A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the problems facing our environment, but awareness is spreading across the globe people are realizing that they need not let the size of the issue stunt their potential for change. Recent studies show that the environmental movement is catching on and more and more people are living an eco-concious lifestyle. By continuously learning what changes we can all make we are on the path to preserving the earth, and these simple tips can be implemented today- without spending a dime! In fact, you will save money by turning your house into a conservation station!
If you want to reduce waste in your home then you can easily do so by following one or more of the following tips.
- Reuse store-bought containers: Maximize the life of any store-bought containers that hold the many items you buy at the grocery store (Cool Whip containers, plastic sandich containers, etc.) by reusing them. Many of these containers are so durable they can go in your dishwasher and be added to your permanent tupper-ware collection. For the flimsy ones, handwash them; they are perfect for things like packaging a lunch, but probably can be reused only once. When it is time to toss it out, recycle it of course.
- Use cloth rags to clean and cloth napkins for mealtimes: Using cloth rags (preferably organic cloth) to do your household cleaning and cloth napkins for mealtimes can significantly cut back on the amount of trees being used to make the abdunance of paper products in the market today. They can be rinsed out or thrown in the laundry machine and then be reused over and over. Old t-shirts make excellent rags, saving you the need to buy new.
- Reuse rain water: You can have a complex system set-up for reusing rainwater for many things, but a simple way to reuse rain water is to place bins or watering cans outside during the rainy season; you can also get rainbarrels for this purpose. You can collect the rain water and use to it water your household and outdoor plants (the ones that are not reached by the rain) and gardens.