Easy Tips to Help You Reduce, Recycle, Reuse
Americans dispose of more than 700 billion pounds of paper, glass, plastic, wood, food, metal, clothing, electronics and other refuse annually.
The problem of managing mountains of waste may seem overwhelming, but experts note there are easy ways for consumers to make a difference every day.
“Old habits might die hard, like forgetting to recycle a soda can or newspaper, but the good news is, there are many simple ways to cut down on waste, from buying concentrated household products to buying in bulk,” says environmental expert Kim Carlson.
Carlson offers the following tips to help consumers reduce, recycle and reuse waste:
* Keep it loose. Buy screwdrivers, nails and other hardware items in loose bins. At the grocery store, choose produce that is not in prepackaged containers.
* Bring your own bag. Reuse bags and containers. Keep a supply of bags on hand for future shopping trips, or take your own canvas tote bag to the grocery store.
* Consider concentrated detergent. Concentrated products often require less packaging, resulting in less energy to transport to the store and less plastic to recycle. All small & mighty is a new concentrated laundry detergent (one 32-ounce bottle cleans as many loads as the regular 100-ounce bottle). In addition to less packaging, the formula contains 74 percent less water than regular detergent.
* Choose to reuse. Reach for reusable products such as cloth napkins, sponges or dishcloths instead of paper towels.
* Recharge and renew. Use rechargeable batteries and recycle old batteries to help reduce garbage and keep toxic metals out of the environment.
* Buy smart. Look for long-lasting, energy-saving appliances with the Energy Star label and electronic equipment with good warranties.
* Get crafty. Reuse scrap paper and envelopes. Save and reuse ribbons, tissue paper, gift boxes and even wrapping paper. Save cardboard boxes, colored paper, egg cartons and other items for arts and crafts projects.
* Think thrifty. Donate clothing to charity organizations or sell the items in consignment shops, fairs, bazaars or tag sales. Also, share hand-me-down clothes with family members and neighbors. – NU
Tips on Becoming an Earth-Friendly Consumer
April is Earth Month, a time for people to stop and think about how they can do their part to help the environment.
According to Environmental Defense, a leading nonprofit organization committed to protecting the environment, the United States is ranked the No. 1 global warming polluter. What can you do to help change that? Here are some small steps that you can take every day toward becoming a more conscious consumer:
* Buy in bulk. It’s cheaper in the long run, and you buy more of the product and less of the packaging.
* Look at the businesses you buy from. Does your coffee shop recycle? Does your rental car agency have hybrids? Businesses take note of consumers’ questions; your inquiry could be the one to tip the scale and make a change.
* Make an appointment for the Earth. At participating Aveda salons, a minimum of $1 will be directed to Aveda’s Earth Month partners when customers make appointments for a haircut, style, massage or facial.
* Support your local farmers. Farmers’ markets are where some of the healthiest and freshest food can be found. By supporting farmers in your own community, you’re doing your own body good and cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions of food transportation.
* Recycle! Plastic comes from crude oil and paper comes from trees. By recycling just these two items in your household, you’re helping to save two of the Earth’s valuable resources and reducing your home’s carbon dioxide emissions.
* Pay your bills online. It saves stamps, paper, fuel for mail transport and ultimately saves you money.
* Purchase thoughtful gifts. Aveda’s limited edition Light the Way candle, for example, is made with certified organic rose geranium and helps support organic farms in South Africa. All proceeds from the candle will go to organizations working to save threatened and endangered species.
* Think “eco-fashion.” A number of designers are now using clothing materials that go beyond organic cotton, such as biodegradable fabrics and fibers made of recycled plastics.
* Spread the word. If you find a “green” product or company that you like, tell your friends. Consumers can use their collective purchasing power to spearhead change.
