I’m sure you are all well aware that the of latest trend these days, “going green” and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon, from automakers to your local businesses. Hopefully it’s not just a fad and that the public actually realizes that they can make a difference, whether it be by the smallest of means, at least they are trying to help. So as a travel nurse, what can you do to help save the planet?

As a traveling nurse you are constantly on the move and having to re-establish yourself, but one thing you can do where ever you go and the easiest, is recycle. Everything from paper, plastic, cans and glass are recyclable and in some states that you travel to it may be law to do so, so why not get in the habit already. Other easy ways to be green is to reuse containers as a way to store leftovers or pack lunches. You can also change out the light bulbs and use the eco-friendly low wattage bulbs and unplug electronics throughout the house that garner little use. These are all very easy first steps in being a green conscience traveler.

Some other simple green ideas that you can put in place deal with water consumption. We all probably take it for granted from time to time, but water is a vital resource and many don’t think much about it. Most of you will have the convenience of a washer and dryer in your residence and it is tempting to just wash the one outfit you want to wear. If you absolutely need to wash it without cleaning other clothes, change the setting on the washer to accomodate the smaller load. Most washers these days have similar settings. Another way to save water is to take shorter showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth. These are all great ways to conserve earth’s most precious resource.

I touched briefly on the subject of reusing items. Since you are constantly on the move and it is such a pain to find boxes for moving each time, so why not just save what you used the first time and there won’t be an issue. Whatever it came in, it can definitely fit in again. A great alternative to boxes are the big plastic containers that you can fill over and over again. You can get creative and find many ways to reuse things, from rubber bands, cloth napkins and diapers and cloth sacks for groceries, these can all make a difference.

Although it may seem as the latest fad to be green, it is something we should adopt for the rest of our lives. As a traveler, it’s a privilege to see this beautiful country and at this rate there won’t be much to see due to all the waste that is filling up the land. Do your part in reducing your waste, recycling your goods and reusing any and all things. We can all play a part in keeping the earth beautiful.