Do you ever throw a questionable item in the recycling and hope for the best? Yeah…me too. This behavior is called “wish-cycling.” As much as I love a little magic in the world, there is no recycling fairy godmother. The wrong materials can clog up machines and contaminate whole batches of materials. Take a quick minute to check your local rules. When in doubt, throw it out!
Sometimes there’s nothing better on a lazy evening than a hot pizza. #DYK that cardboard pizza boxes can be recycled in some communities, but not all? Even if they are accepted, greasy goo is not. Cut out the oily parts and recycle the rest. Also toss the plastic center thingy and rip any stickers off the box. Option 2: the boxes are easy to compost!
Have you been getting cozy in front of a wood burning fireplace or woodstove this winter? Don’t toss those ashes. You can mix them into your compost heap or directly into the soil. Wood ash is a good source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium– free vitamins for your plants. Make sure it has cooled off first!
Last year was a doozy. But before you step into the bright future, think about 2020 another time. How many greener steps did you take? For example:
You replaced incandescent light bulbs with LEDs as they burn out.
You recycled as much as possible.
You turned the thermostat down at night and when you’re away.
You used fewer plastic bags (if any).
You planned your outings to do multiple chores at once.
You only purchased things you need and know you’ll use.
Add any other green steps you’ve done and pat yourself on the back. Well done! Cheers to 2021!
This time of year, I’m usually running around buying last-minute silly presents. Although the snowman that giggles while it toots is a keeper, no one wants a lot of unnecessary stuff. This year we plan on doing less opening (although I can’t wait for everyone to try their new bamboo toothbrushes) and more making memories. How do you plan to have fun? Board games? Watching a favorite holiday movie? Taking a walk or mixing a special beverage? Whatever you choose to do, have a happy greener holiday!
How are you choosing to celebrate this year?
Novice: You decorate with nature (acorns, fruits & leaves) instead of plastic and synthetic materials.
Intermediate: You also use your good dishes, glasses and cloth napkins instead of disposables. Make the day special!
Pro: All of the above + you shop local and organic. In the kitchen you use reusable leftover containers and borrow extra dishes, platters and special pots ‘n pans instead of buying disposables.
Extra credit: You stay close to home. It’s a special year, so if you’re not going anywhere feel better knowing that you’re keeping the air cleaner!
‘Tis the season for pumpkin pie, hot chocolate and all kinds of treats topped with whipped cream. And unless you make your own, all good cans must come to an end. But wait. Before you toss it and other spray cans (like cooking spray) check your county’s recycling guidelines. The cans (empty, no cap) are recyclable in some areas. Aerosol cans are made of either aluminum or steel, high-value metals that can be reused again and again, so it’s worth checking into!
The only time I think about my hot water heater is when it’s not working. I’m not even 100% sure where it is (just checked- under the house). If it’s not instantaneous, your water heater is sitting there 24 hours a day, every day, keeping water warm. As a test, touch the outside of your appliance. If it’s warm, it’s radiating heat. Wrap it in a water heater blanket and lower your water heating costs by 10-15%. FYI, newer water heaters are better insulated and usually don’t need to cozy up.
Decorating for Fall? Take a green step and buy your pumpkins from a local farm or farmers’ market. (Go greener and save the seeds to grow your own next year.) If you carve a jack-o-lantern, toast the seeds for snack or on a salad. You can also make pie or muffins with the fruit you scoop out. Compost the rest when you’re done…or the pumpkin is. And let me know if those dried corn arrangements are edible!
Today is National Energy Efficiency Day- join the crowd and change a light bulb to a more efficient one, turn down your thermostat and check for leaky windows and drafty doors. At the very least, turn off unnecessary lights. And while you’re at it, think about making every day an energy efficient day!
