2010 should be the year for you to turn over a new green leaf and really listen to what other environmentalists are saying about greening your life.
I just talked to someone who says they don’t recycle because it costs too much money. I think my jaw fell to the floor. A few dollars extra a month is nothing compared to what it will cost you in health care expenses in addition to all the trash that is building up in that county. When I lived along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, I not only had to make weekly trips to drop off my recyclables, but also my trash because trash service was not available where we lived.
So where do you start turning your life green? Here are 7 ways you can live a greener life in 2010.
1. Start RECYCLING – I know that since I started recycling several years ago (I never really stopped, just recycled different items), my trash has decreased by 50%. I only carry out 1 bag of trash every week. I only have a family of 2, so if your family is bigger, then maybe you might have a little more.
2. Start a COMPOST – Reduce your weekly trash by another 25% by contributing your fruit and vegetable bits as well as yard trimmings to a compost bin either inside or outside. Americans throw away about 96 billion pounds of food every year, according to SolidWasteDistrict.com. You can also save these bits in a small bin on your countertop and take it to a community garden or other local farm that utilizes composting. Check out the types of compost bins available at CompostBins.com or build a compost yourself.
3. Buy a REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE – I asked for a stainless steel water bottle last year for Easter, then I bought 2 more for family members and have never regretted it. There are several types of reusable water bottles, but only a couple are really safe for you to reuse over and over. I believe stainless steel is the best kind, and if you find a double cylinder steel bottle it will keep your drinks colder longer. Although the same tips apply to reusable water bottles as disposable ones, such as don’t leave it in your car all day, do not freeze it and remember to wash it everyday. I use vinegar or baking soda and water to clean out my stainless steel water bottle.
4. Replace plastic grocery bags with REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS – I think almost every grocery store now offers a selection of reusable grocery bags whether they are made from recycled cotton, soda bottles or another recycled material. Over the course of a year, I bought 7 reusable shopping bags from Walmart, which are made from recycled 2 liter bottles. I also have 2 larger reusable from my local grocery store, which is about the same size as a paper grocery bag. I know a few stores who will even reimburse you a nickel for each reusable grocery bag you use. And many know that California has enforced many retailers to stop using plastic grocery bags. I think this act needs to be the law for the rest of the 49 states. You can put more items in a reusable grocery bag than its plastic counterpart thus leaving with less bags. There is no need to double bag anything nor wrap meat in a separate bag because many of these recycled grocery bags are either washable
5. Replace lightbulbs with CFL BULBS – I bought a 6 pack of Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs when I moved into my apartment 1 1/2 years ago and haven’t had to change 1 bulb yet (except for the one I accidentally broke). Every table lamp has an energy efficient CFL bulb that’s guaranteed to last 5 years (keep your receipt and the warranty in the same place). I’m sure my electricity bill is a few dollars less every month since I installed these CFLs. If you can’t afford to switch all your bulbs at once, then replace one or two at a time. There are CFL bulbs to replace traditional chandelier bulbs and indoor reflector bulbs (I still need to replace the 4 I have in my home). Home repair stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot carry a variety of CFLs as well as almost any other retail store. I suggest buying a 4 or 6 pack, and if you have extras share them with a friend or neighbor.
6. Replace paper napkins with REUSABLE CLOTH NAPKINS – I haven’t bought a package of paper napkins in nearly 2 years thus not contributing to the already millions of tons of paper waste in America. I can get an average of 3 -4 uses from a cloth napkin before I need to wash it. I know have several sets of cloth napkins in various styles, colors and sizes. You can even make your own napkins with material found at a thrift store.
7. UNPLUG unnecessary APPLIANCES – Even though it’s not turned on your computer, cell phone charger, microwave, coffee pot, crock pot and bedroom TV are generating electricity at your cost. If you’re not using it, unplug it or use a multi-outlet that has a switch. Why let “phantom energy” rob you every month. It may seem worthless, but I’m sure at the end of the month you’ll find it really made cents!
I found a really good site for saving more energy and Green Living Tips here. More ideas will be featured on this blog and on my Cleveland Examiner page in 2010.
What are you doing to be more green in 2010? I’d like to know, leave your ideas here!
