by Brittle Pen

Created on: February 09, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

"Saving the Environment" sounds like a huge, painful, and sacrificial job. Fortunately, a few minor adjustments to lifestyle can save the world's energy, clean-up the environment, and save you money!

Here are a few things that I do that are painless, economical and actually a little fun!

1) Recycle - I recycle as many material goods as possible with a small living space. Rather than having bins and bins of recyclables, I choose to reuse things as much as possible. I save scrap paper for my son's crafts and for my grocery lists and scratch paper.

2) Buy used items - Rather than purchasing items manufactured just for me, I opt to purchase used items at thrift stores, garage sales, church sales, and off of the Internet (e-Bay). I like to think of this thrifty strategy as my own personal way to save the world.

3) Give away rather than throw away - I enjoy the benefits of clothing books and many material goods that others do not have. If it is hanging in my closet or sleeping in a box, and has been for years, I opt to either give it away or sell it rather than throw it away. Material goods are of no use when hidden.

4) Sell used items - Speaking of getting rid of unused items, I like to sell as much of my used materials as possible on e-Bay. If at all possible, I used recycled materials for shipping. Waste Not, Want Not

5) Go easy on the garbage disposal - Believe it or not, using a garbage disposal rather than a garbage can wastes a lot of energy and water. Solids that you put into the water have to be taken out at the wastewater treatment plant. Therefore, a garbage disposal becomes a double waste of energy. If you can tolerate some old food in your garbage can, it is a much more eco-friendly choice to chuck it with the solids rather than down the drain.

6) Turn off the lights - Yes, your parents were right. Turning off the lights when not in use comforts the pocket book as well as the environment.

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