Happy Earth Day!
If you’re not ready to ditch your current lifestyle to move into the woods, live off the land, and become one with nature, here are 10 minor adjustments you can make to become more environmentally-friendly.
1. Recycle
When we throw things away, it goes out of sight and out of mind. In reality, it all goes to a giant pile somewhere to sit and release toxins into the air we breathe. Taking this simple step to separate your garbage makes a huge impact.
-> Things to recycle: plastic bottles and bags, glass, tin/aluminum cans, wire hangers, old electronics, cardboard boxes, newspapers/magazines, paper.
2. Change Light Bulbs
Switching from regular bulbs to fluorescent can decrease energy consumption by up to 75%, saving big bucks on your electric bill. They also last longer and produce less heat.
-> Things to switch to fluorescent: outdoor lighting, bathroom sconces, hall lights, bed side lamps, floor lamps, recessed ceiling lights, anything that takes a bulb.
3. Turn It Off
If it doesn’t need to be on, turn it off. About 2 gallons of water is wasted by leaving the water running while you brush your teeth. That’s 4 gallons per day! That’s 28 gallons per week!! That’s 112 gallons per month!!! That’s 1,344 gallons per year!!!! You get the idea.
-> Things to turn off: faucet when brushing teeth, lights/TV when leaving the room, heat/AC when not at home, unplug appliances/chargers when not in use.
4. Shorter Showers
Everyone loves a nice, long shower. But standing in the hot stream just because you don’t want to get out is actually costing you – and the planet – a lot more than you think.
-> Things to stop doing in the shower: shaving, contemplating life, doodling on the condensation, watching TV, performing for an invisible audience, bedroom activities, nothing.
5. Choose Electronic Receipts
Less paper = less waste. Whether you’re paying bills or attending a show, many vendors and even restaurants have added the convenience of e-receipts and mobile ticketing.
-> Things to get electronically: bills, bank statement, account balance, plane ticket, movie ticket, show ticket, restaurant receipt, any receipt.
6. Reusable Items
Do you get your morning coffee from Dunkin, Starbucks, or the local deli? What happens to all of those cups you’re throwing out every day? (See: #1 Recycle) Instead, bring a reusable container and they’ll be happy to fill it up for you. And if your break room has a coffee pot, bring in your own mug instead of using the provided styrofoam cups.
-> Things to reuse: coffee thermos/mug, water bottle (some have built-in filters!), plastic shopping bags, jars, donate-able clothing and shoes, shopping at thrift stores and garage sales.
7. EPA/Energy Star
When replacing older fixtures and appliances, choose EPA-rated or Energy Star ones that save water and energy. Many newer innovations do not sacrifice performance for efficiency – most actually perform better!
-> Things to replace with EPA/Energy Star: toilet, shower head, washing machine, dryer, dish washer, television, refrigerator, stove/oven, boiler/water heater, air conditioner, microwave.
8. Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal decreases the amount of organic waste that goes to the landfill (and to your garbage can). Consider getting one for your kitchen sink to eliminate the bad odors, make your home more hygienic, and save some space at the dump for non-organic items. Click here to see how a garbage disposal works.
-> Things to put in a garbage disposal: leftover or expired food, bread, vegetables and peels, meat, egg shells, and some can take bones and fruit pits (NO oil, grease, or non-food items!).
9. Eat Less Meat
We know, we know – we’re meat lovers, too. Aside from the health risks, eating too much meat is actually bad for the environment. For example, it takes about 2,500 gallons of water to make just one pound of ground beef. Consider going meatless a few days a week. Your body, and Mother Earth, will thank you.
-> Things to eat instead of meat: egg whites, veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds, pasta, salad, pasta salad, protein shakes, tofu.
10. Buy Experiences, Not Things
It’s your friend’s birthday and you don’t know what to get them. The gift you got them last year just sits on a shelf, collecting dust. Buy them an experience! Take them out to dinner or to a show (with electronic tickets, of course). The memory will mean more than something material.
-> Things you can buy instead of things: meals, concerts, shows, trips, vacations, museum visits, zoo visits, spa treatments.
