SUSTAINABILITY IN EVERYDAY LIVING

Colleen Duffy

There are easy ways to contribute to sustainability in our everyday lives. Following some simple guidelines can make a big difference in creating a green future, as opposed to a gray one. Just remember the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Yes, you’ve probably heard this all before, but sometimes we need a little reminder. Here are some quick and easy how-to’s in each of the three categories.

REDUCE:

  • Take a shower instead of a bath.
  • Turn off any lights you aren’t using.
  • Turn your heat down or your air-conditioner off when- ever you’ll be out of the house for a long period of time.
  • Politely refuse disposable bags at the store whenever you can carry your purchases without one, and utilize reusable totes whenever possible.
  • Use CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs or LED (light-emitting diode) lights.

REUSE:
  • Use disposable bags again, as trash can liners for example.
  • Make a conscious effort to buy reusable containers for storing water and food.
  • If you don’t like something, or don’t have a use for it anymore, let someone else reuse it. Craigslist.com, for example, has a “free stuff” section where you can give things away.

RECYCLE:
  • Call your local waste management and recycling companies for recycling guidelines in your area.
  • Properly recycle hazardous materials, such as pressurized cans, old paints, and certain chemicals. This may mean driving them to a recycling center.
  • Recycle your electronics, such as computers and cell phones, through proper channels. If they don’t work, but could work again, there are many places that will take them, repair them, and find new homes for them.

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