Simple Ways to Help the Environment

Pleading ignorance, claiming too little time, or pointing the finger at others is not going to solve environmental problems (or any problems for that matter). Instead, empower yourself by educating, teaching, and just plain doing! Below are three simple steps to improve the environment.

Let’s talk lawnmowers. Do you use a motorized lawnmower for your average-sized lawn when you could be using a manual push mower? Don’t worry; a superhero-like physique isn’t necessary for pushing today’s manual push mowers. Improvements in their design make usage easy. Here are four reasons to switch to a manual push mower:

� Starting a manual push mower is as simple as walking.

âÂ?¢ It’s not difficult to push. Erase those memories of using mom and dad’s old-fashioned mower. Manufacturers today have redesigned manual push mowers to make them more user-friendly. If you can push a stroller, then you can push a manual mower.

� There is no messy oil and gasoline to deal with.

âÂ?¢ No harmful noise pollution. Grass cutting can be done whenever it’s needed without disturbing neighbors.

Next, let’s talk recycling. Are you aware of your city’s recycling criteria? Some cities accept books and butter tubs while others don’t have the capabilities. Most people know that glass jars and plastic milk jugs are recyclable. What may be lesser known is that cereal boxes (nix the liners) and toilet paper rolls can both be recycled. If the toilet paper rolls have you giggling, just think about a year’s worth of them in a landfill. Yikes! Contact your city’s recycling plant for a brochure on what materials they accept. Set up a method of recycling that works for you. For instance, placing a bin in the kitchen near the sink makes it easy to toss in your recyclables.

The third step involves changing the way you clean. Some commercial cleaning products on the market can compromise health with harsh odors and chemicals. There are alternatives; eco-friendly commercial cleansers are becoming more commonplace in supermarket chains. A good cleanser doesn’t have to be a brand name. Say good-bye to stubborn stains with baking soda; it works wonders on hardened grime and grease. Baking soda is also useful for deodorizing and extinguishing grease fires. You can even use it as an underarm deodorant or as toothpaste.

Vinegar effectively kills bacteria. A mild acid, vinegar can be used to dissolve grease, remove mildew, and deodorize. Leaving a small bowl of vinegar in the kitchen after cooking fish will rid your house of that unwanted smell. Vinegar is also an ingredient in several natural carpet cleaning recipes. For windows with streak-free shine, try vinegar instead of those expensive name brand glass cleaners.

Helping the environment is easy, inexpensive, and beneficial for you and your loved ones. Cheers to a healthier tomorrow.