Nice how that rhymes! Happy New Year - 2013! Did you know that it is estimated that only 40% of us actually make resolutions for the New Year and of those 40% only 8% actually achieve them? Well, if being a little greener was on your list this year (or you want to add it now!) this article can help make your “being greener” resolution one that you can keep!
Here are 13 (get the theme here?) easy tips to help make your New Year just a little greener:
1) Are you recycling? Many of us are these days due to requirements from our transfer stations, dumps and pickup services. But many just ignore those requirements and throw out recyclables with the regular trash. You would be surprised at how much of what you throw in the trash is recyclable! Check out http://voices.yahoo.com/how-70-trash-recycled-461124.html for info on how one man found he could recycle 70% of his trash!
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2) Do you buy water? Do you really need to or is it just a convenience? Many of us buy bottles of water because of the convenience. But we really don’t need to. All it takes is some advanced planning on your part to remember to fill up your water bottle at home before you leave. Worried about the water from the tap? The purchase of a water filter is much cheaper than buying bottles! If you do need to buy a bottle on the run, don’t forget to toss it in the recycle bin when you are done with it!
3) Do you remember to turn the lights out when you leave a room? If not, time to make it part of your routine!
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
4) Is “vampire power” sucking up your energy? Vampire power is power that is used by chargers and appliances even when the item itself is turned off. For example: do you leave your cell phone charger plugged into the outlet even when the phone is not charging? The charger is still drawing power even when you phone is not attached! Simply remember to unplug it.
5) Utilize natural light. Especially in the cooler months, opening the curtains and blinds on a sunny day will not only provide light but also some heat.
6) Worried about in-home air allergens? A simple way to clean you air is to utilize creative plants around the house. There are certain plants that even the blackest of thumbs can handle in light or in shade that help clean your air naturally. Need help? Check out http://www.naturesreflectionne.com/.
7) Wash your clothes in cold water. I have heard it said that unless you are boiling you clothes in hot water for 20 minutes, there is no benefit to using hot water. All you are doing is wasting energy.
8) Use reusable bags at the grocery store. This is always good…just remember to wash them (in cold water of course) occasionally. If you want to know what the impact is of those plastic bags, check out http://www.bagitmovie.com/.
9) Pay your bills online. Not only does this save money, energy and paper, it also gives you quick and easy access to your finances.
10) Do you use a printer at home? Here are a few things you can do. Use remanufactured or refillable ink cartridges. Print double sided. If you print single-sided, save the paper and use the back for scratch paper when done. Turn off your printer when not in use – remember, even when it is in “sleep mode” it is still drawing power!
11) Fix leaky faucets. Did you know that one leaky faucet dripping at a rate of one drip per minute can waste 34 gallons of water per year? (http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sc4.html)
12) Do a quick do-it-yourself energy audit in your home. Check out http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits for information. If you find you need outside help, contact a local energy auditor for a more through check.
13) Last but by no means least on this list – STOP using toxic household cleaners! Not only are they hurting the environment, they could be making you and your family sick! There are many non-toxic brands now available online or at your local grocer. Next time you go to buy a cleaner – think green. If you are really ambitious, you can even make your own!
There are many more things you can do to make a greener you in 2013. If this list of 13 seems a bit daunting, you don’t have to start with all of the items, just start with one and work from there. Every change you make is a change for the better for you, your family and the planet! Here’s to a greener, brighter new year!
