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GREEN U - Go Green, Get Green!

You know what they say—actions speak louder than words! And when it comes to the health of the planet, our green acts speak very loudly indeed. From the moment we start our days until the moment we end them, everything we do has the potential to help—or hurt—the planet we all depend on.

Incorporate these simple Green Acts that you can do at home into your routine today:
 
1. Install Low Flow Showerheads. The average standard showerhead pumps five to eight gallons of water every minute. Considering the average shower lasts about 15 minutes, this could equate to a staggering 480 gallons a day running down the drain for a family of four.
 
Most of us aren’t willing to give up our daily shower, but we can significantly reduce the amount of water we’re using by installing low flow showerheads. By restricting the amount of water flow (from 8 gallons per minute to around 2.5), you’ll save both water (around 3600 gallons annually) and money!
 
Look for showerheads that bear the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Water Sense” certification to help the environment.
 
2. Use a Power Bar. Take a walk through your house tonight before you go to bed. Notice all those little glowing lights on your computer, TV, DVD player and other electronics? You may not be using them, but even when they’re off these products and appliances are consuming a surprising amount of energy.
 
To help ensure you’re not a victim of these energy “vampires,” plug all of your electronics into an easily accessible power bar (also known as a power strip) and use it to turn off everything at once.
 
3. Pack a Litterless Lunch. Here’s a sobering thought: On average, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that we create 4.4 pounds of trash per person, every single day of our lives. Figure a lifespan of 85 years, and that adds up to more than 135,000 pounds (about 68 tons) of garbage over the course of one lifetime that is polluting the environment.
 
Limit the amount of trash you create by packing a litterless lunch for school or work each day. Remember that paper napkins, plastic utensils, plastic wrap and plastic bottles are out; Bento boxes, reusable cloth napkins, compostable bamboo utensils and aluminum thermoses are in. There are even handy-dandy reusable lunch kits to take the guesswork out of the equation!
 
Check in to GREEN U next week for more easy, eco-friendly green acts you can perform on a daily basis to help the environment. And don’t forget to encourage your friends, family members, classmates and co-workers to join you in Acting Green!  
 
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