“Going green” has not only become a common household phrase but also a fad. But let’s face it, how many people actually contribute to this environmentally friendly phenomenon?

If you can afford to contribute to going green by installing a super pricy solar panel, or by buying a new hybrid vehicle, go for it. But for those of us whose major source of income is doing chores for our parents or a minimum wage paying job, we need other options. There are things that can be done that still make a big impact and cost much less money.

The first step to “going green” is remembering the three “R’s.” Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Reduce how much plastic and paper is being used, and if possible, reuse it.  When you’re done, recycle it. If you’re in the cafeteria and you’re finished with a water bottle, throw it in the blue recycle bin. It’s that easy. “Every chance I get I recycle,” said junior Lindsay Powell.

Slow down. Reducing your speed limit saves money. One gallon of fuel burns roughly 25 pounds of CO2. “When driving, by just reducing speed from 65 to 55 miles per hour, you will increase your fuel efficiency by 15% and be glad you did it when you fill up your tank,” Pendant Electric Company control technician Steve Stentldorfer said.  Not only does it increase your fuel efficiency, but it also cuts out carbon dioxide emitted into the air.

Buy a reusable water bottle. According to www.TheGreenGuide.com, “Americans spend up to 10,000 times more per gallon for bottled water than they do for tap.” So go out buy a stainless steel water bottle. Instead of buying a water bottle in the cafeteria, you can whip out your reusable bottle without paying the price.

Turn the lights out when leaving a room. “Regarding electricity, lights in a residential home account for 11% of the total energy bill on average, so the easiest way to cut down on that is to turn off lights whenever you’re not using them,” Stentldorfer said.  Even when you’re sitting in a class and your substitute hasn’t shown up yet, turn off the lights.

Use a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) instead of buying regular light bulbs. Unlike regular light bulbs they use their energy for light instead of heat. “They consume 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer,” said www.bhg.com.

Carpool to school. “Carpooling to school is one of the easiest ways for teenagers to conserve energy, really make a difference, and save a lot of money,” said Stentldorfer. If you have a friend who lives nearby, carpool with them. It reduces the amount of carbon being emitted from your car and gives you and your carpool spending money for other things.

Don’t idle your car..When you do this, it just wastes gas. Not only is it dangerous for the environment, but it wears your car down. When you’re waiting for your friend to come out of school, turn your car off, roll down the windows, and you’ll be cutting down pollution and the amount of gas you use.

Julia Earnshaw can be reached for comment at [email protected].