From Guest Blogger Jake Fisher: Going Green — Five Habits of an Energy Efficient Person

The world doesn’t have an infinite amount of space or resources, which is why everyone needs to start conserving and making more eco-friendly choices now. Learn how to do your part by implementing these five habits of an energy efficient person into your life.

Buy Eco-Friendly Products

The first thing you should do is develop better shopping habits, such as the following:

• Keep an eye out for companies that make eco-friendly manufacturing choices. For instance, Crayola uses solar energy to create billions of crayons each year.
• Buy products that come in recyclable packaging.
• Opt to use reusable grocery bags to reduce paper and plastic waste.
• Look for appliances that have an “Energy Star” label. According to Energystar.gov, Energy Star appliances are 45 to 60 percent more efficient than conventional models.

Recycle All Plastic, Paper, Aluminum, and Glass

Most major cities make it easy to recycle by providing bins that are picked up weekly just like the trash. However, the types of items that are recycled vary from city to city. For example, some cities have glass recycling programs while others don’t.

In addition to placing items in a recycling bin, look for ways to reuse items. Most old items can be transformed into toys for kids or be repurposed into some other use. Turn old cans into plant holders, transform cardboard boxes into play houses, and upcycle clothes for a new look. Daniel Yergin, an energy expert and author can show you even more ways to reuse items.
Be Conscious of the Way You Commute

The most eco-friendly way to get around is to ride a bike, but most people don’t live close enough to work to make this their only mode of transportation. Therefore, taking advantage of public transportation is another eco-friendly habit. And, if you have to drive a car, opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Plant a Garden and Build a Compost Pile

Gardening is a great habit because it minimizes the amount of food you buy at the grocery store. Plus, it’s healthier to eat things that you grow because they’re fresh and don’t have pesticides.

Composting is also a good eco-friendly habit. It’s easy, too. Instead of scraping all of your leftover food into the trash, scrape it into a compost pile. Then, you can use it as fertilizer in your garden.
strong>Use Less Energy at Home

Look for ways to consume less energy at home, such as making energy efficient home modifications. For instance, adding an extra layer of insulation to the attic reduces energy loss from the home. The same is true if you seal the doors and windows of your home with weather stripping to prevent air from escaping. In addition to home modifications, you can simply turn off the lights when you leave a room, put your lights on dimmer switches, and set your thermostat down a few notches.

These are just a few of the eco-friendly habits you can develop. What are you doing right now to make the world a better place for future generations? Leave a comment below.