I’d be amiss not to spend at least one column discussing the “Go Green” influences we’ve all been inundated with the past year or so. I know a lot of people who just don’t buy into the whole green, “eco-friendly” bit. But, I can’t help but see how many of the green alternatives to old methods can’t be beneficial, not only on the large scale, but on a personal level too.
Take for example those new “Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs.” They were evaluated by Energy Star as using 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. They supposedly last up to 10 times longer than old light bulbs and they also cite people can save $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime.
Going green with our light bulbs, good for us, good for the environment. Seems like a no-brainer. So why do we resist?
And what about recycling, or stopping the use of plastic bags from Wal-Mart or the grocery store? I have heard so many excuses for not taking steps toward “greening” our lives. But I can’t imagine very many people who farm the land, and utilize it to its utmost capabilities, but who can't see the good in a little energy efficiency, in dumping a little less trash into our already overflowing landfills, in taking small steps to reduce, reuse and recycle.
I'm trying to make small changes. Things like not using paper goods if we can use dishes and wash them. Taking my own bags to the grocery store. Saving energy costs by putting in compact fluorescent bulbs. Carpooling to work. There are easy ways for us to go green, and in our “greenness,” we may even save our own green – the money kind.
It’s not that much of a stretch to add a few recycling gestures to your routine. I hope this summer, you’ll join me, and take steps to "green" your life also.
God Bless,
