Home : Global Warming

Green Household

Going Green Tip - Get the Garbage Out of Your Life!

By Beverly Saltonstall

Reports from the United Nations Development Program have shown that there are close to five million people that die yearly, from diseases related to incorrect waste disposal, and they say the number is increasing. It is evident that the developed countries are the ones that are generating the most waste. Surprisingly about 3/4 of a ton of garbage is generated on a yearly basis by a single person in the United States. These statistics are backed up by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (aka US EPA).

recycle bin These distressing statistics can be lessened through suitable waste management. Individuals need to realize that waste management at home is not just about generating less trash. It is more about saving and the protection of the environment. Starting out your approach toward a responsible household waste management program is to begin recording what precisely you are discarding and how much garbage is being hauled from your home. By monitoring your trash habits, you will see how you can handle your household garbage in other ways.

The mantra of waste management is summed up in three simple words; reduce, reuse, recycle.

Reduce household waste: The buying of food in packs can add considerably to your garbage. Always attempt to buy food that is sold loose such as vegetables and fruits. Thinking about the long term, you should consider having your home appliances serviced on a planned basis. If they are not working have them repaired. This lessens the chance of having to discard the appliances and keeps them from the landfills for a longer interval.
Reuse items: If you have an appliance or other home equipment that you are not using and is still in good condition, operational, you should entertain the though of gifting it to charity. Avoid the practice of using plastic bags and paper bags by carrying a reusable shopping bag or re-purpose everyday items that you usually discard. There are many different websites that provide you some rather creative ideas. Be sure and purchase reusable over disposable items. Reusable coffee cups and drinking water bottles, should be substituted rather than the disposable containers. This act alone can save a immense amount of waste from being disposed of into landfills.
Recycle: One of the easiest to recycle is by composting. This method of recycling is ideal both for your garden and the environment. You may even research worm farming as an idea to earn extra cash and recycle your trash at the same time. Recycling centers are located in nearly every community. Make it a habit to use take advantage of one near your home.

eating green Food is another huge source of household garbage. How can you slash food waste? Simply by buying only what you really will consume and need. A shopping list is a cost saving tool to prevent impulse buying. Research has shown that 75% of the individuals who purchase an item in a grocery store reached that decision after they visited the store. A shopping list will help your budget and it will save the environment. Become a smart shopper and check your supplies first. Finish up those items that can spoil first. Be knowledgeable about what happens to the food you buy, how much packaging it has, and its origin, before you buy.

Finally, a discussion on the hazardous chemicals found in our homes. The U.S. Government has identified nearly 500 hazardous chemical waste products and how they need to be discarded. Everyday items we find in our home, such as paint, cleaning supplies, and pesticides contain these chemicals. By switching to organic products, the hassle to go through the extra steps needed to dispose of hazardous household materials can be eliminated. So get that garbage out of your life and make your home a healthier and safer place for you, your family and the planet.

Beverly Saltonstall is an enviro-entrepreneur - both a wildlife lecturer and advocate and website owner. She has published extensively about topics of interest concerning sustainable development, pollution and recycling. Her goal is to show the world how easy it is to make simple steps towards going green.

A Green Lady - Blog

Thanks Beverly for the green household tips. It is very important to consider every purchase we make. Consider the processes that brought the item to the store, the energy that will be required to use it, if any, and the process of disposal. This is all part of turning our homes green.