Paper Reduction
- Paper produces the largest amount of municipal solid waste, accounting for approximately 35% of the total material in the waste stream. Two primary categories of paper waste include office papers and printing & writing grade papers (our common mail, newspapers, magazines, and books). (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Many of us have been affected by the global electronic age in some form or fashion. It affects both our external and internal environments. However, we can use new technologies to our advantage and reduce waste. For example, I read my newspaper online, use reusable fabric bags at the grocery store, and use electronic documents whenever possible.
- Here are some other helpful tips:
- University of Delaware (http://www.udel.edu/topics/printless/how.html)
- 5minutesforgoinggreen.com (http://www.5minutesforgoinggreen.com/94/reduce-paper-consumption/)
Power Consumption
- We never think to unplug power cords like cell phone chargers and computer cords when we’re not using them. Unfortunately, many still draw energy regardless of whether anything is plugged into them or not.
- Use energy saving light bulbs.
- Turn your thermostat down or off when you leave for the day
- Check for drafts between your windows and doors.
- Here are some other helpful tips:
- Powerscorecard.org (http://www.powerscorecard.org/reduce_energy.cfm)
- Smartmoney.com ( http://www.smartmoney.com/spend/family-money/13-simple-ways-to-lower-your-electric-bill-22933/)
Plastic Reduction
- Reduce your use of the plastic water bottles. “Approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil—enough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year—are used to make plastic water bottles, while transporting these bottles burns even more oil” (TreeHugger.com).
- Use stainless steel water bottles. They can be found at many common retailers.
- Here are some other helpful tips:
- OrganicCoupons.org ( http://www.organiccoupons.org/blog/2008/07/25-painless-ways-you-can-reduce-your-water-consumption/)
- Squidoo.com (http://www.squidoo.com/reduceplastic)
