Reuse, Reduce and Save

Simple changes at home can save you loads of resources! We not only mean planet conservation but also more money in your pocket! Who doesn't like that?
As we approach Earth's month, in April, we put together a few easy-to-implement tips to help you reuse, reduce and save at home! 

Reuse

• Recycle, recycle, recycle! Teach your kids recycling basics, and be a role model.
• Replace disposables wherever possible. Start with your razor, food storage, ink cartridges, filters, diapers, etc.
• Buy used products whenever possible from sources like Craig's List, eBay and other parents!
• Borrow from friends, if you only need something temporarily. Share with friends books, magazines, movies, games, and newspapers.
• Purchase rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger (some battery rechargers will also recharge regular alkaline batteries). Solar powered battery rechargers are available online.
• Dump and Run is a nonprofit organization that organizes the collection of college students' castoff items in the spring, so they can be sold to incoming students in the fall. The proceeds are then donated to nonprofits.

Reduce

• Simplify your life as much as possible, only keeping belongings that you use on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally create less waste in the future.
• Reduce purchases, buy only what you need. A good tip is to try the 30-Day Rule: wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying, and save you some serious cash!
• As much as possible, create a tree-free home: replace paper napkins with cloth napkins, and paper towels with a special set of cloth towels, and avoid printing unnecessary files. Consider switching to online news instead of print subscriptions.
• Avoid products that are packaged for single use. Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers.
• Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. Don't accept "free" promotional products that you won't use. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
• Shopping Bags: no need to elaborate on this one!
• Waste-free lunches and coffee by adopting reusable containers and mugs.
• Set goals to reduce your energy consumption (electricity, cooking and car gas). Get the kiddos  involved by asking for specific changes in everyone's habits.
• Buy energy saving products where needed.
• Reduce "standby power", the energy used while an appliance is switched off or not performing. The easiest way is to unplug appliances that are not being used.  
• Set goals to reduce your water consumption: full loads only (dishwasher and washer). Choose the short cycle at low water levels whenever possible. Fix leaks promptly: it is estimated that 13.7% of household water is wasted by leaks. Water your plants at night to minimize evaporation. Lastly, use your leftover water to water plants.
  
• Check out the Carbon Footprint Calculator. It helps you determine your carbon dioxide emissions from home energy consumption and transportation by car and plane. This information can be tracked over time, allowing you to gauge the impact of actions you take to reduce your carbon footprint.

Need a little incentive to get your kids going? Use part of the money saved to do something fun with your family, or increase kids' allowances to encourage them to get involved in finding new ways to conserve!



Sources: GlobalStewards.org
nature.org, dumpandrun.org