Going Green Tip - Getting the Garbage Out of Your Life!
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
by Beverly Saltonstall
http://pollutionwebsite.com
Statistics from the United Nations Development Programme have indicated that there are almost five million people that die on a yearly basis, from diseases related to improper waste disposal, and they say the number is growing.
It is evident that the developed countries are the ones that are producing the most waste. For example about three-quarters of a ton of trash is generated annually by each person in the United States.
These reports are confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (aka US EPA). These disturbing statistics can be lessened through proper waste management.
People should to understand that waste management in the home is not just about making less trash. It is more about saving and protecting the environment.
• Reduce household waste
The purchasing of food in containers can add considerably to your waste. Always attempt to purchase food that is sold without packaging such as vegetables and fruits.
Thinking about the future, you should have your home appliances serviced on a regular basis. If they are broken have them fixed. This will avoid having to throw the appliances and keeps them out of the landfills for a longer period.
•Reuse items
If you have an appliance or other home equipment that is not in use and is still working, you should look at the idea of donating it to charity.
Avoid the use of plastic bags and paper bags by taking a reusable shopping sack or re-purpose common items that you normally discard. There are loads of different websites that will offer you some rather unique ideas.
Be sure and purchase reusable over disposable items. A reusable coffee cup and drinking water bottles, should be substituted rather than the disposable containers. This act alone can save a tremendous amount of waste from being put into landfills.
• Recycle
One of the simplest to recycle is by composting. This way of recycling is beneficial both for your garden and the environment. You may even think about worm farming as a good way to earn extra cash and recycle your garbage at the same time.
Recycling centers are available in nearly every community. Make it a habit to use take advantage of one near your home.
Food is another tremendous source of household waste. How can you slash food waste? Simply by purchasing only the quantity you really consume and need. A shopping list is a vital tool to prevent impulse buying. Research has shown that 75% of the people who purchase an item in a grocery store made that decision after they entered the store. A shopping list will help your budget and it can save the environment.
Become a savvy shopper and check your supplies first. Use up those items that can spoil first. Be informed as to what happens to the food you purchase, how much packaging it uses, and its origin, before you buy.
Finally, a discussion on the hazardous chemicals found in our homes. The U.S. Government has named nearly 500 hazardous chemical waste items and how they need to be discarded. Everyday items we find in our home, such as paint, cleaning supplies, and pesticides contain these chemicals. By changing to organic products, the hassle to go through the extra steps needed to discard of hazardous household materials can be eliminated.
Getting the garbage out of your life is a great way to go green. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle should be a philosophy that everyone should follow to make their homes and planet eco-friendly..
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