Green5: Simple tips to go green in everyday living

Green5: Simple tips to go green in everyday living

Go Easy on Plastic

Go Easy on Plastic

Reuse and reuse. don't just throw away the plastic bag you get from stores, stash it and carry it for the next time you go shopping. When out shopping, if its just for one or two items, don't accept a plastic bag.

But while finding a more eco-friendly substitute to plastic may take time, there are some really fun and creative things you can do with plastic waste. Clivk here to read

When out Shopping

When out Shopping

Even before you are actually doing your weekly shopping you can start being eco-friendly. Make a list of everything you need to buy so that you can save on making any unnecessary trips in your car again, just because you forgot buying the potatoes. Just a bit of pre-shopping preparation can save fuel, money and effort.

When buying items like tissue rolls or bags, get stuff that is made from recycled materials. Buying items made with recycled-content materials means that fewer natural resources, such as trees, were used to produce the products.

In the Kitchen

In the Kitchen

When you wash your lentils, rice and vegetables, save the water and put it in your potted plants. This way they get some extra nourishment while you do your small bit for the environment.

Find greener substitutes to chemical cleaners. Spray countertops with plain tap water then wipe with a microfiber towel to eliminate 97% of germs and bacteria. To achieve an even deeper clean, wipe countertops with rubbing alcohol, which kills 99.9 percent of germs. To make your own cleaning kit from kitchen ingredients, click here.

Save Paper

Save Paper

If you can, stop buying the newspaper and read the epaper instead. Alos, get your name off mailing lists that send you promotions you don't care about.

Get washable cloth towels for the kitchen and cut down on paper towel usage. And switch to recycled toilet paper. For more on how to save paper at home and office, click here.

Save Electricity

Save Electricity

Turn your refrigerator thermostate down. Refrigerators account for about 20% of household electricity use. Select the most energy-efficient models when you replace your old appliances. Look for the Energy Star Labeled products.

Clean or replace air filters in air conditioners as recommended. Energy is lost when air conditioners have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used.

While Driving

While Driving

Keep your car in good shape. About 90% of badly polluting vehicles can be re-tuned within 15 minutes! You also save money from better mileage. Also ensure you have air, properly inflated tires use less fuel and hence pollute less.

Go easy on the gas pedal. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking waste gas and ruin your car engine. About 3.5 litres of petrol burned in the average vehicle produces almost 10 kilograms of carbon dioxide!

In the Loo

In the Loo

Never flush garbage down the toilet. Flushing down something that can go in the trash bin is sinful. It could also result in a disgusting choke up.

While using the washing machine, wash full loads and use the shortest cycle. Use environmentally friendly (low or no phosphate and biodegradable) detergents which will consume less water while washing clothes.

Don't e-waste

Don't e-waste

Send your used tech stuff back to the manufacturer, many accept used items for recycling. Exchange your gadgets for new at a retailer that accepts old electronics. Donate used (but still operating) electronics for reuse

Offices should define a waste management policy and adopt a green purchase policy, e.g. buy from brands providing a take-back service, eco-friendly packaging materials. Give / sell e-waste to authorised recyclers only.

While on a holiday

While on a holiday

Check if the hotel you are going to stay in is locally owned and operated or at least employs local people. Reuse your towels and sheets instead of asking for fresh one every day of your stay.

Take the train instead of flying, especially for shorter trips. If you are hiring a taxi, go for the smallest one that can accommodate you and your group comfortably. Opt to use public transport whenever you can. Best is to walk or bike.

Source: Meghna Lal/ India Syndicate