The Way Live Our Lives Affects the Environment

• Many species are become extinct
• There's a giant hole in our atmospheric ozone layer.
• The polar caps are melting
• The six warmest years in history have occurred in the past 16years.

People who were once sceptical impact of the changes in the enjoinment are changing their views and taking on board that we need to not only understand the role we all play in the whole ecology, but we need to act.

The Worldwatch Institute, a non-profit think tank prepared the following six criteria for ecological living.

1. Cut down Fuel Consumption
2. Reduce the Household Waste
3. Save Water
4. Cut Down Using Toxic Chemicals
5. Use Companies That Have Ethical Policies
6. Eat less meat

1. Cut down Fuel Consumption

Global warming, acid rain, air pollution comes as a result of burning fuel. In order to minimize our personal impact we need to cut down our personal fuel consumption. We could also switch to renewable resources.

• Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket.
• Caulk windows and doors and weather strip door sweeps.
• Use natural ventilation, ceiling fans or whole house fans.
• Choose energy efficient appliances when replacing old ones.
• Set the thermostat at 66 to 68 degrees F. during the day in winter. When away, set it at 55 degrees. At night, choose a setting between 55 and 60 degrees.
• In summer set the air conditioner thermostat between 76 and 78 degrees F. Turn it off completely when you are away.

How green your home is can be measured by the bills we receive from the utility companies. Seek out ways so that you spend less on these bills.

2. Reduce the Household Waste

Set as a goal the need to “Reduce, Reuse or Recycle". Before making a purchase consider do you really need this item?  You'll be amazed how much you don't need.

Avoid materials that are not bio-degradable. Build a compost pile for disposal of organic and lawn clippings.

Choose the least-packaged option whenever possible.

3. Save Water

Over five billion people depend on less than five percent of the earth's water. Conserving water is imperative for a healthy planet. Here are a few tips:

• Check around the house for leaks.
• Use showers, not baths.
• Don't run water unnecessarily for washing, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Install low-flush toilets.
• Turn your water heater thermostat down.
• Install shower heads that conserve water.

4. Cut down Toxic Chemicals

Synthetic chemicals used in our everyday lives continue to increase year in year out.  Among them there are thousands that save lives and improve our standard of living. However there are many that harm our health. If you want to be eco friendly conscious:

• Cut down on your use of synthetic chemicals.
• Read labels so you know what is in the products you are going to purchase.
• Avoid buying clothes that need to be dry cleaned.
• Make your own pesticides and cleaning products.
• Don’t smoke.

5. Use Companies That Have Ethical Policies

• Only buy products that are not known polluters.
• Buy superior products from manufacturers who value ecological living.

6. Eat Less Meat

Meat is the most resource-intensive part of our diet. The production process has a great impact on the environment.  To produce one pound of beef takes 16 pounds of grain and soybeans and 2,500 gallons of water - the energy equivalent of one gallon of petrol. If living ecologically is high priority, eat less meat.

• Eat more organically-grown fruits and vegetables.
• Grow your own food.