Guest Post – About the Author: Margaret Raynor is a green-living blogger who works in the environmental protection industry.

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Many people recycle their plastics, metals and glass, and feel a little better about protecting the planet. However, while it certainly doesn’t hurt to do the little things, it doesn’t make as big an impact as you may hope. If you’re serious about making a big difference and living the “green” way, consider making a few changes that aren’t drastic, but are one step up from recycling.

Donate Your Car

If you can, stop relying on your car; donate it, and take a deduction on your donation on your taxes. Why donate instead of sell? Donations do more than encourage green living — they help others. Donate your old car, or boat for that matter, to a charitable organization that will sell your items and give the profits to a charitable cause. Even rundown boats and cars will be accepted; charity organizations can sell them for parts or refurbish them, and they won’t wind up in the landfill. Plus, you may make more with the item as a tax deduction than you would selling it, especially if it’s a few years old.

According to SmartPlanet, commuters who rely on public transportation instead of cars can save as much as $14,000 annually. Not only is public transportation or carpooling the greener choice, it’s a more affordable choice. It may be a big lifestyle change to make, but it’s clearly worth it.

Grow Your Own Veggies and Herbs

Eating something you’ve grown yourself offers a kind of satisfaction that eating produce and herbs you buy doesn’t. Plus, there are no wasteful containers to throw away, no tin cans, plastic boxes or bags. There’s absolutely no risk of chemical pesticides or tin leaking into your produce. Not only does a garden encourage you to eat healthier vegetables and herbs, it encourages you to eat healthier — period. When you have those veggies on hand, you’re more likely to use them when you cook.

Don’t Eat Meat at Least Once a Week

If you’re a meat eater, you don’t have to give it up entirely to make a difference, although that is an option. Simply making one day a week meatless is enough. The meat industry causes a large amount of pollution, and raw meat is exposed to viruses and bacteria as it’s transported from the farm to the store to your home, so it’s also a health risk. If everyone had one meatless day a week, the amount of meat purchased would decrease enough to make an environmental impact.

Adjust the Temperature

Turn down the thermostat in the winter and skip the A/C in the summer. Not only do you experience immediate results with lower utility bills each month, but you’re not contributing to wasteful consumption. Use less power-guzzling ways of keeping warm in the winter, such as:

  • Putting draft guards under doors to the outside
  • Covering windows with plastic film to keep cold air in and warm air out
  • Dressing in layers and using blankets, warm drinks and slippers to keep warm
  • Using space heaters if it means turning your furnace down a few degrees

In the summer, keep cool by wearing minimal, breathable clothing, drinking cool beverages, opening windows and relying on fans. If you constantly rely on your hvac unit and it breaks down, make sure to contact an emergency 24/7 furnace repair or ac repair service to get it checked and save energy. You can hire professional ac repair experts near you like these hvac services in Twin Falls. Have an ac installation so you’ll sleep soundly.

Pass on the Desktop Computer

You don’t need to give up modern conveniences, like Internet access, to live greener. A tablet or laptop is not only more convenient than a desktop computer, but uses far less energy. You recharge your laptop and tablet, but you don’t need them to be plugged in at all times. A desktop constantly drains power whenever it’s on, even if it’s not in use.

A lot of the changes you make depend on the available resources in your area. For example, you may not be able to comfortably bike or walk to a public transportation stop if you live in a rural area, but carpooling with neighbors is still an option. You may not be able to rely on a garden for vegetables all year if you have rough winters, but you can continue to grow herbs and veggies in indoor planters. There are always ways to adjust greener living to your lifestyle. Commit to larger changes, and you’ll see immediate benefits on a personal level in addition to making the world a better place.

About the Author: Margaret Raynor is a green-living blogger who works in the environmental protection industry.