Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Waste Reduction Tips

I'm pretty sure I have written about waste reduction in the past but another reminder won't hurt. Also, since it looks like it may take some time for lifestyle modification takes hold we have to find ways to reduce our current impact. Here's a list of a few things we can do:

  • Install programmable thermostats
  • Use more CF bulbs
  • Buy locally produced goods
  • Use mulching lawnmowers
  • Install ultra-low flush toilets
  • Install low-flow showerheads
  • Use a rain barrel to collect water for your garden
  • Plant native species in your garden to reduce pesticides and water
  • Pack lunches in reusable containers
  • Reuse plastic bags or use cloth bags
  • Buy items in reusable packaging or no packaging
  • Use a backyard composter
  • Reuse jars and containers for storage
Some of these are easier and cheaper than others. If you have any other suggestions send them to me via email and I'll make another list in the near future.

5 comments:

organicneedle said...

A great way to reduce without any suffering at all is to reduce your junk mail. In the US we have a National Do Not Mail List. There is another one specifically for credit card offers. If you receive catalogs that you do not order from, or can order from online, you can email or call them and tell them to take you off of their lists. Magazines that you hardly read? Try an online subscription. We started doing this a few years ago and our mail waste is down by at least 2/3s.

Anonymous said...

I like and agree with your list, except for one thing: CF bulbs. We decided not to use them after reading about a woman who was visiting by a HazMat team when a bulb broke in her baby's bedroom. Not a good scene. It cost her about $2000 for them to declare the room safe. ouch! So instead, we keep the lights off whenever possible.

BBC said...

* Install programmable thermostats
Don't need too, I'm not that lazy.

* Use more CF bulbs
I've getting into LED lights

* Use mulching lawnmowers
I do, and I don't cut the grass unless I have to.

* Install ultra-low flush toilets
I use a porta pottie and dump it every few weeks at the marina, one flush and it's gone.

* Install low-flow showerheads
Don't have a shower, I take basin baths, using about a half gallon of water.

* Use a rain barrel to collect water for your garden
I use my rain barrel for my own needs.

* Plant native species in your garden to reduce pesticides and water
All I have is grass and an apple tree, that I only spray with a soap solution.

* Reuse plastic bags or use cloth bags
Do both.

* Buy items in reusable packaging or no packaging
I hate how they package a lot of things.

* Reuse jars and containers for storage.
Always have. And I use half gallon milk containers to freeze ice for camping in, and reuse them as long as I can.

And I have an electric scooter, and a gas scooter that gets over 70 MPG.

Toxic World Blog said...

All great comments and suggestions. I also saw the story about the HazMat team for a broken light bulb. I'm afraid that CF will become the norm because incandescent bulbs are being phased out in some areas. I believe Home Depot has established some recycling programs but I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks for the comments and additional tips.

Anonymous said...

My tips:

great computer tips at http://savetimeonline.com.au/blog/2008/saving-our-natural-resources/

the next edition of this magazine (http://www.businessmums.com.au/TopMenu/OnlineStore/tabid/57/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx ) is all green

put on a jumper instead of a heater

use a clothes line not a drier

reuse then recycle paper

PS It wa really hard to leave a comment here - had to type this four times.