Think Green - Buy Wisely
Some garbage pick up companies across the United States actually charge based on the amount of garbage they pick up from any given location. The more garbage you create, the more you have to pay to have it picked up and brought to the landfill. Even if you don’t live in one of these areas, every person in the US creates an average of 4.4 pounds of waste per day. The majority of this waste either ends up in landfills or is incinerated, creating drastic and growing environmental concerns. Being more cautious about the items that you purchase will end up saving you some big bucks each year, plus you’ll have a clear conscience knowing that you’re helping to create a greener, cleaner planet.
In the US, 50% of the manufactured paper, 8% of the steel, 75% of the glass, 40% of the aluminum and 30% of the plastics are used only for the packaging and decoration of other consumer products. When you’re shopping, purchase items that you use often in bulk. Not only are you helping the environment by cutting down on packaging, but you’re also saving money. If you’re choosing between two products in the store that cost the same, choose the one with the least amount of excess packaging.
Let’s face it, if you don’t have a dishwasher, paper plates and plastic utensils are a god-send. But one use items are just not that great of an idea for the environment. Buck up and do the dishes. If this is a major issue for you, something that you just can’t stand to do, make sure you search for an apartment that has dishwashers in the unit. Environmentally speaking, a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.
Instead of stopping by the coffee shop every morning, make coffee before you leave for work or school and bring it with you in a thermos.
When you do purchase coffee, use a metal spoon instead of a disposable stir stick.
Use soy candles instead of regular petroleum based wax candles. Soy candles last longer, spills can be cleaned easier and more of the wax evaporates into the air. If the wick burns down and there is leftover wax, place it into a piece of netting and tie the ends. You can toss this into your car during the summer, the heat will cause the soy to evaporate and pleasantly scent your vehicle with no mess.
Avoid using sticky notes and use a chalkboard or whiteboard instead.
Instead of using paper lunch bags, purchase a lunchbox or insulated lunch bag.
Use a fabric carry all when you go to the mall and when you purchase something tell the cashier that you don’t need a bag. Don’t hesitate to tell them that you don’t need your new pair of jeans wrapped up in tissue paper either.
| 
Email this Article
Print this Article
