The mantra of environmentalists everywhere is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Here are some simple tips to help you be greener every day.1. BRING REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS SHOPPING
Not only will you improve your ecological footprint, but you will be able to carry a lot more groceries more comfortably with the heftier bags and straps. According to the Pocono Record, if each person used one reusable bag, she would save six plastic bags per week, 24 bags per month, 288 bags per year, 22,176 bags in a lifetime. If only 20% of the people in the US used a reusable bag, that would save 1,330,560,000,000 bags over our lifetime.
2. REDUCE YOURJUNK MAIL.
Cut down on your junk mail before it shows up in your mailbox, and save yourself 70 hours each year that it takes to go through it. Log on to www.catalogchoice.org to opt out of receiving catalogs. Ask to be taken off of mailing lists and contact the Direct Marketing Association to remove yourself from lists they provide and use.
3. BRING YOUR MUG YO WORK
Bring your mug to work. Instead of using a styrofoam or paper cup each time you get coffee, bring your own mug or travel mug. Most coffee shops are happy to refill your mug, sometimes at a discount!
4. Switch to reusable products whenever possible: cups, plates, cloth napkins, razors, diapers, towels, grocery bags, etc.
5. Recycle everything you can. It is easy to recycle, especially for Baltimore City residents, who now have a recycling pick up day each week. The city accepts plastics 1-7, cans, bottles, and paper. In addition, hazardous material waste (paint cans or paint thinner, for example) can be dropped off at the city’s drop off days, October 10 and 11, 2009, at the Polytechnic Institute parking lot. Electronics (computers, printers, etc.) can be recycled at one of five city locations (http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/dpw/recycle/ecycle.php).
6. Eat local. Baltimore has a plethora of farmers’ markets into the Fall that offer locally-grown produce. The less food has to travel, the fresher it is and the less fuel is wasted on its transport.
So start small, and remember, every little bit counts!
Meagan Lockman has a Masters of Science in Environmental Management from Vanderbilt University and is owner of EcoConsults, a local EcoConsulting firm. EcoConsults specializes in providing residential and commercial clients with simple, cost-effective, personalized recommendations for a greener lifestyle. [www.ecoconsults.com]
