I have always known that there are things that I can do to conserve natural resources. With three small children, it is not easy to look outside of my family’s health and needs to keep track of what the world
may require. Recently, though, I have begun to feel the weight of personal responsibility. I can’t open a magazine or look at my computer without finding an article about how to “Green” my home or my life. So call it inspiration, or just call it about time, but I have finally begun to compile a list of ways that I can contribute to the preservation of our earth.
1. Recycling is a tremendous way to reduce the amount of trash being sent to the landfills everyday. Many new, clean, usable products are “reborn” when items are recycled. Many communities have curbside recycling programs. For those communities that do not, there is usually a station somewhere in the area to which you can bring yours.
2. Conserve energy by unplugging things such as cell phone chargers, alarm clocks in guest bedrooms, and lamps in seldom-used rooms. Fill your dishwasher completely and only wash full loads of laundry. Train children to turn off lights when they leave the room.
3. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (cfl) can save up to $30 over the life of the bulb because they use 70 percent to 80 percent less energy. They cost more initially, but will easily pay for themselves over the next few years.
4. Reducing packaging is a tremendous way to have an impact on the amount of trash that is sent to the landfills. Juice boxes are convenient, but they are single-serving, disposable containers. Instead, buy a large bottle of juice and pour servings into washable, reusable cups or bottles. Water filters that can easily be installed on the kitchen faucet are a great way to cut back on the amount of water bottles used.
5. Hang your clothes outside on a simple line to dry. It will not only make your clothes, sheets, and towels smell fresh, but will also aid in saving money on your utility bill. Hang a line in your attic or basement for use in cold or inclement weather.
6. Keep some inexpensive, sturdy canvas bags in your vehicle will remind you to use them when shopping or running errands instead of accepting the plastic ones.
7. Paper plates are a very tempting way to serve lunch or dinner, but all of those plates usually just go straight in the trash. Buy some melamine plates or bowls for lightweight, casual dining. Consider purchasing some inexpensive cloth napkins to wash and reuse with each meal. Instead of reaching for a paper towel created by the chopping down of virgin forests, hang a dishtowel near the sink.