Every time I go to the food store I bring home approximately 10 bags of groceries. This, however, is a small load compared to people who have larger families. I have seen people in the stores with two shopping carts full of grocery bags, most of which are plastic. Plastic is harmful to our ozone layer and is very expensive. Furthermore, plastic bags kill thousands of marine life each year because these creatures mistake the floating plastic bags as food. Plastic bags that are buried in landfills could take up to 1,000 years to fully break down and in doing so they separate into tiny particles that are toxic which can contaminate our dirt and water which kills our animals because they then ingest this water and eat food from the dirt. Also, producing plastic bags consumes oil that could be used to heat our homes and fuel our automobiles.
So, how are you going to get your groceries home the next time you go to the store? Why not try a reusable shopping bag that are made from materials that will not harm the environment. There are many grocery stores nowadays that offer this great alternative to plastic or paper bags. Reusable shopping bags made from renewable materials conserve resources by replacing paper and plastic bags. Reusable bags are convenient and come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials. When not in use, some reusable bags can be rolled or folded small enough to fit easily into a pocket.
If you do end up using plastic bags every once in a while, be sure to recycle them. Most grocery stores now collect plastic bags for recycling. Furthermore, If yours doesn't, check with your community recycling program to learn how to recycle plastic bags in your area.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Being Green When You Clean
Do you know that most of the products we use to keep our households clean actually make our environment dirty? There are so many products we use that are not only harmful to the environment but harmful to our families and pets. They are also very costly and are not helpful to our ozone layer. Fortunately, now there are cleaning products on the market that are both great for the environment and at the same time help us keep a bit more green in our wallets.
Since spring cleaning time is just around the corner, why not try a product that is vegetable or water based? Also, instead of throwing unwanted products away, why not share them with other people or donate them to a local organization or charity? That way, more than one family can save money and also do their part in saving our planet. Also, utilizing a lot of paper products when cleaning also kills many trees. Why not try using rags or old clean towels to clean floors, countertops and appliances? Paper products such as paper towels and napkins are quite costly and usually don't go a long way. Reduce the amount of garbage in your household and save money by cutting back the amount of paper products you buy. Also, when it is time to take out the trash, be sure to try and fit as much garbage into one plastic trash bag as possible as these are expensive also and are harmful to the environment.
If you are going to paint, do not sand or burn paint that may contain lead. If lead gets into the air it can be deadly. If your paint is peeling or chipping use something wet to take it off such as a sponge or rag. Furthermore, dust from lead paint should never be vacuumed up since it only puts more lead into the air.
Instead of throwing away stuff from your attic, garage or basement try hosting a garage or block sale. Organize a sale where the entire neighbor can participate. Let your neighbors know that you are trying to avoid dumping your stuff in the garbage and they will realize that it is a great idea not only to save the environment but a great way to make a couple of bucks as well.
Since spring cleaning time is just around the corner, why not try a product that is vegetable or water based? Also, instead of throwing unwanted products away, why not share them with other people or donate them to a local organization or charity? That way, more than one family can save money and also do their part in saving our planet. Also, utilizing a lot of paper products when cleaning also kills many trees. Why not try using rags or old clean towels to clean floors, countertops and appliances? Paper products such as paper towels and napkins are quite costly and usually don't go a long way. Reduce the amount of garbage in your household and save money by cutting back the amount of paper products you buy. Also, when it is time to take out the trash, be sure to try and fit as much garbage into one plastic trash bag as possible as these are expensive also and are harmful to the environment.
If you are going to paint, do not sand or burn paint that may contain lead. If lead gets into the air it can be deadly. If your paint is peeling or chipping use something wet to take it off such as a sponge or rag. Furthermore, dust from lead paint should never be vacuumed up since it only puts more lead into the air.
Instead of throwing away stuff from your attic, garage or basement try hosting a garage or block sale. Organize a sale where the entire neighbor can participate. Let your neighbors know that you are trying to avoid dumping your stuff in the garbage and they will realize that it is a great idea not only to save the environment but a great way to make a couple of bucks as well.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Use Less Gas: Ride Your Bike Instead of Taking Your Car to Work or School
Do you ever think of how many automobiles are on the road? Do you ever wonder how many noxious gases are being omitted into the air from those automobiles? Did you ever think of the effect it has on our depleting ozone layer?
Many people nowadays are trying to go green. They are trying to find alternative ways to do things in order to better protect our planet. One of the ways in which you can do your part is to use alternative transportation to get to work, school or anywhere else.
Instead of taking your own car to work, why not perhaps team up with a co-worker or friend that works nearby and carpooling? If you have three or four other people you can do this with, you can not only save environment by taking one car, but you can also save money on gas, tolls or the like and cut down on the amount of repairs to your automobiles as well since you probably will not be using it as much.
If you are lucky to live close enough to work or school, taking your bicycle might be another option for you. Riding a bicycle has many advantages, not only is it environmentally friendly because it does not utilize gasoline, but it is great exercise and allows you to be able to enjoy the fresh air.
Another alternative to taking your own automobile is taking public transportation. Public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis or subways often makes for an easier commute to work. You can sit back, relax, read the newspaper or sleep on your way to work without having to worry yourself about traffic, your car breaking down or other angry people on the road. In the end, you will probably save yourself a couple of dollars a month and you will contribute significantly to the fight for keeping our planet healthy.
One other alternative to using your automobile is to get around the good old fashion way; to use your body and walk, walk, walk! Walking to your destination is great exercise and is a good way to realize what you would be protecting by not taking your car. It is a good opportunity to look around at all the beautiful trees, flowers and plants that exist on our planet Earth. It is then that you can fully appreciate the importance of taking alternative transportation to your destination. If the whole world would pitch in and do their part, our planet would have a much better chance of long term survival.
Many people nowadays are trying to go green. They are trying to find alternative ways to do things in order to better protect our planet. One of the ways in which you can do your part is to use alternative transportation to get to work, school or anywhere else.
Instead of taking your own car to work, why not perhaps team up with a co-worker or friend that works nearby and carpooling? If you have three or four other people you can do this with, you can not only save environment by taking one car, but you can also save money on gas, tolls or the like and cut down on the amount of repairs to your automobiles as well since you probably will not be using it as much.
If you are lucky to live close enough to work or school, taking your bicycle might be another option for you. Riding a bicycle has many advantages, not only is it environmentally friendly because it does not utilize gasoline, but it is great exercise and allows you to be able to enjoy the fresh air.
Another alternative to taking your own automobile is taking public transportation. Public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis or subways often makes for an easier commute to work. You can sit back, relax, read the newspaper or sleep on your way to work without having to worry yourself about traffic, your car breaking down or other angry people on the road. In the end, you will probably save yourself a couple of dollars a month and you will contribute significantly to the fight for keeping our planet healthy.
One other alternative to using your automobile is to get around the good old fashion way; to use your body and walk, walk, walk! Walking to your destination is great exercise and is a good way to realize what you would be protecting by not taking your car. It is a good opportunity to look around at all the beautiful trees, flowers and plants that exist on our planet Earth. It is then that you can fully appreciate the importance of taking alternative transportation to your destination. If the whole world would pitch in and do their part, our planet would have a much better chance of long term survival.
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