The 7 Day Green Power Pledge

It’s no secret that going green is all the rage these days.  In fact, being eco-friendly is more popular and well accepted now than ever before in history. The thing is, ecoawareness is gaining momentum, but not everybody knows exactly how to take the concept of going green and break it down into their day to day habits.

To help you do just that, following are ways to go green each day of the week.  In fact,  Take the Green Power Pledge!  Start off by taking eco action in each area of personal sustainability that are of most interest to you and build from there.  Each week can be a new platform to launch new eco actions.  Have fun with it and know that every eco action you take adds up and makes a difference.

Monday’s Pledge: Go Paperless
When it comes to paper, producing paper from virgin fiber is both energy and water intensive.  It releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.  By choosing to use less paper and paper with recycled content you are making the choice to save wood, water and energy, and cut pollution and solid waste.   The costs savings add up and the environmental impact goes down.   Need ideas?  Check out 19 Tips to go Paperless at Home.

Tuesday’s Pledge: Go Green at Work
Keep in mind, every job is a green job: it’s all in how you do it.  One approach is to increase your participation in the sustainability programs offered within your organization.  This offers a broader perspective of potential green projects and areas of improvement.  Another approach is to green your physical environment.  If you work at home, check out Green your Home Office 101 for ideas or 10 Ways to Green Your Cubicle.  Both offer ideas to embrace sustainability concepts in your work environment.

Wednesday’s Pledge: Water Wednesday
Clean, fresh water is no longer just an issue for developing countries.  It has become more and more a global issue.   Water is linked to every facet of life on our planet and directly interacts with a myriad of other sustainability concepts.  Learn water wise habits to Reduce your Water Footprint.

Thursday’s Pledge: Adventure
Explore different modes of transportation.  The benefits of alternative transportation include conserving energy, preserving resources, reduced commuter traffic, cost savings (gas and parking), and reduced carbon emissions.  Fun ideas include: carpool, bus, train, cycling or telecommuting/ coworking options for work environments.

Friday’s Pledge: Slay Energy Vampires with energy efficiency practices:
The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that not only do appliances continue to draw electricity while the products are turned off, but in the average home nearly 75% of all electricity used to power electronics is consumed by products that are switched off.  Explore energy efficiency eco actions to use less energy.

Saturday’s Pledge: Manage Waste / Recycling:
When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you eliminate the disposing of waste or recycling it later.  It’s the first component of the sustainability concept of the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle.  Clues to how to reduce waste can be found by visiting what’s in your garbage.

Sunday’s Pledge: Sparkle with Green Cleaning:
Conventional cleaning supplies contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous. By replacing them with eco-friendly products, you’re providing improved indoor air quality, as well as reducing the 5 billion pounds of chemicals consumed by cleaning industry each year.  Get started using non toxic products and breathe easier.