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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Being Green in 2013: Tips for Going Green
Source: Environmental-watch.com
But quitting cold turkey rarely works and can overwhelm you. Why not start the New Year off by making a few simple, minor changes to help reduce your carbon footprint. If you have the drive and motivation, you will succeed.
Develop a plan, set some goals, and before you know it you can be living a much more sustainable, earth-friendly lifestyle with some of these tips for going green:
1.Check before you chuck: 80% of what Americans throw away can be recycled. Despite this fact, America’s recycling rate is only 28%. Look before you throw away. Did you know that you can recycle plastic sandwich bags and toilet paper rolls? Feel awkward throwing away a DVD or CD? You can donate these items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or you can trade them for a new DVD/CD or cash.
2.Use your reusable bag! Do you forget your reusable bags at home when you go grocery shopping? Are you a nut who leaves them in the cart and forgets to hand them to the cashier at the grocery store? The trick is to identify your problem and find a way in which you won’t forget. If your problem is remembering to hand them to the cashier, slip them on your wrists while you shop or purchase a fold up bag that can fit in your purse.
3.Clean eco-friendly: Try making your own eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner! It’s easy to make in bulk. Read on how to make lavender vinegar all-purpose cleaner here.
4.Refrigerator and freezer check-up: Reduce your energy use by checking the temperature of your fridge and freezer. Your fridge should be between 37-40 degrees, and freezer should be between 0-5 degrees.
5.Wash your clothes in cold water.
6.Unplug small appliances and devices.
7.Save water: Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth. Teach your kids to do the same!
8.Turn off that computer; you can save up to $90 bucks annually.
9.Go paperless by paying your bills online.
10. Have a garden? Collect rain water in a bin and use it to water your plants.
11. Try to figure out how many ways you can use a mason jar: Because it’s cool!