 Any environmentalist knows that waste is a big problem. So, instead of buying products wrapped in plastic and cardboard ( like so many of the over-packaged products out there today ), EnviroCitizen.org suggests that you consider making your own stuff.
Making your own gift wrap is astonishingly simple. It reduces waste and adds a personal touch to any gift. You can make your own gift wrap from comics, magazines, paper bags and even aluminum foil. One favorite method of making gift wrap is to buy a large ream of recycled paper and decorate it. The benefit of making gift wrap with a large ream of recycled paper is that, when you buy in bulk, you're saving money and saving resources.
You can also make your own cards with similar materials. Pretty much any kind of paper can be turned into a card, even if it's packaging waste from something that you bought. You can make it as classy and eye-catching as you want. By adding art or even a few dried flowers or leaves, you can transform any piece of paper into a personalized card. Making your own cards makes a lot of environmental sense because, by reusing paper, you're reducing the amount of new paper that needs to be made. Keep in mind that the amount of paper waste is astronomical in the United States, and most American paper ends up in landfills.
You can make your own shampoo and conditioner if you want. Baking soda acts as a great shampoo when you mix it into a paste with water. Then, you can rinse your hair with diluted vinegar. It's an invigorating, fizzy experience that leaves your hair shiny and soft. The benefit of this process is that it uses a lot less chemicals and raw materials than conventional shampoo and conditioner, leaving you with a smaller environmental impact.
In general, when you make something yourself, you'll save money and reduce the amount of waste you generate. Again, most products come in packaging, whether it's cardboard, plastic or a combination of both. When you forego buying those products and make them yourself, you are reducing the amount of waste that you produce. This is great because it conserves resources and lessens the load on landfills.
So, before you buy a product, EnvirCitizen.org challenges you to ask yourself if you could make your own version. If you're planning on buying many household products, like cleaners, the answer is "Yes". If you're ambitious, you could also make your own clothing, your own food and a new way of life that is filled with smart consumption and a smaller environmental impact.
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