EARTH DAY 2009 : let's help the earth

The sheer number of "green" options we can do is astounding. And, because it completely overwhelming (not to mention impossible) to try to do what makes sense to stop worrying about things that ultimately does not matter.

Instead, focus on areas where your actions will maximize the difference. Changes that you eat as you around, and how to use energy at home (and work) will have the greatest impact on the planet.

This does not mean that things do not lay down. They do, but some more than others.

Do not emphasize these three classic choices because they do not make much difference:

Cloth or disposable diapers? All the diapers have an impact on the environment. Disposable diapers are often bleached with chlorine (a very polluting process), and eventually, eventually clogging up landfills. Cloth diapers are usually made from conventional cotton, and require energy, water, and (sometimes) harsh detergents to wash them. There are more environmentally friendly alternatives such as organic cotton cloth diapers and disposables to abandon chlorine, chlorinated lime, but in general, one choice is better than others so pick something that is convenient for you.

Paper or plastic bag? Like diapers, it's a toss up. Production of paper bags is the energy and water intensive. Plastic bags are made from petroleum and can cause harm to wildlife, when they make their way into large water bodies. Unlike diapers, there is another choice you can do: Carry your own reusable bag when you can. Not your thing? Reuse or recycle that bag when you're done with it and move on to another.

Disposable cups or ceramic mugs? This is not a "major sin against the environment to use separate paper or plastic cup," according to the Consumer Guide to effective environmental choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists. The group said throwing cups occupy little space in landfills and do not require much energy to make. But he said you should not be wasteful, simply because "a few dozen (or even several hundred) disposable cups a year will have little impact on the environment." The result? Use a mug that, when possible (especially at work or at home), but do not feel guilty when you can not.
Instead, the attention of your time and energy on these more important events that will benefit the planet and save your money:

Eat less meat. Livestock is one of the most significant contributors to the long list of environmental problems resulting from climate change to deforestation to water pollution. No one offers you go vegetarian, but all you can do to cut back on meat will be of great importance. Start by trimming its share of about three ounces (the size of a deck of playing cards), suggested Aaron Huertas of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Take good care of your car. Tuning your engine by replacing your air filter and motor oil on a regular basis, as well as maintaining proper inflated tires will improve your car in fuel economy by 8% to 20%, according to Jenny Powers at the Natural Resources Defense.

Make changes in how you do your laundry. Wash clothes in cold water. Up to 90 percent of energy used for washing clothes goes to heating water, according to the Ministry of Energy. Rack even greater savings on air-drying, some of your clothes.
Want to do more (or something else)?

All you can do to drive, or the difference will be less effective. Bundle of assignments, online shop, stroll, bike and take public transport when you can. Try carpooling or telecommuting one day a week. When it came time to buy a new car, buy the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the class of car you want.

There are countless ways you can save energy (and money) at home. Here's a short list of free and inexpensive ways to make a difference (in order from least to most exposure): to the unnecessary lights, unplug the extra refrigerator, use of energy-saving mode devices, install a programmable thermostat, seal large air leaks, or add insulation to your attic.