Reduce

Reduce

• Help reduce your environmental footprint. The average American generates 4.5 lbs. of waste each day. Our recycling rate is about 1.5 lbs. per person per day. Most recent data from EPA 2005 info.

• Think before you buy. Do you really need the item? Could you borrow it? Buy it used?  Check out below list of Second-hand stores. Who produced the item? Did the laborers receive a fair wage? What harm occured to the planet in the manufacturing process? Is the item durable? Compostable?
• When you need to buy a product try to find one made from 100% recycled content to promote businesses which produce these goods. Products produced from 100% recycled content use less energy than products produced from raw material and reduce waste.
• Try to find an item with minimal packaging. Buy in bulk when possible, perhaps split item with a neighbor.

Green Cleaning

• Use eco friendly substances to reduce your ecological footprint and save money.

  Kitchen + Bath

  • Use dishcloth to wipe counters. At least weekly, wash cloth in regular washer load. Use a non-toxic, biodegradable dish liquid such as one by Seventh Generation when you need to clean greasy surfaces.
  • Sink - Scour with baking soda and cloth or brush.  Keep a fine mesh metal strainer in kitchen sink hole to catch food particles. Empty strainer into compost bucket beside sink.  Wash strainer in dishwasher or with brush. This process virtually eliminates use of sink disposal.  Use compost bucket for food scraps then empty in compost pile outside as needed or start a worm bin inside. 

  • Clogged Drains - Consult your plumber. For minor clogs, pour 1 cup of baking soda into drain. Follow with 1 c. vinegar. Pour pot of boiling water down drain and follow with plunger.  Repeat until drain flows freely.  Recipe from The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. If drain really clogged substitute washing soda for baking soda, per green living expert Annie Bond.

  • Toilet bowls - Sprinkle baking soda in bowl, scrub with toilet brush.
  • Union of Concerned Scientists GreenTips for Household cleaners provides info on dangers of cleaners and indepth green alternatives by Tennessee Valley Authority Regional Waste Management Department.
  • Hazards of antibacterial household cleaners by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Check out our list of Products.

Reuse

Recycle