Some of our most precious resources, such as water and trees, can be spared by following these simple tips for ‘greening up’ your home. Peripheral benefits, both monetary and health-wise, are also a good reason to give them a try!
1. A Royal Flush
Add or create a low-flow toilet to save resources.
40% of drinking water supplied to homes is flushed down the toilet. (Tip: Create an inexpensive water-saving device by filling a one-quart plastic jug with small pebbles, screwing the lid on tight, and dropping in the back of the tank.)
2. Go for the Gold!
Buy a reusable gold micromesh coffee filter instead of using disposable paper filters.
Each year almost 45 million tons of paper products are sent to the landfill, which constitutes about 40% of the total waste stream. For the friendliest coffee fix, consider forgoing the electric drip coffee maker altogether and dust off the French Press. Used coffee grounds are excellent compost material.
3. Mind the Beeswax
Burn beeswax candles and burn them longer.
Regular paraffin candles are often made from petroleum byproducts, which is a finite resource. Beeswax candles produce less soot than petroleum-based candles and can burn three times as long. (Tip: Check labels for 100% beeswax because manufacturers are allowed to label candles as beeswax even if the beeswax content is only 51%.)
4. Virtual Money
Pay bills online, stay protected and save money.
Online banking saves banks money so most include free bill pay services with their accounts. A recent study found people who bank online can reduce their chances of identity theft by 10% and save substantially on postage. Virtual statements also reduce the strain on paper resources.
5. Don’t Bring Home the Bacon
Go meatless at least once a week.
Livestock absorb sixteen pounds of grain and feed for every pound of meat that actually makes it to the dinner plate. Cows are also one of the greatest methane emitters, which is the second most significant greenhouse gas.
