| Think Green!
March is a month when spring fever hits in full force. We are tired of ‘Ole Man Winter’ and ready for warmer weather and wonderful colors. We usually associate the month with the color green, due partly to the start of spring and partly also to St. Patrick’s Day. With the ever increasing awareness of global warming, we are starting to see more eco-friendly products on the market. This March let us start being more green-conscious and think of ways to help our planet. Here are some tips to get you going.
Reduce
Simplify your life as much as you can. Clean out your closets, drawers, sheds, and garages. If you haven’t used an item in the last year, you more than likely won’t be using it in the future. Have a yard sale, donate to the local Goodwill, or get with your church and organize a community swap.
Reduce your number of purchases. Ask yourself if it is something you really need. Wait a month and if you still feel you need it, then buy it.
Create a tree-free home by using less paper products. Use cloth napkins, leave messages on a message board, reuse paper to make your own note pads, etc.
Carry your own mug with you in the car for takeout beverages.
Reuse
Switch from disposable products to reusable: food and beverage containers, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Visit your local library or used book store. Check out magazines, CDs, and DVDs.
Join together with neighbors to purchase items that are infrequently used, such as lawn mowers, ladders, tillers, etc.
Invest in rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.
Recycle
Leave grass clippings on the lawn for fertilizer.
Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps.
Buy local food. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of climate change emissions. Support your area’s Farmer’s Markets. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices.
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