Happy New Year to all of you!
A new year is a time for recommitting to cherished goals,
such as incorporating more earth-friendly practices into your life. Here are
some quick and easy tips for getting started on a greener path in 2014!
Turn down
your thermostat. Using less energy reduces both carbon emissions and your
energy bill. Just turn it down in the winter and put on more clothing. In the
summer keep your AC unit on a temperature you can withstand without completely
over-heating.
Reusable
Bags. Some stores take a certain amount off your bill for each
reusable bag you bring, e.g. CVS, Whole Foods, Target. Depending on where you
live, bringing a bag can also save you money because some places, like
Washington, DC, charge you for plastic bags in order to reduce plastic bag
consumption.
Recycle
household items. There are many things that we purchase that have multiple
uses way beyond their original purpose. Save plastic containers and reuse them
instead of buying plastic storage ware. In addition, research food products
that can be used as components for other things, e.g. beauty products, toiletries,
household cleaners, and more.
Recycle. Most
neighborhoods make it part of the trash fee anyway, so recycling doesn’t have
to cost any additional money. Even if you live somewhere where a recycling company
does not normally visit, ask local stores if you can use their recycle
dumpsters.
Start
Composting. Use food scraps, coffee grounds, paper towels, grass clippings
and leaves to start a compost heap. It is easy, cuts down on trash and can
provide enough nutrients to your garden so you don’t have to buy fertilizer or
topsoil.
Install a
rain barrel. Sometimes there are programs that give out free rain barrels
that are easy to install, which can reduce your storm water runoff. Large
amounts of contaminants from air pollution accumulate on your roof and then
wash down during a rainstorm. With rain barrels, you can help clean local
watersheds and the water collected can be used to water your plants, saving
money on the water bill.
Buy a
reusable BPA-free water bottle. Buying bottled water can add up in
costs and contribute to plastic consumption and waste. Most of the time bottled
water is not much better than the water that comes out of your faucet.
Switch to Energy
Star Appliances. If it is time to get a new appliance, buy one that is
Energy Star certified. This can save you energy costs in the long run.
Don’t
overload your car. Keeping heavy items in your car can add weight, using
more gas, causing more wear and tear on your engine and reducing its efficiency.
