There has never been a better time to reduce your waste than this summer. During the hottest parts of the year, you might find yourself going through more waste than usual with paper towels, disposable water bottles, and extra coffee pods. You might be surprised by all of the ways that you can reduce your waste this summer with just a few easy steps.
Are you ready to learn more about how you can minimize your waste? See which of these top tips resonates with you to make a smaller impact on the environment and your carbon footprint:
Make the Switch From Paper Towels
To wipe down a sticky surface or shine up kitchen counters, many turn to paper towels to get the job done. However, this isn’t good for the environment, leads to a waste of paper, and isn’t sustainable. Consider what you can do to minimize your impact on the environment by making the switch from paper towels to a more sustainable resource.
You may choose to invest in bamboo paper towels or a nice set of microfiber towels that can be washed and reused. Even paper napkins can be swapped out for cloth napkins to make your entire kitchen a bit eco-friendlier.
Eliminate Paper and Plastic Bags
Whether you are headed out to the grocery store or the farmer’s market, it is important to be prepared if you want to lessen your waste this summer. Invest in a nice set of reusable cotton bags that you can always have with you. Store them in your car so that you have them available for those last-minute trips to the store.
Compost Unwanted Foods
The amount of leftover food that makes its way into the landfill is astonishing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t just decompose in the landfill. It produces methane gas which is known to contribute to climate change. Instead of sending your unwanted food scraps to the landfill, consider setting up a compost heap in your backyard.
This will help you reduce waste while simultaneously producing great soil that you can use to plant your own garden and further cut back on your waste this summer.
Use Reusable Containers
If you are packing a lunch to take to work, you might find it convenient to use single-use plastics such as plastic bags or containers that you can throw away when done with them. One key way that you can reduce your waste this summer is to implement the use of reusable containers that you take home and wash when finished. You can also bring reusable cutlery instead of using plastic.
It may not be as convenient, but these are solid options for those who are serious about reducing waste.
Eliminate Coffee Pods and Tea Bags
Did you know that the single-use containers you use for your coffee and tea contribute to the amount of waste you produce? Many people rely on their morning caffeine fix and never stop to think about how they could reduce waste in this area.
Many tea bags actually contain plastic that can be hard to recycle, so it makes sense to switch to loose leaf tea. Similarly, coffee pods for a single-serve machine can be quite wasteful. On the other hand, you could purchase reusable coffee pods that you fill with your favourite coffee bean grounds.
Purchase a Reusable Water Bottle
People tend to love the convenience of reaching into the refrigerator and coming out with a cold bottle of water. However, these plastic bottles generate a lot of recurring waste, especially if you are dedicated to drinking the recommended amount of water per day. Cut way back on the waste you generate daily by switching to reusable water bottles.
If you are thinking about making this switch, consider buying glass and/or metal water bottles that are safe in the dishwasher. This will make keeping your water bottles clean and fresh even easier. Here’s an extra tip: Try to run the dishwasher only when it’s truly full!
Shop Secondhand Stores
Consider shopping at your local thrift store or secondhand store to give older items new life instead of buying new clothes.
Most times, you’ll find that the items in these stores are still in great condition. They may have just been discarded because they no longer fit their owner or their style has changed. This is a great way to get rid of your unwanted clothes as well. Simply bring them with you to donate when you are in the mood to do some shopping, and you won’t have to worry about them ending up in the landfill.
Reduce Shower Time
Did you know that one of the biggest wastes of water is during a shower? People tend to take their time here, using showers as a way to relax and unwind. Cutting back on your shower time is a great way to reduce the amount of water and energy you use. Aim to complete your entire shower in less than seven minutes. As time passes and this gets easier for you, trim it back to five minutes. Your water bill will certainly thank you!
Alternatively, you could also purchase a low-flow showerhead that sprays less water per minute. When used in combination with a shorter shower time, you will be saving a tremendous volume of water!
Signing Up for Cleaning Services
Reducing your waste is just one step on the path to becoming more eco-friendly in your home or business. When you are ready to reduce your waste and commit to green commercial cleaning in Calgary, be sure to give Certified Green Cleaning Inc. a call to implement a new cleaning strategy in your office!