Reduce, the First of the Three Rs

Reduce. Learn more about the first of the three Rs in this article.

You've decided that for 2010 you'll live a greener lifestyle. You've already implemented some steps over the last few years, but now want to step it up a notch as you move into the next decade. There are a multitude of ways to reduce consumption. All it takes is some of your own time and energy, instead of the Earth's.

Here are some simple ideas you can use each and every day to reduce waste and consumption.

1. Do you stop for your favorite coffee or latte each morning? If so, bring your own coffee mug to be used over and over again. Paper coffee cups add to waste and some are un-recyclable.
2. Do you pack Sammy's lunch everday? Instead of purchasing individual juice boxes, send drinks to school in a refillable juice box or bottle. Let Sammy pick the bottle out himself. It's a teachable moment.
3. Purchase clothing from thrift stores, reducing demand for newly manufactured products. And while you're at it, donate clothing and toys your family no longer uses.
4. Take a reusable bag to the store with you each and every time you go, thereby reducing the waste that plastic bags cause. You can purchase reusable bags from most stores these days, or look online at www.reusablebags.com.
5. Shop locally whenever possible. Where does the food come from in some of the larger chain grocery stores? Thousands of miles away - wasted fuel to get it there and lost nutrients in the food itself. Grow your own veggies during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Try canning any unused items for use during the Winter season.
6. A lot of waste happens in the kitchen. Instead of using plasticware or paper plates to avoid the mess and clean up time, think about the environment instead. Use regular silverware and plates. Wash the dishes by hand, especially for smaller loads. Avoid paper towels too. Buy cloth napkins to reuse again and again
7. Make your own food from fresh ingredients anytime you can, reducing all of the packaging waste that goes along with it. Try homemade pizza, instead of store bought or from the local pizza shop. It takes a little more time and energy, but is a great way to spend family time together.
8. Install a high efficiency showerhead, reducing water waste. Also, place a plastic tub in your shower as the water warms up and use the water for your house plants. And speaking of plants, place a catch basin for rain in your back yard. Use the water for plants, thereby reducing water usage all year long.
9. In the office, make copies on both sides of the paper. And for mistakes on papers that can no longer be used as a work product, cut them up for use as scrap paper to jot down notes and ideas. Always recycle paper when it can no longer be used.
10. Compost food scraps such as fruits, vegetables, egg shells and coffee grounds. Composting produces some of the most nutrient rich soil ever.

Most ideas for reducing waste are very simple and easy to implement into any lifestyle. Americans are busier than ever and convenience is what has driven our society. But at what cost? Waste is out of control. Using mindfulness and a little common sense are two things we can do to begin to live a greener lifestyle.

This is the first of three articles - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Subscribe to receive them via email, as published.