How to be Green?

This question has been arisen quite a long time ago.

As most of us are still busy with our daily rush, such as working, eating, leisure and traveling.

And leave behind the responsibility to take care to our mother nature.

I don’t think there is a need for me to describe how our lovely earth suffering from pollutions and climate change, as there are plenty of them where you could read it online as well as from other sources.

We, always acclaim that we are the most cleaver creatures of god, and “misuse” the talent which given by god to destroy the earth. How? We have polluting the nature, killing the whales just to fulfill our “needs”.

It is worsening if you never realize that you have polluting the nature?

Let me give you some examples.

How you deal with your batteries after you used it? Throw it to dustbin?

(The chemicals in the batteries are hazardous to our health as well as our mother nature, since it will pollute our water sources)

How about the old clothes, papers, aluminum tins?

We bought it and use it, then throw it away. Since we think that “It’s mine, thus it’s my right to do whatever I like”.

(Have you ever considered the energies and materials used to make those stuffs?)

Anyway, there is still have time for you to make a change, if you have the conscience to do so!

How?

It’s good to hear this question from you. That mean, our lovely earth still have the chance to make a change.

Well, I am going to share some of the ways with you on the ways to make our mother nature feeling better.

10 ideas for us to start with:

1. Switch to renewable energy

Anyway, it sounds incredible for us to start it in Malaysia. Since you might have no idea on how to get started with renewable energy. You may consider Solar energy.

2. Buy energy efficient appliances
If you're buying a washing machine, refrigerator, dish washer or oven, buy the most energy-efficient model you can afford. They might be more expensive but they pay for themselves through lower energy bills. The same is true for office equipment like computers, copiers, printers.

3. Fluorescent lamps are cheaper in the long run
Replace the lights you use most with compact fluorescent lamps. They cost more than ordinary lamps but you end up saving money because they use only around one-quarter of the electricity to prove the same light. And they last four times as long as a normal light bulb!

4. Avoid stand-by and turn off lights
Turn off televisions, videos, stereos and computers when they are not in use - they can use between 10 and 60% of the power they use when on "stand by". Turn off lights when you don't need them - it saves energy already after a minute or two. Turn off computer screens when you take a break.

5. Wash economically
Use the washing machine or dish washer only when you have a full load. Use washing powder suitable for low temperature washes and use economy programmes.

6. About your fridge
Don't leave fridge doors open for longer than necessary, let food cool down fully before putting it in the fridge or freezer, defrost regularly and keep at the right temperature. Where possible don't stand cookers and fridges/freezers next to each other.

7. Getting around and on your way to work and school
When you want to make short journeys, try walking! Use a bicycle for short trips and local shopping. It keeps you fit too and is fun too! Make more use of public transport, such as buses and trains, for longer journeys. Share care journeys with work colleagues or friends - up to a third of car mileage is accounted for by the drive to work.

8. About your car
If you have to buy a car, buy a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly one. This will save you money and keep more CO₂ from going into the atmosphere. Make sure that your tires are inflated correctly - this can save you 5% on the cost of your petrol. Turn off your engine when waiting in your car.

9. Reduce your air travel
When you travel to your holiday destination by plane you are contributing to significant emissions of climate change causing carbon dioxide. So take vacations nearer to home, or get there by other forms of transport such as train, bus or boat. If you have to fly, consider buying carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions caused by your flight.

10. Enjoy the sun! :-)
Fit solar panels on the roof of your home. Turn your own home into a clean power station!

(Source: http://panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/climate_change/what_you_can_do/consumer_tips/index.cfm, 4.10pm, 10/06/2008)

In short, it’s all about energy efficiency and life style. Conserve the energy you used, use it but never waste it.

Make a little change in our life style, being GREEN.

You’ll be rewarded!