It's Easy Being Green Workshop

Article By:Joan Bradshaw
Director of the University of Florida /IFAS Citrus County Extension

With the Presidential elections behind us, climate change has returned to the forefront of the news. It seems like everyone's "going green." Fortunately many of the steps we can take to halt climate change can make our lives better. There are a variety of simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

If you are feeling perplexed on where to begin, you are not alone but help is on its way. You are invited to a free workshop on "It’s Easy Being Green Indoors and Out". This workshop is scheduled for 10:00 am to noon on November 13, 2008 at UF IFAS Citrus County Extension at 3650 West Sovereign Path- Suite 1, Lecanto, FL 34461. Space is limited so call 352-527-5700 to register today.

This workshop is open to the public and will explain why it’s important to go green in the home and inspire you to adopt some greener practices inside your house. You will learn about the benefits and barriers to greener living. There will be practical tips to reduce your impact on the environment by watering efficiently, conserving energy, and minimizing solid waste.

There are also many smart choices and simple "Green" ideas for your landscape. Beginning from the ground up, learn about yardcycling: composting, mulching, and grass clipping recycling. You will also learn how to reduce water use in your landscape as well as reduce your demand for air conditioning through careful landscaping.

To get you started thinking green, we have provided a few green up tips that anyone can do:

Save energy to save money.

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

Save water to save money.

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in our area.

Think before you buy.

• Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or Free Sharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
• When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.

Borrow instead of buying.

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
• Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

For more information contact Monica Bonsett and Joan Bradshaw at Citrus County Extension at 352-527-5700.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

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