The U.S. is the top producer of solid waste in the world. We produce about 251 millions of tons of garbage every day. The majority of our trash ends up in landfills, burned out, or in the ocean. Either way, waste not correctly managed can end up harming the environment and polluting our air and water resources.
We all can lower our carbon footprint by reducing the amount of trash we produce each day. We all can reduce the environmental impact by practicing the 5 R’s at our homes and work:
Refuse
Refuse any product that can harm you, your family or the environment. You have the power to tell companies what products you don’t want with your dollar power. Be a conscious consumer every time you make a purchase; think twice, do I need this?
Refuse unnecessary packaging when purchasing something, refuse to use plastic bags. Set your accounts online paperless to receive notifications via email, print when is only necessary two-sided at your office. There is always something you can do to reduce waste at home and work.
Reduce
Reduce the amount of plastic you use daily; reduce plastic bags while shopping and use your reusable grocery bags instead. Refuse the use of plastic straws in your beverages; plastic straws end in the ocean and cause harm to the animals, watch this video Turtle with a Straw.
You can use reusable bags for fruits, vegetables, and grains instead. At home, we purchase our grains in bulk and then place them in glass containers. I usually buy fruits with thick peel like bananas, lemons, oranges, cantaloupe alone without bags, and always carry a reusable bag with me.
Reuse
Reuse something you already have, instead of buying something new. Buy less stuff, check my other blog about Confessions of a Digital Marketer and Minimalist to learn more. Reuse single-use items with reusable ones, like your glass bottle water and your favorite coffee mug every day.
When we moved to our new home, instead of using cardboard, we rented plastic boxes at Lend a Box. An eco-friendly company that lends you reusable boxes and delivers and pick them at your home. You don’t need to worry about finding boxes to move or generate more garbage. These boxes are reusable, and you can borrow them at an affordable price.
Repurpose
If you get plastic bags because you didn’t have your reusable bags with you, use those bags for the kitchen or the bathrooms. Never throw out an empty plastic bag, at least, use it for something else, repurpose it.
Stop purchasing disposable products such as plastic plates and cups. Replace them with more sustainable alternatives, say yes to reusables. Check out this creative blog to learn about 30 creative ways to repurpose old stuff.
Recycle
Recycling is a great way to see all that you toss and a chance to rethink your future purchases. Separate your garbage between glass, cans, carton, and plastic. If you don’t have a recycling system where you live, ask the condominium or landlord to implement it.
When you recycle you are helping conserve our natural resources, your are preventing pollution, saving energy and creating jobs. Check this website I want to be recycled to learn how to recycle and more recycling tips.
Did you like this post? If you did, post your comments below and let us know what are you doing to help conserve our planet.
Be healthy, be happy, be the change!
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