The Daily Green

Good Morning!

You can save paper and ink by previewing your documents before you print them.  It only takes a few seconds and will reduce frustration at the paper tray.

Paper accounts for more than half of all trash, you can do your part by only printing what you really want.   Printing only the key information will also help you declutter your desk.

Good Morning!

Skip conventional candles for all-natural ones.

Most candles are made from petroleum-based waxes and are loaded with artificial fragrances.  The smalls can overwhelm sensitive noses and overtime will become indoor air pollutants.

Instead, look for candles made from renewable materials, like soy or beeswax.  You can still enjoy great scents like peppermint, lavender and cinnamon.

Good Morning!

Instead of filling your home with books, try reading one on your computer.  

E-books don’t use paper or require fuel to ship; and it takes the same amount of energy to run a laptop for an hour as it does to produce four pages of a book.  Digital readers are also great for vacations, you can fit five books in your pocket!

Another big plus — it’s cheaper!  I found New York Times bestsellers online for almost half price.

Good Morning!

If you’ve been chucking your ink cartridges, you are not alone.  CartridgeFundraising.com reports Americans throw away more than 13 cartridges a second.

This is one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste.  Some ink cartridges can be refilled.  If this seems too messy, take them to the nearest drop off center.  

Many companies take them back for free and even provide you with the materials to mail it.

Recycling the cartridges also reduces energy use.  It takes about 80% less energy to remanufacture the plastic than to produce a new cartridge.  That said, when you shop for ink cartridges — get recycled ones!

Good Morning!

Unleash a greener lint brush on your clothes.  

The ones with tape which you have to replace isn’t an eco-friendly way to go, plus the refills will cost over the long haul.  This way, there’s more landfill space for hair balls!

Another option — put your linty clothes in the dryer with your laundry and a wet wash cloth.

Good Morning!

Save natural resources, and late fees, by opting for online bill paying.  

Your bank, credit card and utility providers probably offer the option.  Check their websites for the details.  Paperless billing not only saves trees, it also eliminates the fossil fuels needed to get those billing envelopes from them to you and back again.

Plus, you’ll save money on stamps!

Good Morning!

Instead of drowning in mountains of books, CDs and magazines, check out materials from the library.

Paper is one of the biggest materials by volume in landfills, and cutting down trees leaves a big environmental footprint.  The fact is, we rarely use many of the DVDs, magazines and books in our homes.  You can save money and cut down on waste by purchasing on materials you will use frequently, and heading to the library for the rest.

Plus, the Cincinnati library offers great programs like book clubs or Jazz of the Month where you can meet like-minded people.

Good Morning!

The next time you upgrade furniture, wardrobe or electronics, donate your old items.

On average, Americans toss out about four and a half pounds of garbage each day.  That adds up to nearly 250 million tons a year!  Much of that material could be serviced and used by someone else.

Drop the items at a Salvation Army, Goodwill or church — lots of Tri-State families would be happy to have them!

Good Morning!

You can harness the sun to light our driveway, sidewalk or steps with easy to use solar lights.

They are powered from built-in photocell, solar night-light and require no wiring or electricity.  Even better, they turn on automatically at night.  

These energy-savers are becoming more popular, especially since they are easy to install and move.