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Five Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference
Annabelle and Holter do their best to show eco criminals the error of their ways. If you can relate to the families on the receiving end of the Wa$ted! treatment, then here are a few simple changes, from how you commute to what you eat for dinner, that can make a big difference in your level of sustainability.
- Get a better buzz. When you need that caffeine fix, choose fair trade and locally grown coffee and tea. Also free yourself (and the landfills) from the shackles of disposable cups by bringing your own reusable mug.
- Buy local. Did you know that most food travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your table? The road trip your tomato took used up tons of energy, and the gas used in the commute contributed to pollution. Plus, local food generally uses less packaging, is fresher and tastier, and comes in more varieties. You can find locally grown food at area farmer's markets or through community supported agriculture (CSA) in your area.
- Ditch the car. The impact vehicles have on the environment is pretty severe. Use this carbon calculator to find out what kind of impact your car's emissions have on the environment. Of course, no car is the best car to drive into a more sustainable lifestyle, but while leaving the car at home might not be an option, driving a hybrid or a car that gets superior gas mileage is the way to go for both your pocket and the planet. If it's not time yet to trade in your car, you can still slash your gas consumption in half or better by carpooling. So you're ready when it's your turn to drive, green your car using these tips and tricks.
- See the light. Replacing all the electric lights in your home with energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs is a very bright idea. The inexpensive bulbs use between 60% and 80% less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Plus, they typically last between 6,000 and 15,000 hours, compared to 1,000 hours or so for incandescent bulbs.
- Recycle, the fun way. Make recycling your plastic and paper a no-brainer by replacing your trash cans with stylish and functional recycling trash mashers. The Ecopod houses a compactor and provides an efficient way to crush, store and redeem plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Each pod has storage capacity for approximately 50 crushed containers, while an upper compartment has additional room for glass bottles, newspapers and other recyclable materials. By replacing regular cans with Ecopods, you'll have nowhere to throw your trash but in the bins, making recycling a breeze.
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