Make a resolution to make a few simple changes and you'll be off to a great green year.
1. Reusable shopping bags
Approximately 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year. There are so many great options available today that there is no good excuse for using paper or plastic. Remember that recycling is only half the battle. Some great bags are available here:
Ecoist
Going Green
Olive Smart
2. Help your co-workers recycle
If your office doesn't offer recycling, why not put a bin by your cube and take recyclables home? A co-worker might think twice about chunking that soda can if they are faced with an alternative. Most people don't recycle because it isn't convenient for them at the time. (warning: this could turn into a big job!)
3. Turn the light off. It's simple. Just do it.
4. Try using eco-friendly cleaners
There are tons of options out there including the ones your grandmother always told you about: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda. If you aren't into mixing up your own, the folks at Low Impact Living have some great options.
5. Clean out your closet
Making a donation of items you don't use or need gives them the opportunity to be used by someone else, which will keep that person from buying a new item, which means fewer items need to be manufactured! Think of it as top level recycling.
Go get started! Check out our sidebar for other sites that will help you go green. And if you have another easy tip for going green, please share it with everyone in the comments :)
7 comments:
Great list! We do many of these at home. Spread the word. I also run a small cleaning service, and i use only non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products. I think every little bit helps. Great, great post.
Good list! I'm working on not using anything disposable like forks, plates, napkins, etc. Not using paper towels is hard because I'm not sure how else to clean up dog puke. And what about dog poop? I hate using plastic bags, but the alternative is ewwww. Maybe I need to work on potty training?
Great tips! Especially about gently encouraging coworkers to recycle..
I've gone so far as to remove garbage bins and replace them with recycling ones ;)
Kelly - I clean up dog puke with a towel designated for my doggies. My newfie barfs up water and drools everywhere. Dog designated towels work. I wash them only when I have to and let them air dry outside.
thanks for the suggestions, I bought eco light bulbs for my home too.
Always great to remember we can all do our part! We do many of these already but hope to do even more :)
This is a great post!!
There are a lot of ways to go green in the new year.
I started cleaning only with baking soda and vinegar.
fabulous ideas!
:-)
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