GREEN AMERICA
Twenty eco-friendly steps to take today.
The EPA recommends that solid waste be dealt with in the following order: 1. Waste prevention 2. Recycling 3. Disposal (last resort). The age of consumer excess must come to an end if we are to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Reduce, reuse, recycle and simplify have not been a part of the average American’s lifestyle in the past. As resources become scarce, and the environment becomes more fragile, Americans are going to have to start getting into eco-friendly habits.
Unfortunately, for many Americans, disposal is the first option. Many have the best intentions of going green, but inevitably fall right back into old patterns. The key to green is to not change your whole way of life at once. Ease into sustainability and make one green change each month. Going green is best achieved when you take baby steps towards making significant eco-conscious efforts in your life. It’s about smart, informed decisions about the products you buy and reducing the impact you and your family have on the environment.
Next time it seems easier to throw that bottle in the trash instead of recycling it, think about this: 1 recycled tin can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours; 1 recycled glass bottle saves enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes. It can take a little more time and thought to live sustainable, but the future of our planet depends on us working as one. Watch this video to find out what consumers need to know. It shows that what we purchase and waste, has a direct impact on the world and the environment. http://www.faircompanies.com/main.aspx?uc=multidet&id=159
Tips on going green.
1. Recycle bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboards, aluminum, glass, electronics, plastics and packaging.
2. Buy in bulk! Most local co-ops and health food stores carry bulk items. You will be surprised at how much food you can buy in bulk. Packaging is one of the main costs for food items, so not only is it more earth-friendly to buy in bulk, but it saves the consumer money. It also saves gas and time, especially if you have to bring items to the recycling center.
3. Don’t buy bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but plastic generates large amounts of waste. Get a good water filter to purify your tap water.
4. Go to your local library instead of buying books and movies. It saves money, paper and ink.
5. Invest in high-quality, long-lasting, earth-friendly products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste).
6. Many co-ops and health food stores carry bulk shampoos, conditioners, lotions, oils and detergents. They are usually good quality and free of chemicals. All you have to do is bring your own bottles.
7. Make your own cleaning products. They are nontoxic, cut down on waste and save your pocket book. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap.
8. Buy only as much as you can use.
9. If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat is salty, and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental costs of mass-produced meat.
10. Buy local and organic. It supports your community and saves on transportation costs.
11. Americans consume one third of the world’s annual paper production. It is imperative that each of us do our part to consume as little paper as possible in our daily lives. When working on the computer, edit as much as possible before printing. Make double-sided copies and use the computer to e-mail documents.
12. Use wax paper whenever possible; it can be composted and plastic can’t. Composting is a great way to reduce waste production and is beneficial for the soil if you grow your own food.
13. Use cloth whenever possible. Paper towels and napkins aren't good for the environment.
14. Use glass containers, cups and cookware.
15. Paper or plastic at the grocery store? Neither! Bring your own bags. Get into the habit of putting them back in your trunk when you are finished putting groceries away.
16. Don't buy disposable batteries, they are not eco-friendly. Buy a charger and rechargeable batteries. They are much cheaper, and it takes 50 times the energy contained within batteries to make them.
17. Buy fruits and veggies loose from a local market rather than packaged from supermarkets. This can be cheaper, saves packaging, and the produce is more likely to be locally grown.
18. Use energy efficient lightbulbs; they can last eight times longer.
19. Old clothes can be shredded and rewoven. If they're in good condition, make sure you donate to charity shops in your community.
20. Keep your cell phones, computers and electronics as long as you can. When you are done, recycle them responsibly, E-waste contains mercury and other toxins, which are a growing environmental problem.
Other Trusted Sources:
evo.com
regeneration.org
gogreeninitiative.org
