5 Easy Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly

These days, we’re all looking for unique ways to reduce waste. They call it “going green” or being more “eco-friendly.” But what is this eco-friendly business all about? By doing your part, you can help our planet thrive. But more so than anything else, you’re helping your local community through clean living. The goal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle old materials and waste.

Donate Old Items and Furniture

That’s right; even an old couch with smudges and tears is worth something to families in need. If you’re planning on tossing an old piece of furniture by the side of the road for pickup, why not donate it to charity? You’re helping the less fortunate, and your donation can save you money. At tax time, the IRS looks kindly upon donations and charitable acts by offering you rebates and savings.

Bulk Purchases

Most products in the supermarket are packed for single-use, like candy or salad dressing packets. You use them once, then toss the plastic packaging in the trash. Eventually, that plastic winds up in a landfill or on the side of the road. Plastic can take thousands of years to decompose. Think of how much plastic gets tossed into landfills each and every day!

Instead of buying single-use products, consider purchasing in bulk at a big box store, like Costco. You’ll stock up on grains, cereal, and paper products without excess waste.

Buy Used

In the same way as buying in bulk, buying used helps cut down on packaging. A new product, while helpful, comes in hard plastic or cardboard that harms the environment. By buying used, you’ll receive the same great product, albeit with a little wear, but without the mess or waste.

If you’re curious about buying used, check out your local thrift stores, eBay, Amazon, or local newspaper listings for folks in your area selling items.

Recycle Plastic

You’d be surprised to learn the amount of plastic waste Americans toss out each day. Here’s a shocker: in 2017, the U.S. threw away 35.4 million tons of plastic. Most households in the country purchase cases of water — usually one or two per month — and then toss the bottles in the trash. We’re all guilty of doing so at one point or another. But, instead of tossing out the bottles and caps, consider recycling them.

Even better, perhaps switch to a reusable bottle and fill it from the tap?!

Try Composting

If you have the yard space, why not start a compost pile? At first, the smell may deter you. But wait, because, in time, you’ll have yard trimmings and food scraps aplenty to start a homemade garden of your own. Then, instead of buying plastic-wrapped vegetables, you can pick your own and cook in the comfort of your kitchen. It’s a win-win eco-friendly tip!

If you’re interested in donating old furniture or household items, even building materials from a recent renovation, then contact Green Donation Consultants — an eco-friendly business with you on our mind. You’ll receive a free consultation when you call 800-870-3965!