Written By: Michelle, The Green-Mother

Are you a "newbie" to the "green world"? Are you already green? Or are you just looking for new ways on becoming greener? There are many fun and creative ways that you can implement green living into your life without destroying your budget. I have put together a few simple things that you can start right away.

Getting Greener in the Kitchen:

Simple things that you can start right now to get greener in the kitchen:

-turning off the water while you are washing dishes,

- rinsing off dishes all at once using a retractable faucet,

-installing a water saver on the kitchen faucet,

-unplug small kitchen appliances when not in use. Your coffee maker, toaster machine, and other small appliances "leak" energy out when plugged in and not in use. This small gesture will save energy and money on your next utility bill. This "rule" applies to all other small appliances in your home.

-you can shut off the "dry" cycle on the dishwasher. You can let the dishes "air dry" in the dishwasher. By doing this, you will be saving energy and money on your next utility bill.

When it is time to purchase a new stove, dishwasher, and fridge:

-you can purchase an energy saver dishwasher that uses less water and energy. You can also purchase an energy saving fridge and stove. You can research on line for the best deals on energy saving kitchen appliances.

Heating Your Home:

-Programming the heat in your home is a great way to save energy and money on your next heating bill. Simply purchase the programmers, and install them. You can program them according to your family's schedule and needs. Simply turn down the heating when people are either sleeping or not home.

Getting Greener in the Laundry Room:

-Purchase appliances that are known to save energy and water.

- Use the "short cycles" on the washing machine. This simple action will save money and water.

What type of laundry detergent are you using? Is it green? Does it contain harsh chemicals? You can purchase the generic brand, or the store brand green laundry detergent. Use coupons when you find them.

-Do you use the dryer? You can save energy, and money on your next utility bill by hanging your laundry on the line. If you live in a cold climate during the winter, you can purchase indoor laundry hanging devices.

Getting Greener in the Bathroom:

-you can install a water saver shower head.  This will reduce the amount of water that you use.

-reduce your time in the shower,

-reduce the amount of water that you use in the bath tub.

-How green are your personal hygiene products? Do they contain dangerous chemicals? I frequently refer to this website if I have safety concerns with the products that I use on myself and on my family:

http://safecosmetics.org/section.php?id=33

This is the world's largest database of chemicals in cosmetics to assess the toxicity of your favorite products and find safer alternatives. Skin Deep assesses 68,000 personal care products using the most reputable science sources, and assigns each product a score from 0-10 (10 is most toxic). They recommend choosing products in the 0-2 range.

These are just few simple ideas that you can start today. Remember, one small gesture at a time is all it takes towards living a greener lifestyle.