Living Green, One Tip at a Time - (a weekly feature)

# 4 Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

Part 1 - Reduce (...con't from  March 12  )

As much as possible, create a tree-free home:

-       replace paper napkins with cloth napkins

-       replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels or cut up old t-shirts for great towels and just wash and reuse

-       purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum)

-       if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)

-       reuse envelopes, wrapping paper, the front of gift cards (as postcards) and other paper materials you receive wherever possible

-       read books, magazines, and newspapers from your local library

-       create and use note pads from once-used paper

-       leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board

-       make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper

-       if you will be doing construction on your house, search out alternatives to using newly cut wood 

Bulk Purchases: Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products. For additional ideas, read this Precycling information page.

Buy Only What You Need: Buy only as much as you know you'll use for items such as food, cleaning supplies, and paint. 

Avoid Creating Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!

Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. Learn about the dangers of plastic bags and what countries around world are doing about it

Junk Mail: For ideas on how to reduce junk mail, check out:  

-       Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls

-       Opt-Out  

Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for take out beverages

Waste-Free Lunches: Pack a Waste-Free Lunch whenever possible. 

Encourage Hotels to Reduce Waste: When staying at a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast let the management know that you like to support businesses that adopt environmentally responsible practices (including reducing waste) and/or visit Green Hotels Association

The information contained in this post was obtained, with permission, from the following site -

http://www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm#reduce

Monica