The environment is a hot topic for many people and has been for quite sometime.  I remember during the Presidential debates in 2008 that green technologies and developing those technologies were top priorities for all candidates concerned.  Although as a Nation, we’re still building on those sources of renewable energy, and there are little things we can do ourselves to either reduce our carbon footprint, use less energy, or recycle.

The business of recycling has never been better.  Matter of fact, in most neighborhoods, it’s a requirement.  City programs have paid for and provided residential units with recycling bins and large recycling containers to make it easier for homes to separate the trash from recyclables to help out in the cause.  There are many more donations centers that take in old computers, cell phones and other electronics.  The facilities are more readily available than every — it’s just a matter of you taking your own personal initiative to make a difference.

However, I’m not asking you to tie yourself to a tree and starve yourself for weeks on end.  Quite the contrary, you should go about your business, just not as usual.  As a homeowner, you’ve taken great pride (if not, shame on you!) in having your slice of the American dream.  And like I mentioned before, your city is helping you live green, whether you know it or not.  What many people don’t realize is that regardless of the city donated recycle bins, the hybrid cars, or even the green light bulbs, U.S. households still use an extraordinarily insane amount of water on a daily basis.

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The water use I’m talking about is water that you use to shower, wash the dishes, wash your clothes, brush your teeth and the like.  This water usage accounts for on average 54% of a household’s monthly water usage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  That’s just ridiculous when you think about it.  How many of you out there turn off your faucet when brushing your teeth? I’ve been guilty of the same crime, all the while using up gallons of water through the week.  Take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone, but also take more comfort in knowing that there is a way for you to re-use that water to benefit the environment, as well as reducing your monthly water bills!

Grey-water systems allow households to redirect that water into irrigation.  If you’re a homeowner, you already know the value placed on real estate that has great landscaping and a beautiful green yard.  With grey-water systems, you alleviate the need to break out with the water hose, or turn on your sprinklers.  More importantly, you eliminate the need to use additional water.  The initial investment of these systems can seem expensive (some start out as low as $500), especially in today’s economy.  However, after installation, you as a homeowner, will realize in relatively short time that the investment will pay for itself — especially with a reduction of 30-40% of your monthly water bill.

If you’re looking for ways to go green, or live green, then take the time to do some research on these systems.  I’m not writing to specifically endorse any particular company or brand — I’m writing to inform and to help you realize that just because you care about the environment, doesn’t mean you need to change your lifestyle to the extreme.  Thanks for reading and until next time:  evaluate your daily habits and consider what you do on a daily basis and how you can implement a change to help the environment!

Author and creator of The Greenie-Weenie|How to Live Green blog, which was created to inform the public on useful tips to lead a enviornment-friendly life (or to simply go green).
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Going Green Tip – Get the Garbage Out of Your Life!

Reports from the United Nations Development Programme have shown that there are close to five million people that die yearly, from diseases related to incorrect waste disposal, and they say the number is increasing.

It is evident that the developed countries are the ones that are generating the most waste. Surprisingly about 3/4 of a ton of garbage is generated on a yearly basis by a single person in the United States.

These statistics are backed up by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (aka US EPA). These distressing statistics can be lessened through suitable waste management.
Individuals need to realize that waste management at home is not just about generating less trash. It is more about saving and the protection of the environment.

Starting out your approach toward a responsible household waste management program is to begin recording what precisely you are discarding and how much garbage is being hauled from your home. By monitoring your trash habits, you will see how you can handle your household garbage in other ways. The mantra of waste management is summed up in three simple words; reduce, reuse, recycle.

• Reduce household waste

The buying of food in packs can add considerably to your garbage. Always attempt to buy food that is sold loose such as vegetables and fruits.

Thinking about the long term, you should consider having your home appliances serviced on a planned basis. If they are not working have them repaired. This lessens the chance of having to discard the appliances and keeps them from the landfills for a longer interval.

•Reuse items

If you have an appliance or other home equipment that you are not using and is still in good condition, operational, you should entertain the though of gifting it to charity.

Avoid the practice of using plastic bags and paper bags by carrying a reusable shopping bag or re-purpose everyday items that you usually discard. There are many different websites that provide you some rather creative ideas.

Be sure and purchase reusable over disposable items. Reusable coffee cups and drinking water bottles, should be substituted rather than the disposable containers. This act alone can save a immense amount of waste from being disposed of into landfills.

• Recycle

One of the easiest to recycle is by composting. This method of recycling is ideal both for your garden and the environment. You may even research worm farming as an idea to earn extra cash and recycle your trash at the same time.

Recycling centers are located in nearly every community. Make it a habit to use take advantage of one near your home.

Food is another huge source of household garbage. How can you slash food waste? Simply by buying only what you really will consume and need. A shopping list is a cost saving tool to prevent impulse buying. Research has shown that 75% of the individuals who purchase an item in a grocery store reached that decision after they visited the store. A shopping list will help your budget and it will save the environment.

Become a smart shopper and check your supplies first. Finish up those items that can spoil first. Be knowledgeable about what happens to the food you buy, how much packaging it has, and its origin, before you buy.

Finally, a discussion on the hazardous chemicals found in our homes. The U.S. Government has identified nearly 500 hazardous chemical waste products and how they need to be discarded. Everyday items we find in ourhome, such as paint, cleaning supplies, and pesticides contain these chemicals. By switching to organic products, the hassle to go through the extra steps needed to dispose of hazardous household materials can be eliminated.

These household waste management tips will not only save the environment, they make your home a healthier place for you and your family.

Beverly Saltonstall is an enviro-entrepreneur – both a wildlife lecturer and advocate and website owner. She has published extensively about topics of interest concerning sustainable development, pollution and recycling. Her goal is to show the world how easy it is to make simple steps towards going green. http://agreenlady.com/Blog

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Please Note... All links within articles are placed by their author-owners and not by this blog.Products with in those links may or may not be the best in the world.If it sounds too good to be true it could be a scam.Articles are posted for their info,ideas and or entertainment value only.

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