Get a Jump on Spring 'Greening'

Spring is the season most often associated with a new beginning. After a winter spent braving the winter cold, the spring season is a time to get up and go and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

One of the more common things associated with spring is spring cleaning, a time when people rid themselves of clutter and get around to those projects they've been putting off for months. But spring can also be a time for spring "greening," where homeowners take a new approach to some household chores in an effort to help do their part for the environment. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help the environment without having to expend too much energy. * Let nature do your drying: Even the most environmentally-friendly dryers use a significant amount of energy. While some items require using the dryer in order to dry properly, others can dry just as well when hung on a backyard clothesline. Bed linens and even towels will dry effectively on a sunny spring day, and you'll notice a dip in the energy bill to boot.

* Part ways with paper towels: Disposable items that you use only once and then throw away are very damaging to the environment. Instead of paper towels, use dish towels for spills and keep extras around the kitchen to be ready for potential spills. Also, use china instead of paper plates. Since spring is a time when backyard barbecues begin again, stock up on reusable plastic plates so the next barbecue can be both fun and environmentally friendly.

* Ready yourself for the rain: Spring is a time for rejuvenation, but it's also a time for rain. While most people aren't fond of the spring rains, they do present a good opportunity to help the environment. Rather than let rain run out of the gutters and into a nearby drain, consider placing a rain barrel at the bottom spout of your gutters. Rain water will accumulate in the barrel, and that water can then be reused to water plants and flowers on days when it isn't raining. While it might seem minor, it will save a substantial amount of water in the long run.

* Replace the light bulbs: Understandably, many people prefer brighter bulbs in the winter months, when the sun is not out as long and homes are darker as a result. However, once daylight savings time comes in the spring, consider replacing high wattage bulbs with either lower wattage models or, ideally, energy efficient bulbs. When such bulbs are combined with the increased sunlight, you won't even notice the difference.

* Organize your errands: Because spring is so commonly used as a time for fixing up around the house, there always seems to be an excess of errands to run. Rather than making several small trips, however, take time to write down the day's errands and tackle them all at once. This will not only save on gas, but it will save you lots of time, too.

* Ride to work: Now that the weather's warming up, if you live close to your office consider riding your bike to work rather than driving. Like other environmentally friendly practices, riding your bike to work has dual benefits, helping the environment out while simultaneously providing a good source of exercise.