No Barriers to Opportunity
May 8, 2014
Zero Waste Home
June 1, 2023
Going Green doesn’t mean depriving yourself of the simple joys in life. It is not about sitting in the darkness to save energy, or not throwing anything out because you are feeling guilty about creating more trash.
G oing Green is about living harmoniously with our surroundings, preserving and conserving the blessings that we are enjoying now from our environment, for our future generations to enjoy them too.
Although corporations generate huge amount of industrial waste, as a waste management company committed to preserving the environment through the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, Cycle Trend also believes waste generation is closely linked to consumers’ behaviour based on demand and supply. For example, if each of us commit to recycling, reducing and reusing plastic containers, the demand for plastic containers will dwindle and eventually disappear. Hence, the huge amount of resources allocated by industries to recycle plastic may be channeled into more constructive means such as preserving our environment.
Most of us understand going green is important, but where do we start? Here are some very simple ways to set you on your go green adventure at home.
- Energy Saving Lights. Switch lightbulbs to Compact Florescent Light (CFL)s or Light Emitting Diodes (LED)s.
- Efficient Appliances. Look for appliances that have the ‘Energy Star’ rating label. These appliances are energy efficient and can reduce electricity bills.
- Reusable Bags. Use reusable bags in place of disposable bags. Nowadays, most department stores and hypermarkets have reusable bags that you can buy, or better still, have fun making your own bags: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-your-own-grocery-bag/
- Bring Own Water. Carry your own reusable water container. You’ll be surprised how much money you are saving by bringing your own water.
- Optimise Laundry Day. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. If possible, plan and do your family’s laundry together, for example once a week, when you have a full load. Running your washing machine when you have very little laundry to do is a waste of clean water and electricity.
- Go Natural. Open the curtains and enjoy natural light as long as you can. Try not to turn on the lights as long as possible. Switch off the lights when you leave the room.
- Save Petrol. Do your best not to accelerate when you drive. Drive within the speed limit. Plan your trips. Try to combine all your errands for the week in one trip.
- A Health Tip. If possible, walk or ride a bike to your errands that are close to home. You burn calories and your health improves.
- Nearer is Fresher. Shop at the local market. Local produce are fresher and cheaper.
- Energy Drainers. Remove plugs from power sources after use. Plugged in items will bleed some energy. Many appliances keep drawing power even after they are turned off. So, turn everything off and unplug from power source, including your computers when not in use.
- Do a Tree a Favour. Pay your bills online and save a tree.
- Leaking Cash. Fix leaky faucets and save on water bills.
- Safe, Non-Toxic Cleaners. Make your own household cleaners. Get some ideas here: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/9-homemade-cleaning-products
- Sky Water. If it is feasible, collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden.
- Less Is Best. Plant flowers and shrubs that do not require much water.
- Cloth is Best. Switch to cloth diapers or at least reduce the amount of disposable diapers being used by replacing them with cloth ones. That’s one less diaper filling up the landfill.
- Reuse Rags. Cut old, torn T-shirts or towels and use them as rags in the kitchen.
- Wash & Use. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper. You can reuse them hundreds of times.
- See-through Storage. Recycle plastic and glass jars by using them to stores spices, craft pins, to keep nails, screws and other small stuff.
- The 3 R Bins. Place recycle bins in convenient places at home to make it easier for your family to practice recycling.
Start your go green journey one step at a time. As time passes, a green lifestyle doesn’t seem much of an effort anymore as this becomes second nature to you. Talk to your family, friends and neighbours to try and make small changes first. Good luck and do share with us about your going green adventures!
