Reduce Your Waste

Reducing waste helps conserve valuable resources and minimize environmental pollution. There are different ways to reduce waste, from composting and recycling different materials to reuse and prevention.

Recycling Different Materials

There are products and materials that can be recycled, including paperboard and books, glass, tin beverage containers, soap bottles, food containers, plastics, and others. Common recyclable materials also include ferrous and non-ferrous metals, mixed color and color-separated glass, and corrugated cardboard: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/smm/wastewise/pubs/commonmats.pdf There are plenty of benefits to processing and reusing different materials, one being that this helps conserve resources such as minerals, water, and timber. Recycling also minimizes harmful greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy and gas for manufacturing and transportation. Recycling makes manufacturing more efficient and therefore brings economic returns. There are further benefits to reusing different materials - minimizing waste and harmful emissions makes it easier to develop and comply with environmental and economic policies and regulations.

Tips on Reducing Waste

There are different ways and strategies to reduce waste, both at home and at production facilities. Home composting is one way to minimize garden and kitchen waste, and it is something easy to do. Hundreds of household products can be composted, including plant trimmings, fish meal, soy milk and milk, pea wines, moldy cheese, and a lot more. In addition to composting, there are other ways to go about waste reduction, one being better planning and buying appropriate quantities and sizes. At commercial facilities, there are different strategies and methods to control and minimize waste, including improved monitoring and handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, better management practices, and proper separation of waste. Better stock management is also an important practice when it comes to hazardous chemicals. The reuse of metals also helps reduce waste and pollution and contributes to resource conservation.

Green Ways to Save Cash

There are many green ways to save cash and show care for the planet. From growing your own herbs, vegetables and fruits to using residual heat when cooking, going green can save you a lot of cash and help you avoid taking out loans or credit.

Organic Food, Food Waste, Cooking, and Utensils

One way to save cash is to eliminate food waste. In fact, about 40 percent of the food produced ends up in the landfills. Buy less or only what you plan to use. Eating less meat also helps reduce pollution because production uses and wastes nonrenewable resources. Meat is also more expensive than other products. Huge amounts of land are required to grow crops and for grazing. Meat production also wastes considerable amounts of water, energy, food, and electricity. Eating smart is one way to save cash and help local communities. Many consumers opt for organic, humane, locally grown and raised products. Arguably, organic products are more expensive, but healthy food choices save money on medical expenses. Organic food is free of toxic substances, herbicides, and pesticides and is hence healthier. In addition to choosing products and ingredients that are healthy and waste fewer resources, the way food is cooked is also important. Using a toaster oven, for example, wastes less energy compared to a conventional oven. Toaster ovens save energy because preheating is not required. Using smaller appliances such as an electronic kettle or oven also helps save money and energy. In fact, microwave ovens use the least amount of energy, which makes them environmentally friendly. There is a selection of snacks, meals, and desserts that can be prepared in the microwave. If you want to save money on water, you may want to buy a water filter. Bottled water creates huge amounts of waste and pollutes the environment. It is also more expensive than tap water. You will also save money if you stop using disposable forks, knives, plates, cups, and bowls.

Other Green Ways to Save Cash

One way to save money is to borrow from libraries and rental shops instead of buying CDs, magazines, newspapers, and books. A lot of paper and ink are wasted to print newspapers and other items. You may also share tools and appliances instead of buying them. Organizing a garage sale will help you to get rid of stuff that clutters your garage and house. The easiest way to finance a loan from one of the Canadian big banks, like TD Bank or RBC. Once you are their customer you can apply for many other loan products including credit cards.

Water and Energy Wise Ways to Save Cash and Reduce Pollution

Many people are in the habit of leaving the tap running when doing the dishes, brushing their teeth, or washing their face. You will save water if you turn it off. Another way to reduce your water bill is to go for a low flow showerhead. You will use up to 60 percent less water if you choose to do this. Many models cost about $5, which makes the low flow showerhead an inexpensive solution. Of course, it is important to repair leaky appliances and faucets because they waste money and may be unsafe to use. A leaky tap or faucet wastes a lot of water (up to 140 gallons weekly or 560 gallons a month). And a leaky tap may go unnoticed for a long time; so it pays to check all fixtures around the house. To cut your energy bill, you can set the thermostat several degrees lower during the colder months. A lot of energy goes for heating water. Using cold or lukewarm water to wash clothes saves energy. Taking shorter showers also saves energy and water and will reduce your utility bills. While a clothes dryer is convenient and easy to use, it wastes energy and adds to your bill. You may want to use a clothesline or a drying rack instead. It is also a good idea to install faucet aerators for additional water and heat savings. It also helps maintain high water pressure. Make sure that the entrance door and all windows are closed when the air con is running. Otherwise the air con is working harder and wastes energy.