Easy ways your family can 'go green'

"Going green" doesn't have to be a complicated process. It doesn't take a lot of research or of money. Not sure where to start? Here are 10 easy ways to get started on a greener path.

1. Recycle! Set up specific areas for each recyclable. If you set up one for aluminum, one for newspapers, and one for recyclable plastics you will go along way to reducing your trash and helping the environment.

2. Donate your unneeded items to charity instead of throwing them away. Your garbage bill will be lower, the landfill will be emptier, and other people will be able to benefit from your donation.

3. Carpool or take public transportation if you are able to. Eliminating even one trip a day in the car can make a significant impact on the air quality in the area. Plus, it will save you money in gasoline costs and wear and tear on your car.

4. Turn off the lights if you are not using them. Lower electrical usage helps the environment because electrical power plants don't need to produce as much electricity.

5. Get an outside clothes line and use it. Each load in an electric dryer costs about $1.00.

6. Start a compost pile. First, it reduces the amount of trash you are sending to the dump. Second, a compost pile creates wonderful nutrients for your vegetable or flower garden.

7. Grow your own vegetable garden. It is one way you can be assured of organic produce to feed your family. If you can't do this, then buy your produce from local fruit and vegetable stands.

8. Shop wisely. Often organic and natural products are more expensive than more processed varieties, but that is not always the case. Read labels on every product you buy.

9. Reuse as much paper as you can. Waste as little as possible, and reuse as many items as you can. It saves on landfill space and also saves money that would be spent on purchasing things like note pads.

10. Be a good role model for your children, your neighbors, and those you have contact with in your daily life.

"Going green" can become a family project. Encourage all members of your family to come up with new ideas the family can "go green" and then implement them.