1.
Add a recycling bin inside your house.
·
At my house, we have a dual trash bin: one for
recyclables, one for trash. Since these
are side-by-side, it eliminates any excuse or laziness that would lead you to
just throw away that plastic yogurt cup instead of recycling it. If you cannot do the side-by-side route, keep
your recycling bin close and easy to get to (even if it means using a small
basket or bag that you then take out to your recycling bin every night).
·
Almost all areas have curb-side recycling
available. If you are not set up for it
yet, check your city’s website or your local waste removal company.
·
If curb-side is not an option, find your nearest
recycling center that you can make trips to.
Added bonus: often times these centers recycle more than the curb-side
option does.
2.
Stop using bottled water.
·
If you
want “cleaner” water, filter your own.
There are many handy gadgets to do this (entire home filter, attachment
for your faucet, jug to put into the fridge, water bottle with filter…to name a
few)
·
Use a re-usable water bottle. These are found everywhere now and in all
materials. I’ve seen numerous plastic in
all sizes and colors, metal, and even glass.
Find what works for you and carry it with you always. Note:
added bonus, you will end up drinking more water which is good for your
body and health!
3.
Buy eco-products.
·
I think almost all stores (Target, hardware,
grocery, etc.) carry eco-friendly varieties of the same products you are
currently using. These include
ingredients that are biodegradable, recycled, free of chemicals and dyes,
etc. The less we use of all of the
former is better for our environment, our home, and our own health. If you aren’t ready for a full out overhaul,
consider switching over 1-2 products whenever it’s time to stock back up.
4.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
·
Not only will this be good for the Earth, but it
will be good on your pocket-book too!
5.
Get a programmable thermostat.
·
Again,
this is good for both the Earth and your pocket book
·
With the beautiful Spring weather, start opening
the windows to cool/heat the house
·
In the summer time, open the windows at night
and use an attic fan when possible
6.
Watch your water usage.
·
Turn off the water between dishes or while you
are scrubbing your hands with soap.
·
Water your lawn deeply but infrequently. This means run a cycle (maybe half the time
as you normally would), wait an hour, then run another cycle. Added bonus: grass roots will grow deeper,
pulling more water from the earth below and requiring less water overall.
7.
Use native plants.
·
Spring is the season for planting…native plants
are often more hardy, drought resistant (roots grow deeper and plants are
better accustomed to the local environmental conditions), and easier to
manage. This will save you time, water,
and money.
·
Check with your local nursery, arboretum, or
online resource to find the best native plants for you.
·
In our area, a few to try are: BlueStar, Blue
False Indigo, Willowleaf Sunflower, Smooth Hydrangea, Spicebush, Cardinal
Flower, Ninebark, Fringe Tree, Christmas Fern, Wild Hyacinth, and the Pawpaw
tree.
8.
Compost and use natural products on your lawn.
·
Easy to do and great for bigger, healthier, happier
plants (plus, less waste in landfills!)
·
To learn how to start composting, watch this
great video by Sierra Club: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CompostingGreenTips&s_src=N11ZSEGO03&s_subsrc=Composting&gclid=CP6T3fi_0rYCFQzNnAodalQAQA
·
By using natural products (such as Natural
Guard), you will be preventing gallons of chemicals from polluting our water
ways.
9.
Know where to recycle your hazardous materials.
·
Here in Kansas City, go to: www.recyclespot.org. You can also call or go online to make an
appointment to drop off your hazardous materials year round at www.jced.jocogov.org or call
913-715-6900.
·
In you live outside of KC, check with your local
city or county website
10.
Donate or trade in your clothes and household
items.
·
Goodwill,
charities, and churches are always good options for where to take your gently
used items. Not only does this keep
waste out of our landfills but it helps those in need.
·
Here is KC, Habitat for Humanity offers an
excellent program called ReStore where you can shop or donate. Go to: www.ReStoreKC.org for more information.
·
Places like Best Buy will refurbish or properly
dispose of old electronics
11.
Mow and fill up your gas tank in the evening.
·
Since more ozone forms air pollution (VOCs and
NOx) when it’s hot and sunny out, doing these chores in the once the day cools
down helps reduce the pollution created.
·
Scary Fact: Using your lawn mower (3.5
horsepower) for 1 hour can create as much air pollution as a new car driving
340 miles! (from MARC Environmental Programs)
12.
Plant a
tree (or help sponsor one being planted)!
13.
Eat Local.
·
By eating locally not only are you supporting
your neighbors, state, and country, you are also greatly reducing all of the
pollution created by transporting your food to here. Added bonus:
food will be picked when it is ripe, giving it a more delicious flavor!
·
Enjoy your local Farmer’s market!
·
Take advantage of the Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA) Programs! These provide
you will local produce (and sometimes meats as well) each week. To find farms that participate all around the
country, go to: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
There are
obviously many more tips and ideas for how each of us can “go green” and
support this great planet we live on.
Even just making a few changes can have a big impact! So dive in and help create a better future
for all of us and generations to come!
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