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Ten ways to go green at home and work
11/10/2009
By Patricia Thangaraj
The first way is saving energy, which is not only beneficial to the environment, but also easier on the pocketbook. This can be done by using compact fluorescent light bulbs, unplugging appliances when you are not using them or using a smart power strip that senses when appliances are not in use and cuts energy use and washing clothes in cold water whenever possible since as much as 85 percent of energy used in machine washing goes towards heating the water.
Another way to save money is by saving water. This includes taking shorter showers, installing a low-flow showerhead, having a faucet aerator on each tap and planting drought-tolerant native plants in your garden as these plants require little watering.
Cutting down on gas is another way to save money and the environment. Walk or bike to work or commute by bus or ZR if you live far way from your workplace. You can also lobby your government to build more sidewalks and bike lanes, which would also help to reduce traffic.
Eating smart also has its benefits beyond health. Eating one less meatless meal, buying locally raised poultry and dairy products and eating low on the food chain are all wise choices.
It is also wise to skip on the bottled water. While many countries use filters on their taps, Barbados is lucky in that it is blessed with a good water supply and this is therefore unnecessary. However, if you feel the need, then you can still buy filters at a local store. If you must have bottled water for specific reasons like if your job requires that you travel a lot, then you can buy a reusable water bottle.
Think before you purchase. Go online to find new or gently used second-hand products. Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate. Check out garage sales and the local classifieds among others to get good deals on furniture and other items.
In some cases, it is better to borrow rather than buying, just as long as you do not inconvenience anyone. Things that you can borrow are books from libraries and movies from movie rental places. You can also share power tools with your neighbours, which helps you to make friends as well as cutting down on storage clutter.
If you must purchase, buy smart. Buy in bulk such as food items and snacks, especially if you have a family. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging. Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned as this helps to reduce toxic chemical use and invest in high-quality, long-lasting products, which may cost you more on the onset, but save you money in the long run as these products last longer.
Keep electronics out of the trash by taking good care of your cell phones, computers, and other electronics so that they last longer. Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes since e-waste contains mercury and other toxins, which is a growing environmental problem. Ask your government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection if your country does not already have one.
Finally, see if you can make your own cleaning supplies. “The big secret: You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality”, according to World Watch.
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