(If you are at all concerned about the environment and the kind of planet you are going to leave for your children, you should go green.)

When you know that the earth is getting increasingly polluted day by day, when you know that technological advances come with a heavy environmental price, when you know that the fragile ecological balance is at stake and many species are either on the verge of extinction or are already extinct, you need to take a stand.

You are probably experiencing the various climatic changes which are appearing with increasing frequency in different parts of the globe. Do you know that a large part of global warming is due to toxic pollutants and gases which rise up into air and cause health and other problems?

Home use

Home is the place you have the most control over. You pay all the bills and take care of your surroundings. This is where you should start.

* Reduce power consumption by getting gadgets which help you monitor and save power.
* Change lights fixtures so that you use the ones which less harmful to the environment.
* Reduce water consumption by using aerators in your taps, dual flushes, shower timers, fixing all leaks and the like.
* Use energy star rated appliances, particularly high consumption items like refrigerators, air-conditioners and heaters.
* Use solar lights in the garden and wherever else possible.
* Compost your compostable waste and use it in your garden or give it away to a nursery.
* Use power strips like kill-a-watt or similar to cut down waste of power.
* When buying new gadgets and devices make sure that they have eco-friendly features.
* Use electric or hybrid vehicles for transport.
* Turn to solar heating or power use for your house – you will reduce your electricity bills as well as conserve power.
* Eliminate or reduce use of power hungry appliances.
* Use solar powered devices wherever possible.
* Use gadgets which are powered by rechargeable batteries or other methods where solar power is not possible.
* Try and reuse grey water from your bathroom in the garden or in flush tanks.

Office use

If you have your own office, you may be able to make it a more eco-friendly place. If you are an employee, then try and impress upon your superiors the need to use environmentally friendly devices and practices.

Printers and monitors are available in an eco-friendly range, without any compromise on technological efficiency. Wherever possible use refillable cartridges for your printers – cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Switch off unnecessary lights and anything that uses power or stand by power unless it is crucial. Ask your co-workers to do the same. Cut down on paper usage or reuse paper.

Personal use

Next time you buy or upgrade your mobile phone, get hold of one with green credentials. Many manufacturers also offer recycling options for your mobiles and other electronics including computers and laptops – make use of them. When you are buying new stuff, make sure it comes in recycled or recyclable packaging.

Limit or reduce the use of all aerosols which are extremely damaging to the environment. All kinds of sprays are aerosol dependent. Try and get those which use a pump action. Colognes, perfumes, deodorants and other toiletries are also available in roll ons, splash ons and the like.

When you go grocery shopping buy stuff which has minimal packaging. Packaging material which is compostable or recyclable is better for the planet. Also avoid buying disposable water bottles, which take a toll on the environment.

Remember every little bit helps. While companies and manufactures are also adopting green practices, if you boycott or limit the use of power, gas, water and energy guzzlers, plastics, harmful chemicals, toxic items, you are sending a clear message to those who don’t toe the line.

Author Bio: Hassan Latif co-admin of Green Gadgeting, where we talk about reviews on latest environment friendly gadgets and devices that help to reduce carbon footprint.

Category: Society
Keywords: green gadgets, environment friendly gadgets, eco friendly gadgets, solar gadgets, eco toys