by CD Gozzi

Created on: August 07, 2007   Last Updated: December 11, 2010

Kermit the Frog tried to tell us, 'It's not easy being green' but it certainly can be fun! Those folks who are environmentally aware follow the three plus one R's: Reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink. Rethink how and what you buy, use or need on a daily basis. The challenge can be quite stimulating!

Reduce

First of all try to prevent creating waste in the first place. For example, if you buy yogurt, instead of the small individual six-ounce containers, buy the larger 32-ounce containers. You can then place individual servings in reusable Rubbermaid, Ziploc or Tupperware containers. Purchase heavy duty cloth bags and bring them to your grocery store. You can avoid having to answer the question, 'paper or plastic?' by bringing your own. A great website to research and purchase these types of bags is www.reusablebags.com. Often times the grocery stores will give you ten cents credit for each bag you bring in. Have your kids bring their lunches to school in a lunchbox they will be proud to show off. Instead of wrapping their sandwiches in plastic baggies, put them into the sealable containers mentioned earlier. Obtain insulated stainless steel containers and carry your own water instead of buying bottled water. Some plastics will leach toxins into the beverage they contain (Polycarbonate #7).

Turn off the water faucet! When brushing your teeth or shaving, do not allow the water to continue to flow. Only turn on the tap when you actually need the water to rinse. The same goes for washing dishes. Fill the sink full of soapy water to wash and rinse in either the second sink filled with water if you have two or fill a tub with water to rinse the dishes in. Wash full loads of laundry and try to prevent doing small loads. This will help to minimize the amount of water you use and cut down on the bill as well! Water your lawn during the coolest part of the day, usually around two to five a.m. This will minimize the evaporation and run off during peak times.

Decrease the amount of time you have to drive. Take public transportation when available or carpool. Try to consolidate many errands in one trip rather than making several trips.

If you don't need it turn it off. This goes for the television, radio, heater/air conditioner, fan, lights, computer or any other electronic device. Use energy efficient bulbs to minimize the overall power need. Hang your clothes outside on a line to dry.

Reuse

Find a different use for something that it was not originally intended for. Plastic

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