Thursday, March 10, 2011

10 Tips to Waste-Free Your House Now!


Did you know that one child generates an average of 67 lbs of lunchtime trash per school year? When you add to that all the packages that we discard daily to maintain our house, it is a lot of waste destined for landfill!
We think that it is every parent's responsibility to reduce waste, and teach kids to protect Mother Earth.
Ok, we know that sometimes life is already so busy that the convenience of opening pre-made individual packages can make a difference to our daily tight schedules. Consider at least a few changes to your routine that will certainly reduce your daily waste:
  • Reusable lunchboxes are so easy to manage! Most options are inexpensive and dishwashable. Not to mention that they come in BPA, PVC and phthalate-free versions. They usually include thermos and reusable sandwich bags.
  • Recycle, recycle, recycle.
  • Bring your own mug to the coffee shop when you take it to go, or ask for porcelain mugs if staying in.
  • If possible, try using cloth diapers at least a few times a day. Any reduction in plastic waste makes a big difference!
  • Buy in bulk, avoiding unnecessary packages. 
  • Go to your local farmer's market, not only you will support your local business community, but also get better quality and great taste from your fresh produce.
  • Try to buy everything on an as-needed basis.
  • Kids grow so fast, resulting in tons of used clothing and gear. Try to swap items that are not safety-related. That will save you some serious cash. Find options on Craig's List, Ebay, or just by talking to other parents.
  • There are several things in the house you can do to save energy, from appliances to keeping lights, heater and air condition off when not needed, to switching to energy saving light bulbs. You will be happy when your next utility bill comes!
  • Teach your children to consumer with a waste-free mindset!
Saving energy and reducing waste is an ongoing process. Keeping it in mind when you buy groceries, cleaning products, light bulbs and appliances is a great start, and a huge contribution to our future!

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