Many people have the desire to become more environmentally conscious, but they worry about the cost of “greening” their lives. However, there are many things that you can begin to do TODAY without any out-of-pocket costs. The concept of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is common place in today’s society and many people are already participating in some sort of recycling efforts. What most people do not know is that there are costs involved to turn all that recycling into something else, whether it be a notepad made from recycled paper or a bag made from recycled CapriSun pouches. The costs include not only monetary costs, but the recycling plants also use energy to transform that recycled waste. Below are 5 easy steps that you can do for FREE.
- Find innovative ways to reuse products in your home. For example, plastic bags, which can take more than 1000 years to deteriorate in a landfill, have many purposes. Some every day common uses include taking them with you to the store and reusing them for their original purpose – to transport your groceries or other purchases back home. Plastic bags can also be used as padding for shipping packages. I often use them in my packages and include a little note asking the receiver to reuse them for their own packaging needs. And of course, many stores now provide receptacles where you can return your plastic bags and they will send them for recycling. The center rolls of toilet paper and paper towels can provide endless art projects and hours of enjoyment for creative kids. Two toilet paper roll holders tied together make fun faux-binoculars for curious little ones.
- Reduce your consumption of products by purchasing larger items and breaking them down into smaller packages. This idea can, in fact, save you money. For example, instead of buying individual yogurt cups, buy the larger, 32-ounce containers. The cost per serving of the larger container is much less than the cost per serving of the individual cups. In fact, you can purchase the organic variety of the larger container with the money you are saving and still end up spending less per serving.
- Bring back the time-honored tradition of “hand-me-downs.” Once upon a time, there was a tradition in all lands far and near. It was a simple tradition, but one that most people followed without thought. What is this tradition that was simple, free and avoided massive consumerism? Why, it was the simple idea of giving the things that you no longer wore, used or needed to those that could wear, use or need them. Find a family in need – or even someone in your own extended family – and give them those things that you no longer use. Clothing that your child has outgrown? Pass it along. That vase that you store in the way back of the closet because you can’t stand the sight of it? Well, surely someone will find it to be a beautiful addition to their home. Simply passing things on reduces our consumption of new items. And others will find use for your castoffs! As the saying goes, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Embrace this!
- Reduce (maybe even eliminate) all that (JUNK) mail. Most of us receive two types of mail: mail me want or need, and junk mail. Reducing the junk mail in your mailbox is an easy fix. You can reduce those credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). When calling, have your social security number, name and addresses for the previous two years ready. You can also reduce the amount of national direct mailing you receive through the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service. You can fill out the form on at the Mail Preference Service website to opt out of various forms of direct mail. Though not free, the fee to submit online is $5 or you can print the form and register for $1. In just a few simple steps, you can also reduce the amount of “necessary” mail. Request to receive your statements and bills, such as bank statements, credit card statements, and retirement fund statements, online or via email. Read newspapers and magazines online. Most banks offer to let you pay your bills online for no extra fee. These are just a few examples of what you can do to reduce your paper mail.
- Recycle, recycle, recycle. Most cities and towns now offer some sort of recycling program, whether it be curbside pickup or recycling stations at the local dump. Recycling your excess paper is one of the easiest types of recycling. When you are done with your newspaper, magazines, envelopes, toilet and paper rolls (see number 1 above about reusing these items), boxes and printouts, throw them in the recycling bin…not the trash can. Wash out plastic and glass containers and recycle them as well. Many cities are now allowing all types of recycling to be combined in what is called “Single Stream Recycling,” so you don’t even have to sort it! One of the most dangerous items that are being thrown into landfills are items that can be “E-cycled.” These include old stereos, televisions, computers, cell phones, and even batteries. If not properly disposed, these items can leach harmful chemicals into landfills and even contaminate the soil and groundwater. Most dumps now have e-cycling programs. Learn more about e-cycling and programs in your area at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation Challenge website. And of course, if your electronics are still in good, working condition, consider donating them to goodwill (and get a tax deduction!) or an agency in your area such as a retirement home, youth centers or shelters.
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your waste, reuse your existing items and recycle your waste that cannot be reused. These 5 easy steps are just the beginning! In the spirit of Earth Week, take on a new “going green” challenge and start your own green journey with even just one of these ideas!
What steps are you taking to “go green?” I’d love to hear about your ideas and accomplishments. Tell me about your journey in the comments!
