Going green

Argument Essay Draft Going Green Today in our society we are always thinking about what we have to do, how much time we have to do it, and what can we use to get it done. Unfortunately, we do not always think about what effect it is going to have on ourenvironment. It does not have to be Earth Day to think about being green. Everyone should do their part in making the environment a safer place for future generations. To do this, we should reuse and recycle, find green alternatives at home, and lastly save energy to savemoney.

There are a few different ways we can cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. For xample, we can start recycling steel, aluminum, and copper. Another is changing laws on discarding old appliances, reusing and rebuilding old engines. In Rhode Island starting in 2008 a law was passed stating that manufactures must run their own take-back program or participate in the state run take-back program. Which is a start, but there is no law regarding old engines. Next would be to recycle old garments, and use refillable glass bottles.

If we can pass the laws to make it mandatory to reuse more items such as engines, then we can cut down on the carbon dioxide from the factories producing new engines. Another way is if we make ompanies like Coca-Cola use refillable glass bottles, then we can reduce how much plastic is used yearly and recycle more often. In 2009, the U. S. generated thirty million tons of plastic but only recycled two million tons. I use a reusable water bottle instead of using a new plastic bottle every day. Also I recycle any paper, plastics, and glass I do use daily.

These small things can make a big difference. In some articles there are many steps to go green at home with little effort. They suggest letting the fresh air in, wiping one’s feet to reduce using energy to clean, cleaning green, pulling the plug, and not touching the thermostat. Some articles suggest bringing one’s own bags when shopping, and saying bye-bye to bottled water. When we go to the grocery store we should bring reusable shopping bags or ask for paper bags and recycle after using.

In San Francisco, starting the beginning of 2013 all retail stores need to no longer have plastic shopping bags they can only have; compostable bags, recycled paper bags, or reusable bags. With this change the retail stores are now going to be charging ten cents per shopping bag. If we do this every time we go to the grocery store, then we can cut back on how many plastic bags are used, which an save our environment. I myself purchased a few reusable bags which I bring with me every time I go grocery shopping.

Finally, there are also some ways to reduce energy and household expenses. To do this we should be raising (lower) the home thermostat, brew one’s own coffee, take the ” change a light” pledge which is to swap a regular light bulb for an energy star light bulb or CFL bulb. Another is to turn off and unplug electronics. Be mindful of paper products, make homemade cleaning products, and let clothes dry outside on the line. Another is slowing down on the highway, cutting back on driving by arpooling, and lastly, planting a tree.

If we can all take charge and take a few of these steps such as unplugging electronics, using the dryer less, carpooling to work every day, then these simple steps can change our lives. By integrating these steps into our lives little by little, we can all cut back on how much energy we use. In 2008, the average cost for household energy was close to six thousand dollars. Just changing to a dial thermostat can save families hundred fifty dollars per year and by turning down the thermostat can save five percent on their energy bill. Consequently, these steps can save families money.

In conclusion, we all need to take a few moments out of our day to think or actually do these tips on how to be ” green”, then we could dramatically lessen our impact on our planet. But it doesn’t Just stop with what our families do. We should pass the tips on to otherfamilymembers and friends to get new ideas. Everyone should do their part in making the environment a safer place for future generations. It is important that we reuse and recycle, find green alternatives at home and save both energy and money in the long run. If we all Just practice these few simple tips on being ” green”, then we will have a cleaner planet.