20 Ways to Go Green This Earth Day
This Earth Day Elgin Recycling has come up with a list of 20 easy ways to make an impact on our environment. These simple changes can reduce energy use, costs, and our input into landfills.
1. Turn off computers when not in use.
Computers take a lot of energy to run, even in sleep mode. Save energy and money by shutting them off when they are not in use.
2. Air Dry Clothes
Drying clothes takes energy. Not only will you save money by line drying clothes, but your favorite outfit will maintain its shape and the colors will stay vibrant.
3. Don't run the water while brushing your teeth.
Running water while brushing your teeth just wastes water. Use water only when needed.
4. Use cruise control while driving
Not only will cruise control help keep you from a speeding ticket, it can save you up to 15% on your gas mileage!
5. Take a shorter shower
Shorter showers save water and help the environment.
6. Invest in a programmable thermostat
Invest in a programmable thermostat to save energy while you are away from your home. Even one degree difference in temperature could mean big savings and much less energy use.
7. Get a reusable coffee cup
If your morning just doesn't start without a trip to the local coffee shop, invest in a reusable coffee cup. Disposable cups end up in the landfill. You may even get a discount for bringing in your reusable cup.
8. Group errands
Have a long list of errands to run? Be more efficient by writing down where you plan to go and grouping your errands together. Save time and gas!
9. Recycle your old cell phone
The average life of a cell phone is 18 months and many end up in landfills each year. All Elgin Recycling locations accept cell phones for recycling.
10. Recycle your old hangers
Many hangers are made of steel. All Elgin Recycling locations accept metal hangers. We will even pay you for them!
11. Take charge of your personal recycling
Many items that are thrown into the garbage can be recycled. Elgin Recycling accepts and even pays for most metals. Those aluminum cans are as good as cash at Elgin Recycling!
12. Don't use plastic bags
Investing in a few reusable bags can literally save 1,000's of plastic bags from ending up in the landfill.
13. Go paperless
Many of your monthly bills can be sent to your email to save on paper and help the environment.
14. Use rechargable batteries
Rechargable batteries can save both money and our Earth. Although it may cost more up front, the investment in rechargable batteries will keep disposable batteries out of our landfills.
15. Take the stairs
Save energy by taking the stairs over the elevator. Save the environment and improve your health!
16. Clean out your trunk
Clean out your trunk and save on gas mileage. All the extra weight in your trunk can drain your fuel economy.
17. Donate newspapers to animal shelters
Animals in shelters can benefit from newspaper donations to line the bottom of their cages with.
18. Get a houseplant
Plants can increase oxygen levels in your home and remove toxins from the air.
19. Use E-tickets
Using E-tickets saves paper and trees. Most major venues now offer a way to simply show your tickets on your cell phone.
20. Use cloth diapers
If you have a child in diapers at home consider switching to cloth diapers or eco-friendly diapers that do not take as long to decompose in our landfills.
Information cited from 50 ways to Help the Planet at: http://www.50waystohelp.com/
and
52 Cheap Ways to Go Green at: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/807479/52-cheap-ways-to-go-green
Back
