Thinking of going green? Here are some reasons to practice an environmentally friendly lifestyle, from the U.S. Government's Federal Citizen Information Center.

• Too much trash: The average American throws out 550 pounds of paper, 318 pounds of food, and 90 pounds of glass per year. About 80 percent of that garbage ends up in landfills.

• The Greenhouse Effect: Our atmosphere is constantly changing. Some of our favorite activities create gases that pollute the atmosphere. As those gases build up, the atmosphere keeps in too much heat.

• Air pollution: There are many factors that contribute to poor air quality, including pollution generated by power plants and cars.

• Damage to the ozone layer: A thin layer of ozone exists above the Earth and forms a protective shield. One of the biggest culprits destroying the ozone layer is a family of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, used in the manufacture of plastic products, foam packing materials, and other items.

• Water pollution and excessive water consumption: Most people get their water from underground sources. Rainwater and melted snow running off parking lots, rooftops, streets, and farms carry with them harmful substances. During a storm, the pollutants are washed into rivers and streams.

• Save money: Switching all the bulbs in a home from conventional incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs could save about $270 in one year.

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