5 Tips for Living Green

In the spirit of Springtime renewal – I thought I’d share 5 ideas that I use to help protect Mother Earth.

Too much Junk Mail? 

The average adult receives 41 pounds/year which costs us all time (to process), trees, water and a healthier climate (Junk mail produces more C02 than 9 million cars).

Check out these websites for help in reducing unwanted paper mail:

https://www.dmachoice.org/

https://www.catalogchoice.org/

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email

Too many disposable single serve coffee pods?

Nearly 1 in 5 adults will drink single-cup-brewed coffee today, making it the second most popular way to brew after the traditional drip methods. Journalist Murray Carpenter estimates in his book, Caffeinated, that a row of all the K-Cups produced (and sent to landfills) in 2011 would circle the globe more than six times. This number continues to grow. Until all pods are recyclable – you might consider reusable options such as the Ekobrew Cup  (Amazon $9.50)  http://www.ekobrew.com/

Too many plastic shopping bags?

Never have a reusable shopping bag when you need them? Check out the Environsax Pouch  http://www.envirosax.com/pouches/   $44.95 for 5 bags stored in a pouch.  I keep the pouch in my car – and carry one bag in my purse for non-grocery shopping trips.

Too many plastic water bottles?

Americans buy more bottled water than any other nation in the world.  It takes 17 million barrels of crude oil (enough oil to keep a million cars going for twelve months) to make the 29 billion water bottles a year we buy and discard. Sure, they can be recycled, but only one in six makes it to the recycling bin.  I love using a brushed stainless bottle – no paint to chip off in the dishwasher!  You can buy 2 for under $12.00 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/KC68050-21-Ounce-Stainless-Sports-Canteens/dp/B0055KU3KM/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_y

Too many paper napkins tossed each week?

There’s been an ongoing debate about paper vs cloth.  I’m glad to see that cloth is generally the best choice – especially if laundered properly.  I think they look and feel so much nicer than paper. We use napkin rings in our home – and can often get a few meals before washing. 

I’m always looking for new ideas to try – please share!