwing it away.

17.    Follow old traditions of line drying laundry instead of using a dryer.

18.    Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen. Be frugal, and make these rags out of old towels and t-shirts.

19.     Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper when you eat.

20.    Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage, especially in the kitchen. And if you do all of this with your kids , they too will learn the importance of reducing re-using and recycling for after all they are the future custodians of this planet.

10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green

Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone's "going green." Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let's start now.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

1. Save energy to save money

Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

2. Save water to save money.

Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area. 

3. Less gas = more money (and better health!).

Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health.

Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could you’re your money.

4. Eat smart.

If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

Learn about your local food and sustainable seafood are so great. Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain

5. Skip the bottled water.

Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminium rather than plastic, with you when travelling or at work. 

6. Think before you buy.

Go online to find new or gently used second hand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or Free Sharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.

Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

Reuse all these things that you can (jars, boxes, paper, e.t.c.) 

7. Borrow instead of buying.

Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbours while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage. 

8. Buy smart.

Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

9. Keep electronics out of the trash.

Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

Recycle your cell phone.

Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling if they don’t have and hazardous waste collection event.

10. Make your own cleaning supplies.

The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

Selected work by Ann Magkiosi

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