10 Easy Tips to Lead a Greener Life Today!
Here are a bunch of little changes I have made in the last 4 years that I think don’t take much, if any, extra effort and can make a difference in my effect on the environment.
1. Use bar soap instead of pump soap
One day it hit me how much waste I was creating by using soap in pump containers. Even though I used the large refill bottles I was still wasting an incredible amount per year. So I switched back to bar soap which usually comes in cardboard boxes that can be recycled
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2. Wrap presents in brown paper
Brown paper can be recycled but regular wrapping paper can’t. Buy bright ribbons and bows that you can re-use to liven up the packaging.
3. Environmentally friendly cleaning products
Use vinegar & water instead of windex, hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach and baking soda as an abrasive for tougher jobs. Of course there are tons of products available to purchase as well but these are some green & cheap options.
4. Dry clothes on clothesline
If you are able this a great way to really reduce your footprint in the warmer months. Bonus: the clothes smell amazing!
5. Avoid all one-use products
My pet peeve is all of the horrible one-use items out there. Everything from swiffer wipes/mops to one-time facial cleansing pads to those awful toilet bowl cleaner things that your flush down after one use.
6. Hankies instead of tissues
This is kind of related to one-use items. I recently brought back the hankie and I am loving it. I have crazy allergies and I always feel a bit bad about throwing away all those tissues. Now I just have a bunch of hankies that I cycle through and after a couple washes they become soooo soft on the nose.
7. Sharing magazines with friends
Instead of buying a bunch of magazines each why don’t you co-ordinate with friends who buy magazines as well. You each agree to purchase one and then share. Better for the wallet and the environment!
8. Bring tupperware containers for take-out
Okay not everyone will be into this one but I swear I feel so much better getting take out when I bring it home in my own packaging and avoid all that unnecessary waste. Just be sure to let the place you are going to know that you after a while it becomes normal.
9. Tupperware for sandwiches/lunch stuff instead of plastic bags
Nothing much to say here. The benefit is quite obvious I think.
10. Rags instead of paper towels
I bought a huge box of rags for cleaning and wiping up spills so I never run out and it saves money and waste from the millions and millions of paper towels I would be throwing out if I didn’t have them.
~Laura
Labels: environmentally friendly, environmentally responsible, green, Reduce carbon footprint, tips
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