Performing a Green Audit: Trimming the Less-Green Aspects of Life and Work
June 01, 2009 | By
Every day, we are faced with options and tips on how to "green" our lives, from cleaning products to clothing choices, food options to light bulbs, recycling to offsetting. It can be a bit daunting! Often, the hardest part is deciding where to begin. This is where a green audit comes in handy. Whether you use a checklist from a website or a book, each of our homes and businesses could use a good, long look to see what can be trimmed, changed, or eliminated. Often, these audits work in sections, making it easier to tackle the changes.
Over the next few weeks, I hope you will join me as we explore our home and work to find ways we can improve upon the ecological impact we have in our day-to-day lives!
Here is a small sample of things that can be audited, and possibly changed:
In the Bathroom
- How long is your average shower? Can you shave off five minutes? Ten minutes?
- Are there items that are currently disposable that you can find reusable replacements for, such as razors, makeup-remover pads, or washcloths instead of plastic loofas?
In the Kitchen
- Do you use bottled water in your home? Have you looked into the alternatives, such as filter pitchers for 
your refrigerator, or installing filters into your faucet? If so, do you have a BPA-free to-go bottle? Or better yet, a stainless steel one?
- How many of the kitchen chemicals could be replaced with 'green cleaners' or can you make your own using one of the simple recipes all over the internet?
- Do you use a disposable sponge to wash your dishes? What about replacing it with cotton rags or a cellulose sponge?
At the Post Office
- Can you reuse a box from your home instead of purchasing a new one?
- Have you considered using a gummed paper tape, easily found at most office supply stores, instead of plastic adhesive tape?
In Your Car
- Regular maintenance can save gas as well as wear and tear on your vehicle. When was the last time you had your filters changed? What about your oil? Keeping the air pressure optimal in your tires can give you better gas mileage as well!
The Best Part
By investigating your home for leaks, you can often save time and money, as well as doing your part for the environment!
Kitchen Photograph Courtesy of: OkayCityNate
All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior
written permission of HandmadeNews.org.
