Doing Your Part...

So I wrote a post earlier this month, discussing about Sustainability;  I feel like people think that the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is not obtainable for them in their individual lives. However I want to share how I am working on these things in my everyday life and so can you...

• Buy in bulk
•  Not only does it help reduce all the packaging that you throw away per product, but it usually ends up being cheaper
• Use a Water filter
• I love my Brita filter...I used to be a slave to water bottles in undergrad because I could afford it then, but now I realize how much plastic I used to go through. I made myself feel better that I recycled all of my plastic bottles, but don't even get to that step and just drink filtered water.
• Use a reusable water bottle (Stainless Steel) and coffee mug
• helps to reduce the use of plastic bottles and cups
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• This is one of my favorite trends right now and I hope it continues. Almost every store, grocery stores and even clothing stores have these bags for sale. Usually $1-2 and you can use them over and over again to carry your groceries/purchases. This helps to cut down on plastic bag usage. The key is to remember to take them whenever you go to the store. Also if you have a small purchase, just ask for them to NOT put it in a bag. Sometimes people will look at you crazy, but just tell them you don't want to use an unnecessary bag.
• RECYCLE
• Most areas have a recycling program, just look it up on the internet.. it is usually a small one time fee. They will send you a bin and pick up the recycling for you. It might not seem like a lot but it definitely is. And if you are on a college campus or in any sort of metropolitan area than you have no excuse.
• Be AWARE of your personal waste
• The trashcan in my room/bathroom is really small and it helps me be cognizant of how much I throw away, based on the frequency I have to take out the trash. 
• Turn OFF water
• When washing hands, brushing teeth (especially), doing dishes, etc try not to run the water. I am guilty of running the water when I brush my teeth, but it is something that I am working on. There is an ongoing debate between whether handwashing dishes or dishwashers uses less water...whichever one you use, try not to do it as frequently.
•  Carpool
• Even though most people know carpooling helps to reduce your carbon footprint and saves everyone involved money...people don't usually do it because it isn't always the "quickest" or "easiest" method
• Turn OFF the light
• My mom has always been a "stickler" for turning off lights or any sort of electricity when you leave a room and I have stuck with me. It is as simple as opening the curtains/blinds during the day to get natural sunlight it looks and feels better anyway. So just turn off the light.

It may seem that some of those things are common sense and I didn't really say anything life changing, well that is the point. Most if not all of these things just take a few modifications to your daily routine and they can make a big difference. The slogan for the EcoBags website is "Simple Ideas, Big Impact" and that is exactly what it is...Below are some other ideas...

• Reduce the pressure on your faucet/shower
• Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees
• Energy saving lightbulbs

To check out even more ideas, get more information, and just become more educated overall, check out this great website...Eartheasy-Sustainable Living

Until Next Time...