Three Small Changes that make a BIG Difference
Forget to make a resolution this year? It still isn't too late to make promises you can keep! 2015 has only just begun, so why not make a resolution to be more environmentally responsible?
Don't worry, it's MUCH easier than you think! We welcome you to consider these three sustainable resolutions
that are as easy to keep as they are to make!
Resolution #1
Recycle
your most commonly used material...EVERY time.
Pinpoint the recyclable item you buy the most and resolve to
recycle it EVERY time you dispose of it. This is much easier than you would
think, as these common items don't require any preparation, just the decision
to toss them into the recycling bin and not the trash!
Take these examples: If you drink soda every day, make it a point to recycle each and every (empty) can. Do the same if bottled water is your daily beverage of choice.
If you are an avid online shopper, resolve to toss all cardboard
shipping boxes into the recycling bin. Just make sure to remove any
non-recyclable packing materials first, like plastic bags or foam peanuts.
For those of you who swear by a yogurt for breakfast or need your
PB&J sandwich every day, give those containers a light rinse, or quick
swipe with a sponge and send them to the recycling bin! Remember, even thicker
contents like yogurt and peanut butter only require a quick swipe or rinse; you
don't need to extensively wash your recyclables to toss them into the bin!
Resolution #2
Switch to Re-usable Bags.
We've all heard that
"bagless is better", but this year instead of walking by those
re-usable bags at the checkout aisle, break the plastic bag habit and try one
out!
Forgoing plastic bags and opting for something re-usable not only
saves energy, but it also protects recycling processing facilities, their
employees and the recycling process!
Plastic bags get caught in the recycling processing machines, such as those used at the American Recycling Center. When the bags wind themselves around the sorting equipment, it can cause the equipment to jam resulting in a shut down of the facility or a safety hazard to the employees who work at the plant.
 |
| Plastic bags wound around all the rotors of sorting equiptment, a re-occurring, daily problem! |
If these reasons aren't enough
to inspire you to break up with bags, remember, re-usable bags are more
convenient and easier to find than ever. There are now varied options, some
that collapse into tiny pouches that can easily be kept in a purse or jacket
pocket so you never have to worry about forgetting them at home. Let us not
forget to mention, many stores provide customers who choose the re-usable bag
option a monetary incentive when shopping at their stores.
Resolution #3
Make your voice heard and reduce waste by saying NO to foam
It is difficult to find anyone who can give a valid reason why we still use polystyrene in our manufacturing process. If you need disposable plates or cups, there are many environmental friendly, compostable options
these days.
If your office is still using polystyrene cups for
coffee, try suggesting compostable cups instead, or that employees bring in
their own reusable cups.
If your favorite take out restaurant is also still using this troublesome material, suggest that they follow the lead of companies like Whole Foods whose take out containers are made from an eco-friendly, compostable material and still do the trick for taking food home!
Want to Go for a 4th Resolution?
Recruit your friends!
Resolve to convince your friends to make the same resolutions! The more people who make these small changes, the bigger the impact will be!
