Steps to Eco-Friendly waste management

     There are so many ways that you can improve your life and the environment. With some planning, you can take some easy eco-friendly steps to waste management and probably save a few bucks in the process.

     1. One of the easiest steps you can take towards eco-friendly waste management is to create your own home compost. You can of course purchase compost, or a composter, but it’s better for you and the environment to make your own. A compost pile is very simple to make. Simply fence off a small area of your yard, put in some green waste such as grass, and then add the fruit and vegetable scraps from your kitchen. Turn the pile every three days or so and you have a compost pile! This compost can be used in many ways in your lawn and garden and saves a ton of money too.

     2. Recycle products you use at home! Buy a battery recharger and keep using your batteries! Reuse bubble wrap for packaging things or to protect plants and containers against frost. Reusing boxes in your home, Popsicle sticks for crafts and labeling, and old bottle corks for anything you can think of!

     3. Your mail can be a huge waste, of, well, waste! Transfer your bills from the post office to electronic mail. Stop junk mail by contacting the Mailing Preference Service. Stop unaddressed mail! Write not at this address on the unwanted mail, and send it back! Also, recycle your phone books. You can take out an electronic subscription to newspapers and magazines or you can simply recycle them when you’re done enjoying them.

     4. Buy recycled goods. This includes paper products, such as tissues sacks, stationary, toilet paper, and more. These things are just as pretty, and just as usable, as non recycled goods.

     5. Avoid disposable goods. This concept reaches far and wide. Avoid unnecessary bags. In fact, bring your own bags! Instead of paper or plastic, bring your own reusable cloth bags. They are stronger, easy to handle, and are better for the environment. Avoid other disposable products such as razors and wipes.

     6. Instead of throwing away broken or older items and buying new, try fixing them, or giving them a little spiff for some more shine. These things probably look just like new, or can be made to look that way. Some older things can even be more stylish.

     7. Try buying locally- Buying locally is not only good for you, the food is fresher and packed with vitamins, but it also decreases on waste created through shipping. No packaging or gases are used!

     8. Avoid aerosol – You can’t reuse it or recycle it. Look for pump sprays. Try burning incense instead of using an aerosol room freshener.

     9. Buy food in bulk – You cut down on the packaging and lessen what you have to throw away.

     10. Christmas trees - Enjoy the holiday with a living tree. Keep it in a container and then plant it when you’re done. If you must have a cut tree, rent a chipper and create mulch for your garden.

     These things are simple, easy, inexpensive suggestions which can be easily adapted, and are good for you, your community, and the environment.