Green Suburbia: Shedding the Stigma of Wasteful Living
As more people become aware of the need for salvaging and maintaining as many precious natural resources as possible, a movement toward green suburban living becomes the trend instead of an oddity. Shedding the stigma of wasteful living is a goal, so that people do not perceive the suburbs as an area prone to higher levels of waste and larger carbon footprints on average. Here are some helpful tips for helping you and your family eliminate wasteful behavior and make a better impact on the environment short-term and in the long run:
Reduce, reuse, recycle. The recycling slogan should be an inspiration to everyone, reminding us that we do not always have to toss every piece of garbage into the trash can as the primary method of dealing with waste. Reduce your family\’s trash by purchasing in bulk or only buying items that are absolutely necessary. Some retailers also offer biodegradable packaging. Reuse items that can be reused, including a variety of repurposing ideas that you can find online. Recycle glass, paper, and plastic trash at most recycling centers, and be on the lookout for those centers that allow you to recycle other products as well, such as cardboard, aluminum cans, old electronic equipment, batteries, and other household items.
Utilize a compost area. It may sound like a lot of work, but maintaining a compost area in your backyard is not as challenging as you might think. It eliminates a significant amount of trash from your household, and you can save money on mulch and keep your plants looking great outdoors simply by emptying the compost bucket into your flowerbeds and potted plants. Many different foods can be tossed into a compost bucket instead of thrown away every day, including fruit and vegetable peels and cores, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more.
Repurpose old furniture instead of buying new pieces regularly. We all like to keep up with current trends, but many items that we donate to charity or thrift stores wind up in landfills because no one wants them. Instead of tossing out a piece that still has life but it out of date, try to use new fabrics, paint, stain, and other methods to modernize it instead of throwing it away. Not only do you save money, but you also reduce the amount of waste from your home and you have the added bonus being able to choose the perfect shades and patterns for the rest of your decor.
Use efficient fixtures and appliances in the kitchen and bathroom. Most modern brands offer energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen, including refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, toilets, and trash compactors. Fixtures such as sinks and faucets, showerheads, and bathtubs are also in energy efficient models, saving water and electricity and lowering your utility bills in addition to being better for the environment. They cost a little more initially, but it is worth the extra investment in the long run, as most of these items pay for themselves long before they wear out or need to be replaced.
Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with dolphin metal wall art and bathroom metal wall decor.
http://Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with dolphin metal wall art and bathroom metal wall decor.
Author Bio: Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with dolphin metal wall art and bathroom metal wall decor.
Category: Home Management
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