Just because you haven’t recycled in the past doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start now! These quick tips are easy and pain free, and benefit the planet and your wallet at the same dang time.
1. Think before you bee-line for the trash can.
Sometimes it is just easier to throw something away than to meander around, looking for a container that maybe looks like it could be recycling, but it is only another trash can. It can be even easier to pretend like your tiny landfill contribution won’t send the earth plummeting into despair, but before you let go of that paper plate or toss that aluminum soda can, think first. Deep down you know that little piece of trash that could be recycled is a snowflake adding to the avalanche that will eventually destroy the earth if we don’t start to consciously save what we have, reuse what we can and recycle what we don’t need anymore. Before you give up that search for the recycling bin, ask whoever runs the place; most households and public establishments have the option to recycle nowadays.
2. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
I mean, you don’t really need that water running while you practice dental hygiene, do you? You will probably even reduce your water bill by doing this, especially if you apply it to washing dishes in the kitchen or watering your lawn or garden.
3. More showers, less baths.
After a long day, we can probably all agree that a warm bubble bath is the only cure. I’m not saying to never take a bath again as long as you live, just reduce the amount of times you choose the tub over a shower. After all, baths can take up to twice as much water as a shower. And even better, this is another way to cut down your water bill.
4. Turn the lights off in empty rooms.
It’s just something you ought to do anyway. I’m sure the inanimate objects in your bedroom aren’t afraid of the dark, and you won’t run up your electric bill.
5. Invest in a reusable water bottle.
Buying flimsy plastic water bottles can be convenient in certain situations, but buying a durable water bottle is cheaper and more sustainable in the long run. Those cheap plastic bottles will decompose eventually… after you have lived a full life, and your children, and their children, and their children… that’s right, it takes them about 450 years to decompose, and soda cans can take even longer.
6. Take your own reusable bags to the grocery store.
Just like it pays off to buy a reusable water bottle, using paper bags or reusable sacks makes a huge difference. Take a minute to think about how often you or your family goes to the grocery store and how many bags you get. Then multiply that by every family in the world (a number so large that you can hardly fathom it) and then cry because that is a lot of plastic bags littering the beautiful planet that we live on. Okay, now wipe your tears and get yourself a reusable grocery bag.
7. Use cruise control.
You know it, your parents know it, I know it…we all know, gas prices just aren’t what they used to be. You can actually increase the gas mileage of your car by up to 15% if you use your cruise control more often.
8. Use matches instead of lighters.
Lighters are made almost entirely of wasteful materials. Using cardboard matches is much more healthy for the earth, and you can still easily light that candle you have hidden in your dorm room even though you aren’t supposed to. (Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us.)
9. Dry your clothes on a clothesline instead of a dryer.
Not only will you save money on electricity, but your clothes will maintain color and fit, and may even last longer.
If you already do all of these things and are looking for new ways to live a sustainable lifestyle (or this list made you realize how much you should start reusing, reducing and recycling), check out 50waystohelp.com!