There are many ways for each of us to reduce our impact on the environment—and the majority are remarkably easy. Here, we highlight five ways to go green. Your planet (and wallet) will thank you.
MAKE A COMPOST BIN – Cut down on landfill waste by starting your own composting bin. Lots of items that typically fall into the trash can be used to fertilize your plants and lawn—like food waste, grass clippings, coffee grounds and filters. To fashion your own compost bin, simply take a standard trash can with a lid and drill in a few holes for oxygenation. Put the bin outside and maintain a smaller bin in your kitchen (where most compostable items will come from).
STOP BUYING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES – With their upsettingly long lifespan, plastic bottles are one of the most disruptive polluters in the environment today. Each bottle can take more than 450 years to decompose, making them a mainstay in landfills and the ocean. Opt to use reusable water bottles that have a longer lifespan—glass, metal or BPA-free polycarbonate work well.
GO PAPERLESS FOR ALL BILLS – Not only will this cut down on the envelopes you get in the mail each month, it’ll streamline your bill-paying process—many utility providers offer email reminders when your bill is nearly due, so don’t fret about missing a payment. Plus, the majority of household recycling comes from overflow mail, so you’ll cut down on countertop clutter too.
REPLACE SHOWER HEADS – Per legislation passed back in 1992, all new showerheads must have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or lower. Not only is this a water-saving method, it also cuts down on water bills. Replacing your old showerhead to meet this standard could save your family up to $45 a month.
REPLACE LAWN WITH TURF – Go for turf instead of grass—you’ll cut water usage without sacrificing that lush green lawn. A natural grass lawn typically requires 55 gallons of water per square foot per year, which adds up to 44,000 gallons of water per year for an 800-square-foot lawn. Turf? It doesn’t need any water.
Original Post written by theagencyre.com
