More than 200 million tons of trash is produced annually in the United States alone. This massive amount of garbage contributes to pollution of the air, land, and ocean, so doing what we can to reduce waste can help make the world a healthier habitat for future generations. Eliminating waste can have a significant impact on the environment, and it is easier than it seems. By regularly making eco-friendly choices at home, you can help the environment little-by-little every day.
Durable Over Disposable
It may be tempting to purchase disposable products in bulk rather than investing in one high-quality item. However, choosing the latter is safer for the environment. One example is disposable razors, which are commonly selected over single razors because they seem cheaper. Disposables don’t last as long as their expensive counterparts, so you will likely go through them quickly. The total cost usually adds up to the same as the price of one high-end razor but with much more waste.
Bring Your Own Bags
In recent years, many cities have enacted legislation banning single-use plastic bags. While reusable bags are available for a few cents at most stores, it is essential to bring your own from home to avoid ending up with a hoard of plastic bags. Cloth totes are long-lasting alternatives to plastic, and you can get them in a range of colors, designs, and sizes. Some stores also offer eco-friendly plastic bag recycling services so customers can return their unused bags safely.
Get Crafty
Getting creative with old or unused items can be a fun way for your family to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Old clothing, for example, can be used to make washcloths, cushion covers, pillows, quilts, and so much more. If you are unfamiliar with sewing, you can still use items around the house that would otherwise get tossed into the trash. Browsing the internet for unique do-it-yourself projects can reveal the artistic value in things like wine corks, cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, egg cartons, newspapers, and crayons.
Think Before You Toss
Recycling paper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles is a fairly common practice and can be done using your curbside recycling bin. However, most homes are full of products that can and should be recycled professionally. Cal Micro Recycling is a reputable recycling center that specializes in product destruction, electronics recycling, CRT glass destruction, and other services throughout Southern California. Some household goods that should be taken to a recycling center for proper handling and disposal include:
- Batteries
- Cell phones
- Computers
- Appliances
- Expired vitamins
- Fluorescent light bulbs
To learn more about recycling services and what you can do at home to prioritize the environment, please call Cal Micro Recycling at 909.572.1661.