Get as Green as Your Grandchildren

If you see your grandchildren this Earth Day, don't be surprised if they ask you to account for your carbon footprint — and make sure you've got a good answer. Today’s kids may be more environmentally aware than any recent generation. In a recent survey conducted by the Nickelodeon television network and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, kids ages 8 to 14 ranked environmental problems as among the 5 most important issues facing the world today. One-third of the young respondents said they believe individuals have the greatest responsibility for protecting the environment.

Children across the country are making "green" behaviors part of their daily lives, and they are demanding that their parents — and grandparents — do the same. Are you ready to follow your grandchildren's lead and earn a green thumbs-up? Here are a few simple steps to get you started.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Recycling is one of the simplest ways to help the environment, and the benefits can go a long way. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling just one aluminum container can save enough energy to power a computer for three hours. But there are many other ways you can reduce waste. Buy items in bulk to save on packaging waste. Use refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water. (Only 13 percent of those bottles are recycled each year!) Try rechargeable batteries. Purchase recycled paper and use both sides whenever possible. Sign up to pay your bills online so you can stop receiving paper statements in the mail.

The Energy Information Administration reports that home appliances and electronics account for 40 percent of total energy use in American homes. Putting your computer in sleep mode when it’s not in use will help the planet — and your wallet. Plug multiple electronics into a powerstrip and switch it off at night or when not in use. Heating and cooling your home accounts for another 40 percent of energy use. You can save energy and slash winter heating bills by opening the shades on sunny days. In the summer, close the blinds and use a fan to circulate cool air.

Save Water

Wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full before running them. And don’t pre-rinse dishes. According to Greener Choices, this can save as much as 6,500 gallons of water a year. Recycle water by watering your plants with water left over from boiling eggs or unfinished water glasses. Take shorter showers and stop letting the water run when you brush your teeth.

Use Energy-efficient Light Bulbs

According to the United States Department of Energy, compact fluorescent light bulbs produce 75 percent less heat than standard incandescent bulbs. CFLs also last 4 to 10 times longer than standard bulbs. If every American home replaced just one regular bulb with a more energy-efficient one, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million houses for a year.

Billions of plastic shopping bags end up as litter each year, according to the EPA. They take as long as 1,000 years to break down, and they leave toxic residue in our soil and waterways. Cut down on plastic bag consumption by reusing bags from previous trips to the store. Better yet, start shopping with reusable cloth bags.

Avoid Toxic Cleaners

Several common household products contain harmful chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Their extended use can be harmful to your health. Today, more companies are making non-toxic, biodegradable cleansers. For a cheaper alternative, make your own. Solutions made with simple ingredients like soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can clean multiple household surfaces as well as name brands.

Combat E-waste

In 2006, Americans threw away more than 100 million cell phones, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Electronic trash, such as used phones, computers and game systems, not only eats up landfill space, but also leaks harmful chemicals into the ground. Visit My Green Electronics to find a local drop site for donating or recycling your unneeded electronics.

Stop Catalog Clutter

American companies send out 19 billion catalogs annually. That’s 53 million trees worth of paper. Do you want to reduce your volume of unwanted catalogs? Visit Catalog Choice and sign up to decline any future catalog mailings you choose. Registration is free.

For additional simple ideas for making your daily life greener, visit Simple Steps, TreeHugger, New American Dream, or Care2.