We all want to do our part to help preserve our environment, but not everyone has the time or resources to take part in frequent volunteer work, upgrading their homes, or investing in special products or projects. Here are a few easy and inexpensive things you can do every day to help your environment, live healthier, and even save money, all at the same time!
1. Use your own Grocery Bags
Plastic and paper shopping bags take a lot of energy to create, and are often thrown away or found lying on the ground somewhere. Many stores now offer small discounts to customers who make use of their own reusable shopping bags. These bags are cheap to buy or make yourself, and will last a long time if taken care of.
If you do find yourself choosing Òplastic or paper,Ó try to make the most of them! Use plastic bags to line small trash cans or to pick up after your dog when out for a walk. Paper bags can be used to line planters, or to cover textbooks, or brought back to the store to be reused.
2. Carpool
No one likes being stuck in traffic. Reduce the amount of cars on the road, and in turn the number of pollutants pumped into the air by organizing a carpool with friends and coworkers. Be sure to keep your vehicle well-maintained to keep it running efficiently, and do your best to combine multiple errands into a single trip if possible. If the destination isnÕt too far away, get more activity and save on gas money by walking or riding a bike.
3. Insulate your Home
Here on the coast of Southeastern NC, our homes tend to be built for airflow to keep the infamous humidity at bay. This can leave us a little chilly during the winter months, and can add a hefty hike to our energy bills during periods of extreme heat or cold. There are a few simple steps you can do to improve the insulation of your home and stay comfortable year-round.
- Buy weather strips for your windows and doorways. Many are inexpensive and can be installed/removed easily.
- Install curtains around your windows, and keep them closed when you donÕt need the light. Curtains add an extra layer of protection around leaky windows.
4. Print Double-Sided
Reduce the amount of paper you use, whether at home or in the office, by printing double sided whenever you can. Be sure to consider what youÕre printing, as well. Do you really need to print an entire document, or is there a single page or paragraph that you need? Check the settings of your printers and fax machines for ink saving options, and always preview before you print to avoid unnecessary waste.
5. Buy Local
There are so many reasons to buy local! Besides supporting your community, buying local reduces the energy used and pollution caused by transporting goods all across the country and the globe. Local foods are often organic, fresh, and donÕt require unpronounceable preservatives to keep from going bad. Wilmington local produce is some of the best around! Buying other local products encourage small businesses to grow, and supports your communityÕs economy in a big way. You can find local foods and other great products at Tidal Creek! WeÕve been WilmingtonÕs resource for local products for 32 years.
6. Unplug
Did you know that your device chargers will still use electricity, even if the device itself isnÕt connected? Unplug your stuff when you arenÕt using it! Not only will this cut your carbon footprint, youÕll also save money on energy bills. DonÕt forget to unplug electronics when youÕre on vacation as well, both to save money and prevent fire risks!
Shopping at Co-ops such as Tidal Creek in Wilmington, NC is a great way to support your local farming community and reduce your carbon footprint! In order to help decrease our own footprint, and to help our customers reduce waste, weÕll give you $0.25 off your order at our cafe if you bring your own cup! Check out our free e-book about the Economic Impact of Co-Ops.
