Environment & conservation...?

Question

what do you do? Anything at all... Recycle? Buy recycled? Put a filled gallon jug in your old style toilet tank? Re-use plastic bags?
Some of the things you do that actually help the environment in the long run are used as money saving measures... Have any ideas the average busy person can do to help a little everyday?

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for the question, I wish more people were interested in the little things they can do to help the environment in any possible way.

I did a thesis for my environmental science class on "solid waste management" and it is the most I can talk about and things I do myself on a daily basis.

Find a recycling center near your home, some big colleges have one.

if you live in an apartment complex and they don't have recycling receptacles, pass a proposal for them to initiate a recycling program.

but better if your city provides a recycling curbside bin you can put these in there too.

- recycle the corrugated carton boxes from things you have bought.

- recycle plastic bottles of water, milk or any plastic no. 1 & 2 (look at the bottom of the container to know which type it is, most probably it will have a number surrounded by a triangle-like shape). (try to wash them before or at least empty them from any remaining liquid)

- recycle coke cans and any other beverage cans (try to wash them before or at least empty them from any remaining liquid)

- recycle any kind of glass (try to wash them before or at least empty them from any remaining liquid)

- recycle any mixed office paper or any papers you don't use anymore in college or school. (do you have any idea how many trees can be saved if people simply recycled paper they don't use anymore?)

- if you find a proper receptable for mags (and i hope you do) recycle magazines you are sure you don't want anymore and any city phone books.

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Other tips to save resources:

- use cloth bags on the grocery store, they even prove to be more resistant and convenient than the plastic bags.

- if you have a lot of bags take them to a retail store which accepts plastic bags for recycling. If you live in the States, I know Wallmart has started this eco-friendly alternative and many publix as well. Just pack your bags and drop them off.

NOTE: Oh, one more thing; if you live near a Wallmart which doesn't have receptacles for plastic bag recycling, request to talk to the manager of the store and say that you are aware of their ECO-FRIENDLY campaign and request that they follow their company's eco-friendly policy by providing a receptacle for plastic bag recycling like they've been doing all around the country. check out their link for more info http://walmartstores.com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=217


- if you buy alkaline batteries, don't dispose of them along with the regular trash but instead find out from your city where can you dispose of them... the leakages are dangerous and poisonous for the environment when mixed with other garbage.

- don't dispose of nail polish along with the regular trash but if you absolutely have to do this, make sure the cap is tightly locked to reduce risk of leakage.


IMPORTANT NOTE: don't try to recycle pizza boxes and try to wash any recyclable containers or at least get rid of all liquid inside before recycling.


I hope this helps, I know for a fact that all these are doable for the average person!

Answer 2

We built a house that is solar heated, and with thick adobe walls so that the heat from the day gets into the house in the evening, which evens out the temperature. It's reasonably comfortable year round. We have a room air conditioner in the room with the computers because they produce a lot of heat. The house doesn't need much, if any, heating in winter, but we use space heaters in specific rooms when needed. Other than that, we use water sparingly (because it is expensive to have it delivered, and that's what we have to do). And we recycle, everything that it is possible to recycle. That's not necessarily a good idea, because it may cost more and use more resources than just throwing the stuff away. But as long as I have the opportunity to recycle, I'll do it. I also try to combine my trips so I use less gas, and I drive a car that gets good mileage. When I travel, I do my errands in a circle if I can, but I always do the grocery shopping last so the frozen food doesn't melt. I also reuse things if it's convenient. Various environmental groups put out booklets that describe how to help the environment, and your electric company also probably puts out brochures that describe how to save on energy costs, and also your gas company. We use the fluorescent bulbs to save on energy costs. Not only do they use less electricity, they load the air conditioner less. Brainstorm this. There are lots of way to help the environment and save.

Answer 3

i belive the biggest form of reyceling is simply holding on to things alittle longer. it dosent make alot of sence to worry about a can or a news paper when you go thru a car every few years, or replace a home heating system vs a simple repair. things of that nature. my friend works at a land fill, the usefull things people throw away is unbeliveable, and buy law nobody is allowed to take these wasted items. but make sure that empty can gose in the proper container or you'll be shunned.

Answer 4

Recycling is important. Composting is, too. Not using pesticides/ herbicides also is vitally important. So many little things add up. Thank you for protecting the world. I live here too. And you have made it a better place for me and my family!

Answer 5

friend i love doing good works for environment . i am greatly devoted to it . i am also a member of environmental club in which they teach us how to protect environment & grow trees.TO CONSERVE ENVIRONMENT I GROW TREES IN MY CLUB & AND REALLY I HATE PLASTIC BAGS SO I DONT USE THEM & DONT LET MY FAMILY MEMBERS TO USE IT .

Answer 6

switch to energy saving light bulbs, weather proof your home, use a coffe mug instead of styrofoam cups,

Answer 7

hey, i work at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. we just had an enrichment about this. one thing you can do is to watch what you eat. i know that's kinda confusing, but check out the website and you'll find stuff you never knew before. thanks. ^_^

http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp