The term “being green” is one that is often heard today on the news, from famous people and in the press . What does it mean? Being green is to be more aware of helping the environment and to take steps to help save the environment for future generations . This article will describe the many ways you can be more green with things such as reducing paper waste by using rubber stamps and address stamps rather than adhesive paper to encouraging all of your neighbors to recycle .

Americans waste so much paper and the result is too many trees are being chopped down which then affects our ozone layer and our quality of air . There are several simple ways to help lower your paper use in your home now . The first is to reduce to amount of catalogs and junk mail you get in the mail. There are online sites that you can find to stop the mailing of catalogs and junk mail to your residence . Those things that do continue to come should be placed in a recycling bin .

Recycling is only done by a small margin of Americans and this needs to change. The fee to recycle is such a small one and really something that all citizens can do even in this difficult economy. Once you begin recycling your plastic, glass, metal and paper you will be shocked to see how your household trash will be cut by more than 50% . This is a great way to get your kids active in to have a greater understanding of how recycling will help our environment by cutting down the landfills that are using our country’s land.

Another way to be more green is to try to condense all of your driving trips. Several Americans go on errands at the last minute and therefore use their car more than is needed . If they simply organize out their day ahead with the places they need to visit , it will help lower the pollution in the air and save you time and money too . If your job is close to your home , consider riding your bike to work three times a week or even starting a carpool with a few coworkers that live close by .

There are a couple of other ways to be more environmentally friendly . One is to follow the example of citizens from other countries that carry their own sacks or baskets when they go shopping. This will reduce the amount of plastic bags used and many stores now credit you with bringing your own bags to their store . Replacing your light bulbs to the new fluorescent ones in your house is another step to save energy and help the environment . And finally, reducing the electricity and water in your daily use will help also . Shut off all lights and electronic devices when not in use to lower your energy bills as well as take shorter showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth all add up to making a difference in our environment.