16 Everyday Tips for a Greener Life

So I was digging through old magazines that were piling up and came across some great information in a past issue of Vive. It outlines some very practical ways to make your everyday life greener. As all of you know, a healthy earth equals a healthier you. I changed the order of things a little bit, but here we go.

1) Stop Drinking Bottled Water. Bottled water accounts for astronomical amounts of unnecessary waste, especially because it is much more efficient and better for nature (yourself included) to drink filtered tap water. Also, use a stainless steel or glass water bottle to avoid possible leaching of toxic chemicals from plastic bottles.

2) Donate Unwanted Items. The popularity of pre-owned goods is on the rise, keeping ridiculous amounts of perfectly good items out of landfills. A plethora of organizations are designed to make this process easy for those willing to donate. Many Salvation Army locations offer pickup services and items can be dropped off at any number of non-profit businesses. The Salvation Army sells what it can to fund charitable efforts and bundles the rest to be shipped off to third world countries. Finally, websites like www.FreeCycle.org and www.CraigsList.org make it possible to give away, trade or even sell your unwanted items to individuals in your local area.

3) When Possible, Buy Pre-Owned. This follows suit with donating unwanted items. Thrift shops and online communities are filled with quality items priced at a fraction of what their worth. I know most will not feel comfortable buying everything pre-owned, but the next time you go to purchase that wobbly, particle board desk that requires full assembly, think of the beautiful mahogany available for the same price. Read more “16 Everyday Tips for a Greener Life” →