Looking for simple, low-stress resolutions for the New Year? Think Green.
What simple, easy eco-friendly resolution can you implement this year that will make a difference in not only your home, but your community and our global environment?
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Reuse
Water - If you’re a person who feels that drinking water comes in a bottle, not from your tap, what do you do to be green? We all know that buying cases of bottled water is far from being eco-conscious.
And having a Brita filters on your facet, yes it’s one way to be more eco-friendly. But what about the cost, not to mention the waste of filters? Still doesn’t add up to being cost effective or eco-friendly?
What about getting a 3 or 5 gallon water bottle?
You can easily fill it up at your local grocery store or water depot. My family goes through 3, 5-gallon bottles every 10-12 days. We spend about $24 a month for purified water.
That’s no chemicals, no pollutants, just pure clean water, plus…no waste!
Of course, don’t forget to invest in a favorite water bottle to take with you while on the go. And, definitely let your kids pick their own bottles. That makes it more special to them.
Reusing the same bottles is a simple, easy & low stress resolution.
Reduce
Energy - Rechargeable & Solar Energy Batteries.
How many gadgets can you think of, that you and your family use every day that uses batteries? Razors, toothbrushes, cordless phones, MP3 players, controllers for Wii, cameras, flashlights, and… That list goes on and on.
My family of 5 could go through a 24 pack of AA batteries in just a few days. Now think how much you spend at Costco buying batteries in bulk – to save money.
Wouldn’t that money be better spent on a charging base and a bulk pack of rechargeable batteries? And before you say, you’ve tried rechargeables and they lose their effectiveness after a while, there’s something new to fix that. Read this for some helpful tips.
Or, what about solar powered batteries? Has anyone tried these?
So next time you run out of batteries, invest in rechargeables. Saves money, time & reduces waste.
Recycle
Clutter - The holidays are over; we now have new items we need to find room for in our homes.
Time to clean out the clutter. How many items do you have around your home that you’re not using, collecting dust, that are gently barely worn or practically new condition.
De-clutter and simplify your home. Believe me, the idea that less is more is such a stress releasing, freeing sensation.
Now what do you do with all that extra stuff?
I always start with the Goodwill, Saint Vincent de Paul, or Hospice. Yes, I know what you’re going to say. These agencies don’t accept many of your good quality items.
So what about donating to the Battered Women’s Shelter, Children’s Crisis Center, or Cancer Society? Many of these places if you call them will practically pick up your items on your doorstep, how convenient is that!
Remember, everything you donate to these charities is always tax deductible.
OK, so let’s say you still have stuff you don’t want. Try placing them on your curb & putting up a FREE sign on it. This works especially well for large items like furniture, desks, etc.
Now if your home owners association doesn’t allow this, try posting your items through the Freecycle network. Look up your local area and join your group. This is an awesome community network, a nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns.
Recycling your items by sharing it with another keeps it out of our landfills and makes for a cleaner, happier world all around.
I encourage everyone to share your ideas on other simple ways to be green in our everyday lives.
Happy New Year to All.
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