“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.
By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma
Photo Credit: thekitchendesigner.org via Flickr using Creative Commons
Do you give much thought to the contents of your trashcan? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t. But each person’s contribution adds up to a lot of waste sitting in the landfill. According to the EPA, nearly 80 million tons of waste from packaging and containers alone, finds its way to the landfill each year.
Much of the contents of our trashcans could be avoided if we made a conscious effort to reduce it. Follow these tips to limit the amount of waste you kick to the curb each month:
In the Kitchen:
- Store leftovers in reusable containers instead of using disposable plastic bags and wrap.
- Buy groceries with less packaging – such as whole fruit instead of pre-cut fruit in plastic containers; large boxes of crackers instead of individual packages.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins at mealtime.
- Buy only what you need and avoid buying mega-sized boxes of product that you don’t really need and won’t use up before the expiration date.
- Compost food scraps – it’s easier than you might think. (Here’s an easy how-to guide)
- Use everything you have. Did you know that Americans waste 40% of the food we grow and raise? We can do better!!
In the Bathroom:
- Clean the bathroom using reusable cotton rags or microfiber cloths instead of paper towels.
- Choose reusable razors instead of disposable.
- Buy fewer products and look for items with multiple purposes – like foundation with sunscreen or a dual lip balm and cheek color.
- Buy refillable products for cleaning and personal care when possible.
In the Laundry Room:
- Choose concentrated laundry detergents that come in smaller packages.
- Skip the dryer sheets and use reusable wool dryer balls or other eco-friendly methods to soften laundry and reduce static cling.
Throughout the House:
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable.
- Reuse junk mail or printer mistakes as scrap paper.
- Find creative ways to repurpose things you already have – like these ideas for toy storage using wooden and cardboard boxes.
- Donate used clothing and other items to shelters or thrift stores.
- Recycle everything you can.
- If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!
How do you reduce waste at home? We’d love to hear your tips and ideas!
Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.
