Think Green – What can we do to help?
If you’re big on keeping hydrated, try a filter system on your tap. Be careful to change the filters regularly as bacteria and other contaminants can build up. These filters can be purchased in most major retail chain stores, for personal consumption use. If you have the desire to filter a larger amount of water, several companies exist that can install a filtration unit under your sink that attaches directly to your pipes. Many home delivery bottled water companies offer 3 or 5 gallon bottles for use with dispensers. These larger bottles are sanitized and reused by the delivery companies.
If you do purchase beverages in plastic bottles, check the bottom of the bottle for the recycling code. Many municipalities now will accept certain types of plastic for recycling, check with your city to see if they will.
Purchase more durable water bottles available at most sports equipment stores and fill your bottle from the dispenser or filter system to take with you.
Recycling Aluminum Cans
Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy used to make the material in the first place. This means that 20 recycled cans can be made with the same energy it takes to make a brand new one.
Collect your aluminum pop cans in recycling containers and if your building does not have a recycling program, speak to your landlord about starting one.
Each year, the US throws away enough aluminum to completely rebuild the American commercial airline fleet and enough steel to completely rebuild the cities of Chicago and New York.
Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for 3 hours.
Making cans from recycled aluminum versus raw materials, cuts air pollution by 95%.
Water Conservation and Things to Do to Stop Water Pollution
A standard showerhead uses 2.2 gallons of water per minute; almost all home improvement stores carry water saving faucets and showerheads. Not only will you be conserving water, but since you’ll be using less of it, your water bill will also be reduced. These water flow control devices are relatively inexpensive.
If you have a leaky faucet, call your landlord immediately. Even if water is included in the cost of your rent, higher utility bills will in turn cause your building management to increase rent to pay for it.
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