| Green Tip: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle By: Gesina Phillips Living “green” has become the newest initiative across America, showing up in all areas of life. For the most part, the trend is focused on reducing the production of trash and other waste. This goal can be achieved if people devote themselves to three simple ideas: reducing the amount of trash they throw away, reusing everything they can and making sure to recycle. Creating less trash is the first step toward living eco-friendly. Much of the refuse that ends up in landfills and dumps is avoidable. If people change the way they look at trash, we can reduce the amount that ends up polluting the earth. For example, when you buy something, consider the packaging. Does that fast food meal come in a Styrofoam container? A better choice would be something that creates less waste,or at least is packaged in less harmful materials. Small choices such as this can help to reduce your contribution to the harmful amount of trash that exists on our planet. Along the same lines as reducing, there is the concept of reusing. Many items can be repurposed rather than simply becoming an addition to a landfill. Plastic shopping bags and other containers can be used multiple times, for more than just groceries. When something breaks, attempt to fix it if possible before throwing it away. Clothes that no longer fit or languish in your closet can be donated to your local Goodwill or thrift shop; that way, they can find new homes rather than taking up space at the dump. Above all, be creative! Many everyday objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a little effort. Reusable products have become another handy way of reducing waste. Instead of taking home even more plastic bags when you go out, bring along some old ones or invest in more durable, reusable shopping bags. For the fashion-minded, these bags can be as simple or as trendy as you like, ranging from basic fabric to patterned canvas. Reusable water bottles are another popular “green” trend, as well as a welcome alternative to cases of (recyclable!) plastic-bottled water. Due to concerns about harmful chemicals in some reusable plastic water bottles, be careful to choose those that are marked as “BPA free,” or go with the aluminum or steel options available instead. Recycling is such a simple solution to waste reduction, as it often requires very little extra effort. Many towns participate in curbside pick-up of recyclables and some schools offer recycle bins for plastic, cans, glass and paper. If you have access to either of the above options, use them! Throwing that soda can in the appropriate bin for recycling rather than in the trash can is a decision that not only takes no personal sacrifice, but is good for the entire planet. When recycling at home, make sure that you know your town’s rules about separating recyclables. Plastic shopping bags are a special case, but they can often be returned to supermarkets for recycling. If possible, buying products made from recycled materials is another method of supporting the environment. It is easier than most people think to live an eco-friendly life. Paying attention to what you buy and how you dispose of it can benefit the environment and make the world a livable place in the future. |
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