Reduce Home Waste Beyond Recycling

Being green and eco-friendly is very important in our lives and many people are now choosing to be more green. Everyone needs to make it their job to reduce daily waste and keep as much stuff from going to the trash as possible. Most people don't know where to start so here are some simple tips that will get you started on the path to being green and reducing household waste.

1. Buy a battery recharger, yes the up front cost is a little hefty however it will pay for it self very quickly. Trowing batteries away releases harmful chemicals into the water system.

2. Stop using paper towels and napkins- instead try using something like "ShamWow" these can be found in Target and Walgreens stores (yes they really work I use them all the time). "ShamWow" can be used for so many different things such as bath towel, wiping up spills even getting spills out of carpet. Also cloth towels and napkins are great. Just keep the paper out of the trash.

3. Buy from farmers markets or stores that use local farmers for produce. This cuts down of fuel consumption for transportation.

4. Buy juice boxes that are refillable and bring your own coffee from home. Most places carry refillable cups starting at $1

5. Don't use pesticides in your lawn. Not only is it a problem with polluting the water but it also can make you and your children very sick.

6. Install a low flow shower head and toilet it will use less water but you wont notice the difference.
7. Put a large shade tree in the front of your house. This will keep the home much cooler and there wont be so much of a need for air conditioning. Reducing waste of electricity.

8. Buy recycled toilet paper and tissues. These will have the recycling symbol on them. Many brands are now making products more green. "White Cloud" makes a great green toilet paper (this is coming from someone who used to only use Charmin). 1/3 of the trash is paper so keeping it out of landfills is very important.

9. Get a nice canvas tote or several and use them for grocery shopping or shopping at your favorite store. Many stores are now offering canvas bags with there logo that if you use it you can get discounts at the store. Stores such as Target, Walmart, JCPenny, Aldi. Also use canvas bags for purses or diaper bags. They even make great reusable one too. Then when you are done with them donate them to Goodwill or another charity or homeless shelter.

10. Unplug the air filter and use a natural one. Buy plants such as Bamboo Palm, Gerbera Daises, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos, and English Ivy.