Being Green! What Can We All Do?

We all love our planet but what can we do to help us preserve it?


Global warming is a much more important subject than most of us think. I believe that the majority of humans will only see the importance of global warming when they are actually getting hurt by the process. We all need to be aware of the amount of co2 emissions that we are producing and what the effects are. Our planet is our life! Our future is our children!

So what can we do to help the future generations before its too late? Start looking for a new planet? Or… Just take some simple steps in order to reduce the global warming phenomenon. Which is easier said than done for some people but if we all participate then I am sure we can save the world!

save-energy

Energy saving around the home. Do not leave appliances on standby. Almost half of the power used to supply the average tv is used when it is on standby! You can save more than 70% of the energy lost just by fitting double glazing! Use energy saving light bulbs! Simple! Be more aware on what your thermostat is getting up to. You could save a nice little sum of money if install a programmable thermostat. Also, move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer. This could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment. Take a shower instead of a bath. Simple!

Its not rocket science guys!

Energy saving on the road. You can reduce CO2 emissions by changing how you drive. Click here for tips on eco-driving!

cows

Why not…. Plant a tree. Or save a forest! Support renewable energy projects. Get your school or business to be more green. Eat fresh, organic and locally grown food. Or become a vegetarian!

What? Become a vegetarian!?

Yeah, why not? Because you love a nice and succulent medium/rare steak? Become a vegetarian. This is arguably the best way to reduce global warming in our lifetimes (please do not be too rude in your comments on this article). Albert Einstein said it himself ‘Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.’ I could go on with some more quotes about vegetarianism by well respected leaders (contact me if you want to hear them), but for now lets get on with some facts.

Methane is 21 times more powerful than the greenhouse gas CO2. Animal agriculture produces more than 100 million tons of methane a year. This methane is produced in the digestive processes of livestock, it may be a small amount of methane from each cow but this planet does have a lot of cows! And because cows eat a huge amount of grass and they have multiple stomachs this causes them to produce a large amount of methane, which they exhale with every breath.

If we eliminate our consumption of animal products by becoming vegetarian then we could eliminate the main producer of methane. I am not suggesting that we kill all of the cows! But once we all participate in being a veggie then we need not produce as many cows, which will result in lower amounts of global warming. Easy!

Eco Driving

Top 10 Tips On How To Practice Eco-Driving

1. Keep Your Tryes Inflated
I am sure you will agree that it is not fun to drive with flat tyres! But even slightly under inflated tyres can cause excessive drag and resistance which will cost you more in fuel and cost you more in tyre bills. But be cautious, over inflated tyres can be dangerous, be sure to check the recommended PSI.
2. Close Your Windows
This can help your car be more aerodynamic and help reduce your fuel costs especially when travelling faster than 50 mph your dog might like it but the environment does not.
3. Are You Cool Enough?
Air conditioning makes your engine work harder. Keep this in mind when considering your eco-driving.
4. Is Your Car Aerodynamic?
This goes on from my point about keeping your windows closed. Do you have any unnecessary racks or roof boxes that you could remove that would reduce drag?
5. Only Travel With What You Need
It is wise to keep your car stocked up with the essentials but if you find yourself being a taxi for the golf clubs and toolbox when they are not being used then consider leaving them at home.
6. Turn It off!
When waiting for someone or stuck in traffic then turn the engine off!
7. Use The Gears
Changing gears early will prevent the engine from drinking more fuel than is necessary.
8. Steady Driving
Avoid sharp acceleration and heavy breaking (unless you are on the race track).
9. Slower = Less Consumption
Driving at 50mph rather than 70 mph will reduce petrol consumption. For most cars 50 mph is about the most efficient speed to drive.
10. Break Or Don’t
If you keep a safe distance from the car in front then you can reduce the amount of unnecessary breaking which in effect uses more fuel. Also try using the gears to assist breaking.

Feel free to comment below if you have any more tips that you would like to share with the readers. Do you have an eco-friendly car? Do you already practice eco-driving? We love to hear from you!

How Eco-Friendly Is Your Home?

Did you know that indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse for you than the air we breathe outside?

Indoor air pollution is easy to manage once you understand where it comes from. In many cases, pollutants and toxic chemicals such as polyurethane and formaldehyde are in the items you bring into your home, such as furnishings, paints and wall coverings. Curtains, carpets, mattresses and other absorbent fabrics can trap airborne chemical “nasties”, as well as being a breeding ground for dust mites and other harmful allergens.

How Does This Effect You?

Indoor air pollution can cause a wide variety of problems including asthma, dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, nausea and many respiratory diseases.
To help avoid polluting your indoor environment, it is important to read ingredients labels and properly use pesticides, glues, solvents, paint, cleaning supplies, health care products and, ironically, air fresheners.

The pollutions from these modern chemicals used can have extremely damaging effects. Find out about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) from this very interesting article called What is Chemical Sensitivity?

Still not convinced? Then what about this article from the NHS on the  Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

What To Do?

The simplest way to keep indoor air healthy is through good ventilation. By regularly opening your windows (even in the winter), you’ll replace polluted air with cleaner outdoor air. This also minimises the mould and stops harmful allergenic spores being released into the air or recycled via air conditioning units.

Why Indoor Plants Are Vital To Your Health

Aside from adding a touch of green to your home, some species of indoor plants have been shown to combat VOC gas levels. New paint, carpets, furniture and fittings radiate these VOCs. If you smell that new office smell, you are scenting the toxic VOCs!

Dominant VOC toxicity symptoms are sore eyes, nose and throat; a feeling of dizziness; loss of concentration; headaches; mild nausea; faint disorientation; and mildly depersonalised feelings. It is amazing what a bit of greenery can do to help you!

Please feel free share your comments below! :)

Take a look through the cleaning products in the Wikaniko shop to find out how you can make your home a healthier place to be!

Welcome To My New Site

Welcome to Going Green Friendly!                                                                                           green energy

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