1. Become a master recycler
…………………………………………………Along with decreasing the waste sent to landfills, recycling saves natural resources such as rare metals, oil and water that are required to make new items from scratch, saves energy and reduces greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere.
……………………………………………….If you’re not sure what products or materials are recyclable, (many people believe takeaway coffee cups aren’t recyclable when they usually are, and think paper towels are recyclable, when they’re usually not) be sure to spend 10 minutes reading up on what items are recyclable, and learn which plastics are most easily recycled.
However, not every city recycles the same materials, so you may need to check contact your local recycling facility to find out what’s available in your area….
2. Stop flushing wet wipes
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Unfortunately, a huge oversight in packaging laws means companies can advertise their wet wipes as being ‘flushable’ simply because they will disappear when flushed, without taking into account the long-term repercussions of the product on plumbing systems.
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In short, wet wipes should not be flushed under any circumstances. If you must use, put it in the bin.
3. Switch banks
Unknown to many, your environmental and social impact is largely dependent to your choice of bank, as many banks invest in questionable environmental practices such as fossil fuel projects.
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4. Switch energy providers
Similarly, your choice of energy provider plays a major role in what industries receive funding.
To learn what Green Power providers are available in your state, visit the Green Power Network page from the U.S. Department of Energy.
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5. Start composting
Organic material sent to landfill undergoes anaerobic decomposition, generating the potent greenhouse gas, methane.
……………………………………………….A simple solution to this problem is to establish a home composting system….
You can find out how to set up a compost bin here.
Once you’re bin is full and the contents have decomposed, you can use the soil for gardening or if you don’t have a garden, pass it on to someone who does.
6. Stop buying one-use items
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Ditch plastic water bottles, buy a reusable cup for takeaway coffee, use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags, refuse plastic bags, and swap paper napkins for cloth.
7. Dispose of e-waste correctly
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According to recycling program Mobile Muster, computer and television waste is growing three times faster than any other type of waste.
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To find out where to recycle your electronic goods (these can’t be placed in your curbside bin), check out this page from the Electronics Takeback Coalition.
8. Watch this TED talk
If you’ve already mastered the above points, try taking it up a notch with a “zero waste lifestyle”.
New Yorker Lauren Singer is one of the movement’s advocates, promoting a lifestyle that’s completely rubbish free. That means no food scraps, no receipts, no produce bags, no toothpaste packaging – nothing.
Singer talks about her lifestyle in this TEDxTeen talk, ‘Why I live a zero waste life.’
Check out the full article at Domain.com…
