You find tons of commercials and news print on what we can do help the environment. Well, here at EmShaw’s Place we would like to provide you with some more tips that not only contribute to the environmentally friendly cause but can also save you money.
1. Turn Off Lights. Turning off lights in rooms not being used, unplugging items not being used, and using compact fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and save you money in the long run. Remember, just because something is off does not mean it is not using energy. Items like cell phone chargers, cable boxes, TV, computers are things that will still use energy and electricity even when turned off; so, unplug them when you can and you’ll see a difference in your electric bill.
2. Recycle. Recycle. Recycle. And not just plastic, glass, and aluminum. Donate old clothes and toys. Recycle old electronics and cell phones. Check out http://www.freecycle.org, a great resource. Repaint, refurbish, and reuse old furniture. Most donations are tax deductable. Contact any cell phone provider or electronics store for recycling programs, which are usually as simple as dropping off the old electronics at the store. Check out decorating books from your local library for tips on how to decorate your home with fresh, new looks using what you already got. A little elbow grease and some stain or paint can do wonders for furniture. Also, look at your local elementary schools and middle schools to see if they have a recycle program for fundraising. A local school here in Gig Harbor, WA collects newspapers and cardboard, in which they recycle for cash for the school. Also Check out Aveda Recycle Caps Program: http://aveda.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.asp – this is a great way to help out.
3. Plant a tree or plant. Enclosed is a list of Air –purifying plants, perfect for your home.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema); Ficus; Gerbera Daisies; English Ivy (Hedera); Philodendron; Burn Plant; Mum; Dumb Cane; Pease Lily; Mauna Loa
4. Build or Buy a compost bin. A compost bin provides you with your own free mulch, potting soil, lawn food and you can put just about anything in it; grass clippings, chopped trees, cardboard, wood ash, leaves, tea bags, egg shells, coffee grounds and more. There pretty easy to make and will help you have a beautiful lawn and garden, saving you money. Some resources: http://www.compostingguide.com, http://www.ehow.com/how_16876_make-compost-bin.html, http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Compost-Bin
And there are tons more ways you can contribute, i.e. using reusable grocery bags, carpooling, so get out there and make a change.
Those are all great ways to save energy and resources. Might I also add more ideas….turn your car engine off when you’re in line outside at the bank or any other drive through including fast food places. Better yet, park and go inside. Turn your engine off while waiting for someone or at a railroad crossing waiting for a train.
I compost everything mentioned above but I also shred all my junk mail (minus cellophane), cereal boxes, any paper material including cardboard, food containers, etc. I add it all to my compost bins and I’ve been doing it for years. The worms turn it all into rich black soil for your plants. It stays out of the landfill and it becomes something very useful. Everyone wins.