Lifestyles and Recreation Tips

Green Energy vs. Fossil Fuel

While “green energy” is a fairly new technology, researchers are working on finding ways to use renewable, clean energy that we get from the earth. Burning fossil fuel is not only polluting our environment, the fossil fuel supply is dwindling rapidly. Most people don't realize they have clean, renewable fuel sources right at their fingertips they just need to learn how to utilize the sources and make them more reliable. There are several types of “green energy” they are:

• Solar energy: obtained from the sun (endless supply)

• Wind energy: provides a vast source of energy that can be harnessed through turbines, which convert it into electricity

• Geothermal energy: process where they harness the enormous amount on heat from the earth's interior core

• Hydroelectric energy: kinetic energy from running water that can be controlled to create electricity

• Tidal energy: tidal plants use the energy from tides for an alternate source of energy

These types of energy are more expensive right now, but if consumers demand the use of alternate energy sources, then it will force the energy companies to provide more “green energy” options.

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Building Green

You can do your part to preserve the environment by using earth friendly building materials and practices. If you are building a new house why not use green building materials? Designers and builders who "build green" choose their materials based on the environmental purity. These are mostly materials that have been recycled and do not contain ozone-depleting chemicals like some types of insulation or pressure treated lumber. The builders will use lumber that comes from well-managed forests and they pay close attention to energy efficiency. Houses that are built with the environment in mind will usually have high-performance windows and extra insulation for energy efficiency. Often houses and buildings are designed to use solar energy for heating water and even electricity. Choosing to use energy-efficient practices or “building green” will not only help keep our environment clean, but will also benefit your family by making the air in your house cleaner

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Saving Water in Your Home

Saving water is a big part of “green living”. Because of drought concerns and the growing population in the United States it is very important for individuals to conserve water at home. In your home you can save water by making sure you have efficient fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms. This means replacing old toilets and leaky faucets when needed. Don't pre-rinse dishes unless you need to and taking showers instead of baths will help cut down on water usage in your home. Also buying energy efficient washing machines and watering your yard sparingly can help conserve water. Saving water at home is good for our environment and will save you money with smaller water bills.

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Live a "Green" Lifestyle

Living a “green” lifestyle is easier than you think. There are a few simple steps you can follow that may seem small, but they are big in the fight against pollution and waste in the United States. The green motto that you can live by is “reduce, reuse and recycle.” These things can help drastically when it comes to waste and pollution in your community. Cars, groceries, food and other elements contribute to the growing problem. Here are some steps you and your family can take to do your part in the fight for a less polluted environment: Promote and support businesses that use and sell “green” products (recycled products). Drive sensible, “emission friendly” vehicles. Recycle all you can from home including glass, plastic, newspapers, motor oil, etc. By following these three simple rules above you will be preparing the world and the environment for future generations. Do your part now, so they won't have to deal with so much in the future.

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Green Food, Greener Living

Some people don't realize that the food they eat and shop for could be contributing to the rising pollution problem and global warming. Using dangerous chemicals, pollutants and hormones that can harm our bodies and the environment grow produce and other foods at the grocery store. How can you do your part? You can help eliminate this problem by buying foods that have been grown organically. Buying organic and whole foods not only benefits the health of your family, but you are helping to cut down on the chemicals going into the air that we breathe everyday. Whole foods and organic foods are grown by energy efficient practices as well as without chemicals and pesticides. Shopping for organic foods is a smart decision all around.

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Preserving Forest Lands for Recreation

The National Forest Service has set aside acres of land that are preserved naturally for wildlife and recreation. These plots of land are natural areas purchased and preserved for the benefit of plants, animals and people. In order to keep these areas clean and natural people must follow the rules and guidelines for this land. When it comes to recreational activities there are many activities that are “environmentally friendly”. Hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and bicycling are some examples of activities that are not damaging to our environment. Boats, ATV's and other vehicles can be damaging to the land and the air quality. When it comes to natural lands we need to be conscious of our activities and follow the guidelines with our recreational activities.

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Ventilation Strategies for Your Home

It is extremely important to make sure your home is properly ventilated. Toxins could be lurking within the walls and your family could be breathing them without even knowing it. There are some sources that are inside our homes polluting the air. In order to keep your home environment clean you should use proper ventilation strategies. You can ventilate your house by just opening a window, or for a bigger impact you can install a whole-house air-to-air heat exchanger. In a “green home” the ultimate goal is to have superior insulation and sealing throughout the home with proper ventilation. This will result in cleaner air inside while getting rid of pollutants and making your home a healthy energy efficient living area.

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Organic Gardening

Organic gardeners do more than just eliminate pesticides. They design their gardens around a “whole-natural system” that will replenish it and the resources it consumes. Organic gardening involves: · Building the soil for future gardening (not short term) · Controlling pests without harmful chemical pesticides that will harm humans and wildlife · Recycling yard and kitchen waste instead of burning it or throwing it away to decompose in landfills · Providing the plants with a balanced supply of nutrients including soil organisms, compost and other organic matter By using organic gardening practices you are not only protecting your dirt and soil from being contaminated, but you are also protecting your family from eating polluted food and breathing the chemically dense vapors.

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Organic Agriculture

Using organic products instead of chemicals and pesticides in our forests and recreational areas can drastically reduce the pollution while preserving wildlife and our land. There are ways to treat recreational areas such as golf courses, farmland and forests areas without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic treatments are just as effective without the side effects of chemicals and pesticides. The chemicals not only can harm humans and wildlife, but they can pollute our water supplies and farmlands. For organic practices to be used we as citizens and consumers must demand it, otherwise synthetic chemicals and pesticides will continue to harm people, animals and the environment.

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