Issue Date: July 20, 2008
To save the world, start with the laundry
Many of us don't know where to start when it comes to being green, says a study by Insight Research Group, HGTV and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
"It's more important to sweat the big stuff," like buying an appliance or a car, says Chip Giller, founder of Grist.org, an eco-news source.
But in your everyday life, he says, you can tackle "small stuff":
Wash only full loads of clothes, and use cold water. Even switching from hot to warm water can cut energy use in half, says the U.S. Department of Energy.
Eat less meat. The livestock industry contributes 18% of greenhouse gas emissions in meat production. If we all skipped meat one day a week, it would be like taking 8 million cars off the road, Giller says.
Drive less. Vehicles contribute 25% of greenhouse gas emissions.
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