1. REDUCING WASTE FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

2. OVERVIEW
In today’s economy, it is imperative that we do our parts to reduce, recycle, and reuse in order to keep our planet in good condition. This is a tutorial illustrating and describing how to reduce the amount of solid waste you produce to keep your environment and home surroundings clean and beautiful.
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3. USE YOUR OWN GROCERY BAG
There are a multitude of reason why bringing your own bag to the grocery store can help the environment. Millions of dollars are spent each year for the production of plastic and paper bags. Think of the many trees that are cut down per year to make a shopping bag. Additionally, millions of the earth’s animals die after tampering with plastic bags because the plastic blocks their digestive tracks. Plastic is also made with chemicals that expose the public to toxic fumes and waste. People like to discard their bags all over the environment, which can affect such things as drains, beaches, or trees. By bringing your own sturdy bags to shop with, this sends a message that you care about the earth. Decreasing plastic shopping bag consumption can save to put somewhere useful like helping with hunger in underdeveloped countries. Reusable bags are also very cool because they come in different designs and can even be monogrammed for your own personal style.

4. BUY ITEMS IN BULK
Buying items in bulk can save money as well as reduce the waste in your household. It is vital to be careful about buying things that you will not use. Instead, buy things in bulk that you use on a regular basis. Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer great deals on items for all areas of your life such as household cleaning goods, food, and appliances. Do not overstock because it defeats the purpose of being a smart eco-shopper. In this day and age, there are lots of people who have become addicted to coupon/savings, yet they are storing products that may end up expiring before use.

5. STORE LEFTOVERS
After cooking a meal, if there are leftovers, do not throw them away. This is not only a selfish act, but a wasteful one as well. There may be a sibling, friend, neighbor, or stranger who would love to eat the leftovers. Additionally, do not leave the food out overnight. Refrigerate the leftovers to keep bacteria from finding the food. Find BPA-free containers of all shapes and sizes to store your leftovers. Separate your food by container to give the food proper space.

6. DO NOT WASTE FOOD
When cooking a meal, try your best to deduce just how much you need to feed yourself or your household. This will decrease the amount of waste that you are accumulating in your refrigerator. Buying less food is also a great way to avoid wasting food. Every day people dump unopened food in the garbage because of being expired and spoiled.

7. BORROW, RENT OR SHARE THINGS YOU DON’T USE OFTEN
There are plenty of items around every house that is not being used and collecting dust. Why not do an item swap with a friend or let someone borrow your item? Some friends even host gatherings where everyone brings an item they no longer want in order to trade it for someone else’s item.

8. SELL OR DONATE ITEMS
If everyone were to search their closet, they might find quite a few pants, tops, jackets, and accessories that they were interested in donating to charity or selling in an on-line auction or consignment shop. A Goodwill location can be found all over the United States. Churches also accept clothing to give away to those in need. If you desire to sell your nicer items, companies such as EBay, Amazon.com, or Craigslist offer ways to make money. This will help clear the clutter in your closet and reduce the waste in your personal space.

9. MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF PROPERTY, TOOLS AND APPLIANCES
Take special care of your household appliances so they will last longer. Whether it is a computer, blender, microwave, or television, all appliances require regular maintenance and special attention. Do not feel the need to buy new appliances every time there is a great sale or to impress other people. Remember, your objective is to do your part to save the planet.

10. USE NONTOXIC PRODUCTS
Many in our society are unaware of the dangerous chemicals in the products that are used on a daily basis. The dishwashing detergent, surface cleaner, fragrant spray, and even the water we drink can be harmful to our environment. Read the labels and do your research to find products that are safe.

11. Think of longevity
Use products that are long-lasting instead of anything that has to be thrown away right after use. Things such as batteries and other products all have a shelf life – some more than others.

12. references
Goodwill Industries International, Inc. My Recipes MSN Readers Digest Reuse This Bag