September 2014
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12 People-friendly Eco Tips
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Sometimes "going green" seems like a daunting or expensive task (think replacing all your light bulbs or investing in new appliances). Here are 12 tips that everyone can put into action with little effort.
REDUCE
- Be in the know on H2O
Shaving two minutes off your shower can save up to 10 gallons of water. And your daily routine is ripe with other water-saving opportunities…like not running water while brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
- Drip dry
Hang a clothesline or purchase a small drying rack for laundry. If you don't have space to hang an entire load, hang the heavy stuff first—like socks, jeans and towels. The rest of the load will dry in a fraction of the time.
- Unplug
Electronics draw energy from outlets even if they are not being used. Unplug items that are not turned on daily, like lamps, clocks, the toaster or home entertainment systems.
- Skip the paper trail
Reduce paper delivered to your mailbox. Sign up for online bill pay, online statements, and other online resources.
REUSE
- Fill 'er up
If your routine includes caffeine or water, make a reusable container part of the habit. Travel mugs and refillable water bottles keep millions of containers out of landfills.
- Regift…the packaging
Gift bags are easy to reuse. If you don't have a stash on hand, turn to the newspaper, or paper bags for giftwrap.
- Let it rain
Rain barrels and buckets are a great way to capture water for plants and gardens. If you live in a region where a dehumidifier is a must, reuse the water for that, too!
- Light it up
You can't beat this fire starter trifecta. Cardboard egg cartons, dryer lint and remnant candle wax are common waste that can be put to good use: Stuff lint in each egg compartment. Melt the wax, fill each compartment with it, and let the wax harden. When you're ready for a fire, rip one or two compartments off and light them up.
RECYCLE
- Curb appeal
Take full advantage of local recycling programs, especially if they are part of your weekly garbage pick up. Many recycling programs have become easier with comingled recycling.
- Compost
Newspapers, coffee grounds, food scraps and landscape waste are perfect for composting (even in small batches in urban areas). Compost restores nutrients to soil and is great for gardening.
- Give that scooter a second chance
Second-hand stores gladly accept gently used clothing, furniture, toys and
sporting goods.
- Color your world
Leftover paints and stains can be recycled at your local household hazardous waste center for others to use.
Sources:
50waystohelp.com
worldwatch.org
usa.gov
urbangardencenter.com
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