Much of the pollution in our environment comes from large corporations, according to The Guardian:
Just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, according to a new report.
But changing our individual approach to consumption can have an impact. You don’t have to go zero waste or move into a tiny house and live off the grid to make your life more sustainable and eco-friendly. Here are 3 easy ways to reduce waste, no matter your life or financial situation.
Buy used
From clothes to home goods to cars, there are opportunities everywhere to buy items that have already been created and used, eliminating the need to use resources to create new items. Older, cared-for items are often more durable than newer items (hello, vintage Pyrex!) as well as being more cost-effective – sought-after items may cost more up front but last longer. I love the vintage Revereware frying pans I got from eBay.
Need sports equipment? Try Play It Again Sports. Looking to refresh your wardrobe? Try Plato’s Closet, thredUP, or Poshmark. (Want to try thredUP? Here’s $10 off your first purchase.) There are also tons of places online and locally to buy used books, often for less than half of the price of the same book new.
And of course, there’s always Craigslist for home goods, antiques, and other random items (like wood pallets, bricks, books, and more). Don’t forget to check local garage/yard sales for deals too!
Reuse anything and everything
Many of the single-use containers we buy can be given new life (and kept out of landfills) with a little creativity. Glass, plastic, or metal containers can be reused to hold dry goods like tea or rice – or as part of craft projects. Make sure you clean them thoroughly first, though! Soaking glass jars with white vinegar and dish soap will get rid of any lingering smells and labels.
One of my recent projects has been to use glass yogurt jars to create macrame votive holders. They’re easy to make and are great housewarming or birthday gifts. (Check out the tutorial on Decor Hint.)
Check out Pinterest for upcycling projects that use the materials you have – there are thousands of tutorials for everything from toilet paper tubes to plastic medicine bottles.
Donate, don’t trash
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 137.7 million tons of trash ended up in U.S. landfills in 2015—and that amount continues to rise. Sadly, a significant portion of what ends up in landfills is usable. Instead of throwing books, clothes, or toys that are in good, functional condition into the garbage, make a quick trip to your local Goodwill or charity thrift shop. Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. Do a web search or check Yelp to see what’s nearby.
Additionally, many local thrift stores support non-profit causes like animal or human rights. For example, HandMeUps in North Carolina provides volunteer and employment opportunities to individuals with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities. Cause for Paws NC supports animal adoption efforts with their thrift store sales (and you can even visit kitties in their stores!). If you donate to a non-profit thrift store, your donation is often tax deductable.
Have other easy ways to reduce your eco-impact? Share them in the comments!
The Three R Life 