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LIVING GREEN –
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES

At home, at work, at the grocery store and everywhere in between, there are many ways you can live a greener life. What’s more, it isn’t hard at all. The key is to ask yourself some basic questions: Am I using more resources than I need? Am I using more energy than I need, and am I using that energy as efficiently as possible? Are my actions making my community a healthier place? These questions can lead to both subtle and dramatic changes in your daily behavior in new and exciting ways.

REDUCING, REUSING AND RECYCLING

• Recycling is important, but first and foremost: Use less.

• The things you do use can often be used over and over again – either for the same purpose or for something totally new. Be creative. Not only are you cutting back on your resource use; you'll also end up with some cool eye-catching conversation starters.
• Set aside bins in your green home to separate and collect recyclable materials, including newspapers, white paper, clear and colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum, cardboard, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs. Check with your local trash-collection company, municipal government or business directory to find out what recycling services are available.
• Many computers, monitors, cell phones and other electronics include toxic materials that should not sit in landfills, and you’d be surprised how many retailers and other companies will take your old gadgets for recycling. The Environmental Protection Agency can help you find local electronics recyclers at www.epa.gov.
• And that’s not all: Did you know you can recycle athletic shoes? Mattresses? Dry-cleaning hangers and plastic? Check www.greenhomeguide.org for details.

CLEANING

• Use non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry products, which you can find at any natural grocery and even many mainstream stores. Just read the labels carefully.
• Don’t pollute your indoor air or mask odors that could alert you to a problem. Choose fragrance-free products.