When setting New Year’s resolutions, try to create the ones that help our planet and improve the environment. It will impact everyone in a positive way.
It doesn’t even have to be hard. Simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle can be added. Many times many of these changes take little effort and can often save you money.
1. He loves aluminum more
This is because aluminum is infinitely recyclable, making it an ideal container. In fact, about 75% of all aluminum ever produced in the United States is still in use today. Aluminum is one of the only materials in the consumer disposal stream that pays more than the cost of its own collection.
Think about how much impact it would have if we recycled more boxes.
Action Recycling points out that the amount of aluminum thrown away by Americans every three months could rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
2. Say no to disposable plastics
Nobody wants to completely hate plastic. It has its purpose. In many cases, it is a vital material.
For example, bicycle helmets, child safety seats, medical equipment and mobile phones are made of plastic parts. Disposable plastics, such as plastic water bottles, straw and food bags, are the biggest concerns.
- Plastic water bottles. Try using a reusable bottle instead, and use disposable bottles only in an emergency or when you do not have access to the reusable bottle.
- Plastic straw. When they go to a restaurant, if you don’t need it, tell them you don’t want straw. Only this can have an impact on reducing the plastic in our oceans.
- Shopping bags. Most stores now sell their own reusable food bags or you can ask for a paper bag that can be easily recycled or composted – We’ll get to composting a little later.
Advertising on the site finances the cause of the actual removal of the plastic.
You can come back every day to answer a new question, and maybe you’ll learn something new in the process.
3. Turn off the devices
We all love our devices. They help us when we need directions, stay connected with friends and family, and provide the ability to work from home.
When you are not using devices, appliances, or in a room, simply turn off lights and other electronic devices.
4. Do not prewash dishes
If everyone stopped rinsing their dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, America could save 150 billion gallons of water in just one year, according to Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of the Finish brand. How much water is exactly 150 billion?
“This is roughly the equivalent of 230,000 Olympic pools,” said Pedram Javaheri, a CNN meteorologist. “Or it would take you 39,800 years of continuous shower operation to use that much water.”
This means that the pre-washed dishes receive only a light wash. So, if you have a relatively new dishwasher, let it do its job.
5. Make your home more energy efficient
By simply adjusting the thermostat by a few degrees – especially if you are not at home – it will not only reduce your bill, but will help reduce energy consumption.
Another tip to make your home more energy efficient: replace old light bulbs with the most efficient ones.
Although initially a little more expensive, replacing old light bulbs saves money in the long run. Usually, more energy-efficient bulbs shine brighter, so you won’t have to turn on as many lights as possible. In addition, they can last up to five times longer than regular light bulbs, so you don’t have to replace them as often.
Adding insulation or double glazed windows It can also make your home more efficient, as heating and air conditioning will not have to work as often.
6. Choose email receipts when available
You can reduce paper waste by requesting receipts via email. Many companies now offer e-mail receipts as a secondary option for paper ones, including Apple, Macy’s and Home Depot, to name a few.
It is also more convenient if you have to make returns. How many times have you had to go back and search through office papers or your purse or wallet to look for a receipt to return something? Now just pull up the email and voila!
Another easy way to reduce waste of paper is to pay your bills online, if possible. Not only is this more convenient, some companies even offer automatic payment, so you don’t have to set a reminder to pay on time. Just make sure the company you pay for still lists the full invoice they would normally send so you can check it.
An additional way to reduce paper waste is to get rid of unwanted emails. Many people do not like to receive e-mail anyway.
7. Plant a garden
One great thing about planting a garden is that size doesn’t matter.
For starters, every time you plant a tree, flower, shrub, or potted houseplant in your home, add a natural resource that reduces carbon and produces oxygen.
Planting a garden allows you to grow some of your own vegetables and fruits, compared to buying products and which also reduces your overall carbon footprint.
8. Replace coffee filters and coffee beans
Coffee drinkers enjoy this daily ritual. But it also means accumulating waste daily.
By simply changing your disposable coffee or coffee cup filters or pods with more durable or reusable ones, you can help reduce frivolous waste.
9. Consider gift wrapping alternatives
Some gift wrap is recyclable when it does not use foil or glitter or any other additives that interfere with the recycling process. But there are so many other alternatives for gift wrapping.
Natural baskets are a great alternative, not only because they are cute, but they are easy to carry if you offer heavier items.
Remnants of old fabrics and scarves are beautiful alternatives and can also add a little lining to more delicate gifts.
However, if you prefer the more traditional look of paper, try paper food bags, paper towels, old calendar pages, or even newspapers. Aren’t you a fan of the black and white look of a newspaper? Comics work.
10. Create a compost bin for your home
Banana peels, eggshells, apple kernels, coffee grounds and vegetable scraps usually end up in the trash. But leftovers can also be recycled into black gold or free compost for your garden.
Composting reduces the amount of garbage that reaches a landfill. It also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used later in and around the house.
The biggest deterrent to many when composting is the smell. If you have the camera, move the composter out. Also, when collecting compost inside the house, use a container with a lid or seal to prevent the smell of your kitchen until you can place the items inside the composter.
CNN meteorologist Haley Brink contributed to this story.