Going green is great. You help the environment and ultimately lead a healthier lifestyle. With summer right around the corner, we’ve put together a list ways to go green [1] as you get ready for more sun, sand, and good times.

1. Buy local. Remember the farther away your produce has to travel the more chemicals/preservatives are added to ensure they arrive fresh.
2. Turn off and unplug [2]. Plugged in TVs, laptops, and cell chargers still use energy even though the devices are off.
3. It’s getting hot in here. Turning your thermostat down is a big no. Huh? You might think this is helping conserve energy. But it’s recommended that you turn it up to 78 degrees F.
4. Barbequing. Get the entire fam outside and take a break from the TV/Internet. But use propane, not charcoal or wooden briquettes. This burns cleaner. Better yet convince your parents to buy an electric grill.
5. The grass isn’t always greener…in the summer. You might be conserving water, but there’s a better way to ensure your garden gets watered and you’re helping the environment. Water grass/plants at the roots. Don’t just spray the top of the blades.
6. If you go on a picnic take your trash with you. Throwing it in onsite garbage cans will attract animals.
7. Don’t be tardy to the party. And be sure to use biodegradable and reusable cups. Also, don’t forget to recycle.
8. What’s your SPF? Double check the ingredients in your sunscreen. You wouldn’t want to slather on harmful chemicals (which can also seriously hurt the environment).
9. Bigger isn’t better. A large AC will cost more to run and may not remove enough humidity from the air.
10. Share. You aren’t the only one that can get joy from your garden. Butterflies do too. Grow plants that butterfly caterpillars like to eat and they’ll attract native butterflies.
11. Keep a safe distance. When you go camping, wash your dishes, brush your teeth, and bathe at least 100 feet from ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. And pour the dirty water into highly absorbent ground.