The 10 Easiest Ways to Help Save the Earth
1. Ditch the bottled water. In most areas, bottled water is nothing more than an advertising gimmick. Tap water must undergo inspection in most cities, and it is safe to use. This is why I highly recommend getting a few reusable water bottles and going back to drinking from the tap. Not only is it cheaper, but you are saving an astounding amount of plastic. Additionally, in order to manufacture the plastic bottles, petroleum must be used, as well as a substantial amount of water power. Reusable bottles are durable and also quite trendy. Check out http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com or http://www.camelbak.com for a few ideas.
2. Hit “no” when asked if you would like a receipt for your ATM or gas station transactions. Honestly, who uses those receipts in the age of the internet? All of my banking is done online and the receipts used to get shredded without me even glancing at them. By opting to never have the receipt printed in the first place, you will save trees.
3. Switch to paperless billing for your cell phone, credit card, or car payments. You’re saving trees, junk mail, and money! No more worrying if your checks will reach their destination in time; no more late-night runs to purchase stamps. How convenient!
4. Bring your own bags to the store. Invest a few dollars in some sturdy canvas bags and take them with you grocery shopping. This eliminates the hassle of having to toss half a dozen useless, flimsy plastic bags in your trunk. Ever have a plastic bag rip apart as you’re carrying your purchases into your home? Enough said. In order to produce those evil plastic bags, an incredible amount of water must be used. Plus they have a very short lifespan and are not biodegradable. Some people feel that carrying canvas bags will be “embarrassing”, and if you are one of those people, I beg of you, at least choose paper over plastic.
5. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth! What could be easier than that? I guess choosing to not brush your teeth at all, but that’s another story.
6. Consider buying whatever you can second-hand. Personally, I love thrift stores and garage sales. You never know what you will find there! Consider browsing the Salvation Army for furniture, appliances, and clothes. Your pocketbook and Mother Nature will deeply thank you.
7. Cancel your subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. Many publications are being offered online for free now. If not, chances are the local library will have a copy for you to borrow.
8. Switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps. Those in the know refer to those spiral shaped bulbs as CFLs. They have the potential to last 5 to 7 years, so contrary to popular belief, they are not expensive at all.
9. Refuse the doggy bag. No, I’m not implying that you eat your whole, mega-sized entrÃ?©e when dining out. Instead, bring your own containers! Gladware or Tupperware will work, keeping your food fresh.
Last but certainly not least…
10. Recycle whatever you can. Depending on your location, you may have curbside service provided by your garbage company. Here you can recycle aluminum, plastic, and paper. Stores like Staples allow you to bring in your old ink cartridges to be recycled and you will even receive a $3.00 off coupon for your effort! Check with the local Lions Club or even your eye doctor to see if you can donate your old eyeglasses. Groups like Girl Scouts or the YMCA may eagerly take donations of old magazines or art supplies.
Do what you can, and spread the word. Before you know it, your new green habits will feel natural (no pun intended).
