The three R’s never go out of style. Not only is reducing, reusing and recycling “waste” a great way to do your part for the environment, but doing so is inherently satisfying. It feels good to do what you can to keep things out of the landfill and/or give items a second life and purpose. And what’s more, reducing, reusing, and recycling can save you money and spark the flow of some creative juices.
If you’re excited about spring being in full effect (who isn’t?), you’re probably looking for some fun activities to do to celebrate warmer seasons being on the horizon. So, let’s ring in spring by engaging in some April-themed activities, especially ones that involve getting outdoors, for both you and your family! Don’t let the chirping birds and blossoming flowers hog all the sunshine!
Everyday, we create waste. It's inevitable. We discard – hopefully into the proper receptacle – items that we no longer want, need, or desperately need to get rid of for sanitary purposes. Food wrappers, packaging, and a handful of undesirable items are hauled off into the landfill. This is a luxury we have by living in a first world country. What I find mind blowing is that along with all our trash we get rid of, we also throw away the earth. It wasn't until I saw a trash bin piled high with yard waste that the absurdity of it all hit me.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am the most loyal and dedicated thrift store shopper. Whether I need a basic item for the kitchen or a staple item to complete an outfit, I check out my thrift store first. If I could find everything I needed second hand, I’d never shop anywhere else…but this is not the reality. Even so, your local thrift store is an amazing resource for many reasons.
Waking up in the morning, there is nothing like a fresh cup o' joe. While most of us are running against the clock in our morning routine, efficiency is key. Thus, the single serving coffee pod was born. Quick, easy, efficient, and in a variety of flavors, it became the new instant coffee. A blessing for the busy working individual, right?
Not long ago, I was digging through my cupboards looking for some protein to add to a meal. I came across a can of black-eyed peas and thought I was in luck—that is, until I saw the expiration date. Two years ago! Instinctively, I reached to put the can in the trash.
But wait. Isn’t canned food supposed to last forever?
Ever wonder what you can do with some of those old items you no longer use? Use them as new homes for your plants! Plant containers can be made from all sorts of things, so there’s really no need to spend your hard-earned money on boring, conventional planters. To give you a little inspiration, here are 13 reusable items that make unique plant containers.
For clever farmers, alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixer, but for those of us who aren’t quite on that scale yet, alfalfa sprouts add a fabulously light, crunchy, young-green flavor to any meal. And they taste even better when you grow them yourself…in your kitchen…with materials you (probably, hopefully) already have on hand!
More and more states are jumping on board for the Plastic Bag Ban, and with good reason. Plastic makes up a big chunk of the landfills here in the United States. These bag bans are strategies being put in place in order to reduce the use of plastic carryout bags from grocers and other retail stores.
There are many areas, beings, and aspects of our Earth that need care and protection from the harmful effects of human civilization. Luckily, there are numerous ways each of us can help out the Earth in 2017:
1. Engage with Your Local Environmental Organizations