Overview:
So you know what going green is all about, and you have already implemented some green ideas. What next? This guide suggests some resources for taking your green practices to the next level. The included resources focus on behaviors in a variety of spheres, ranging from eating to sustainable traveling.

The chronological order of the resources suggests the order in which they may be explored. However, if certain topics are not of interest or are already familiar, please feel free to skip around. The first resource focuses in great detail on energy efficiency and steps that may be taken around one's home to achieve this. Changing eating habits is another important step in going green. As a result, the next resource focuses on local sources of food, specifically farmers markets. From here, the third resource highlights eco-friendly consumer products and the latest environmental news, all of which contribute to an alternative lifestyle. If a lot of traveling is done, Resource 4 is great for suggesting environmentally-responsible ways to travel. Finally the last resource concentrates on sustainable landscaping practices, something that might not be normally considered.

The Resources:

1. Energy Star



About this resource: This website is the place to get in-depth guidance on energy efficiency. It is great for finding energy-efficient products to purchase. Buying products with the Energy Star label will savemoney and help save the environment through their low energy requirements. The website also offers suggestions for reducing one's home energy costs by investing in efficiencies.

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2. Farmers Market USDA


About this resource: With eating decisions contributing to one's carbon footprint, it is crucial to consider changing purchasing habits. The USDA offers a website that focuses on farmers markets, an important component of buying locally-grown food. This is particularly useful because buying locally-grown foods can reduce one's reliance on long-distance transportation. The website includes a state-by-state list of local farmers markets. There are also some farmers market facts for anyone curious.

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3. The Alternative Consumer



About this resource: This blog provides information on consumer products that are eco-friendly. It also has a green news feature. The blog reviews many interesting and chic products designed to help one lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Many of these products are offered by small businesses rather than major retailers, which goes along with the alternative consumer lifestyle of the blog.

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4. Sustainable Tourism for Travelers



About this resource: This website is great for people who love to travel and want to support businesses that practice sustainability. Traveling need not be completely sacrificed if one supports environmentally-responsible organizations. The Rainforest Alliance provides a handy primer for people looking to reduce the impact of their traveling behaviors.

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5. Sustainable Landscape Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors



About this resource: This book addresses the issue of building sustainable landscapes. It outlines the fundamental concepts of this practice and then offers numerous suggestions for creating sustainable landscapes. The book is a useful resource for people looking to build outdoors in environmentally-friendly ways.

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Compiled by: rcasper