10 tips for going green

I found this article at MSNBC and thought I'd share their 10 tips for going green.

1. Clean green - Scrubbing the kitchen and bathroom with synthetic cleansers is counterintuitive (why would you want to breathe in harsh chemicals or leave a toxic residue on your tub or tiles?). From counter sprays to toilet scrubs, there are green cleansers for every part of the house.

2. Invest in a new candle - Opt out of out regular scented candles (synthetically-fragranced candles often contain phthalates, compounds that are thought to disrupt hormone functioning) and go for a naturally-scented soy candles instead.

3. Flush efficiently - The EPA estimates that flushing makes up 30 percent of a household’s water use (about three to six gallons per flush). Placing a brick in your toilet tank will help to conserve the amount of water used during each flush.

4. Trade your bulbs - Switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, which use about 75 percent less energy.

5. Furnish wisely - Think about how those chairs or sofa or throw pillows were made. Whenever possible seek out furniture and home accessories that are constructed from certified sustainable wood — look for the FSC label (Forest Stewardship Counsel), reclaimed materials, bamboo, organic cotton and so on.

6. Eat right - Support regional farmers by seeking out fresh, locally grown food and whenever possible buy organic.

7. Become a biker - Biking is an excellent form of eco-friendly transportation — good for both you and the planet. If you have to drive, keep other cars off the road by carpooling.

8. Reuse your lunch box - Pack your sandwich in a reusable container and if you must use plastic bags, wash and reuse them for tomorrow’s lunch.

9. Print properly - At work, think twice about printing, but if you absolutely must hold that document in your hand, fill your printer with recycled paper and print on both sides of the sheet.

10. Hit the power button - Turn your computer, printer, fax and copy machine off when you’re finished for the day.

We do a little more than half of these... I'm not sure I can convince hubby to put a brick in the toilet tank though. That may be too much for him for now. All in all, these are excellent suggestions and most are relatively easy to incorporate into our lives.