Everyone has moments of laziness, but even if you play the lazy card more than you should, you still have the power to change the world. Adjusting your lifestyle so that it has the planet’s best interest in mind can be overwhelming, and it’s not always so easy for even the most passionate environmentalists. However, when you have a road map that outlines some idle routes you can take, becoming eco-friendly doesn’t look so time consuming.

Wash in Cold Water

The washer requires water and electricity to function, and when you use hot water instead of cold to clean your clothes, it makes the washer work even hard, which takes up more energy. You can reduce your carbon footprint simply by turning a knob and using cold water for all of you washes. Along with only using the washer when you have a full load you can save money every year — hurray for procrastination!

Purchase Local Fruits & Veggies

Does it make sense to purchase an apple that has traveled almost 2,000 miles when you can buy one that has only traveled less than 100? Of course, not! By buying local fruits and vegetables your educe the greenhouse gas emissions that result from transporting non-local foods. If you have a local farmer’s market or grocery store near you, you don’t have to go too farm from home to find great produce.

Avoid Petroleum-based Soap

Common soaps such as hand soap and dishwashing detergent contain petroleum, which is a chemical that can cause harm to people and the environment. Making your own soaps at home might not appeal to your laziness, but you can buy a plant-based brand like Seventh Generation and save thousands of oil barrels in the process.

Choose Fish Wisely

If you’re going to sustain a decorative fish aquarium, at least be conscious of the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) certification. Ornamental fish that reside in coral reefs are often stunned using cyanide, because they float to the surface and can be easily collected. Ones that survive this traumatic experience are sold to aquarium supplies but many die, and the coral reefs are also damaged from the chemical. It’s best to buy captive-raised fish or ones with MAC certification.

By Marina Hanes.

http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/