What's The Buzz?

If you've turned on the radio or television lately, you've probably heard the term Green more than once. Seems that these days everyone is going Green and reducing their carbon footprint. But what do these terms really mean? They are buzzwords that we are going to continue hearing a lot about, so let's find out what all the BUZZ is about!

Green is a shorthand phrase referring to sustaining Earth's resources. It is a vague term that can be used in many different contexts. But footprints are a bit of a different story. Think about the way you live your life. How much water does it take to support your actions each day? Do you enjoy half-hour showers or are you a get-in and get-out kind of person? Doesn't seem like it makes much of a difference, but it does add up and the longer your showers the bigger your ecological footprint. Ecological footprint, what's that? It is the amount of water and food needed to meet your daily needs throughout your lifetime. Now, what about your carbon footprint? This is another term we hear about almost on a daily basis. What it boils down to is really very simple, it is the amount of energy you consume to conduct your life. Imagine how much electricity, natural gas, and gasoline you use to run your home, power your car and even get that morning bowl of cereal to your table. It all adds up and just a few small steps can help to reduce it.

We can go into an in depth discussion about footprints and being Green, but lets focus on carbon footprints.

Your carbon footprint is the amount of energy you use to live day-to-day. By reducing your footprint, not only are you conserving energy and the planet, but you are also saving money. Checkout these simple carbon footprint reducers…who knew cutting your carbon footprint could also save you money?

• Turn off televisions, stereos, home theater systems, and other electronics when not in use. Try this: plug your televisions and other home theater electronics in a power strip with an on/off switch. When you turn your television and other electronics off for the night, flip the switch on the power strip and totally eliminate wasted power.
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• Save over 50% on your homes lighting cost when you replace a standard incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb. They last longer too!
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• Always wash clothes in cold water. Not only does this preserve the color longer, it saves you money and conserves energy.
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• Use your consumer power! Support companies that are making an effort to improve communities and the environment through Greener manufacturing practices, charitable support, and product offerings that are safe for your family and the environment. Watkins offers a full line of natural, eco-friendly spices and extracts, personal care and home care.