It’s that time of year where everyone’s making resolutions… Be more organized, save money, lose weight, travel more… But what about becoming more eco-friendly, treating the earth better, and consuming and wasting less? Now’s the time! Here are 5 easy ways you can resolve to be green in 2018.
- Ditch the paper. Rather than using paper towels, use cloth towels in your kitchen. It may be difficult to break the habit, so we suggest getting rid of the paper towels all together rather than leaving them as a backup. Stop using paper napkins and go for cloth instead. Have some leftover fabric lying around? Check out this super-easy way to make your own no-sew cloth napkins.
- Go digital. File your taxes electronically and cut back on paper usage. Here’s some useful information to help you when considering e-file vs. paper. While you’re at it, consider switching all of your bills to online payment and e-bill. Reducing consumption and transportation of paper can make a big environmental impact (think less waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions). Did you know you can save 5% off your monthly bill with Nauset Disposal by signing up for e-bill? Here’s how: nausetdisposal.com/go-green-campaign/
- BYO…M? Take your own travel mug to your favorite coffee shop! Some shops will even give you a discount if you bring your own container. While we’re talking beans, find out if your coffee is triple certified – certified by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and the Soil Association – meaning it’s ethically and sustainably produced.
- Compost at home. We’ve talked in the past about the importance of reducing your waste at home and this is an easy one with multiple benefits. Save money and resources, keep valuable resources out of the landfill, help to extend landfill lifespans, and reduce greenhouse gases. Bonus – you can even include fireplace ashes in your compost. BOOM. Interested in starting a winter compost? Here are some helpful tips!
- Lose the plastic. If you’re drinking bottled water, stop. Pick up a reusable container at nearly any local store for less than what you spend in a week on bottled water. This will leave more money in your pocket, and less plastic in our oceans. Dump the plastic bags, which are made using non-renewable sources, take enormous amounts of energy to manufacture, don’t break down in landfill sites, and are incredibly difficult to recycle.