Tag: Waste Not

Tips for Sustainable Shoppers: Ways You Can Keep Your Consumption and Waste Levels in Check

January 15, 2022 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Sustainable

You’re at the grocery store and you’re looking for a new cereal to try. You want one that’s organic, but also affordable – which is easier said than done. Then, you notice that there’s only one box left on the shelf and it has a “best by” date of tomorrow. That might be your lucky day! But before you buy it, think about this: how do I know if my cereal will last until its best-by date? What if I’m not able to finish the box in time? How does this impact me as a consumer and how does it impact the environment? These are all important questions that we need to ask ourselves when shopping in order to live sustainably. In this article, we’ll discuss how to be an ethical shopper, in three simple steps.

Part One: Where You Shop Matters

The first step is deciding where you’re going to shop. If possible, I recommend shopping at a local grocery store or farmers’ market instead of one that’s farther away from your home. This will reduce the amount of fuel that you use in your vehicle and will also help to support local farmers.

But what if there isn’t a grocery store or farmer’s market nearby? You can still shop at other stores! Look for the Local/Organic option on their website, as well as ways they’re supporting local businesses like small farms. There are many different ways to be sustainable when shopping, and it doesn’t have to involve a lot of extra effort.

Part Two: Consider the Product’s Life Cycle

The second step is considering a product’s life cycle. This includes looking at the entire lifespan of a product, from its creation to how long it will last in your home. For example, when you’re choosing a new cereal, think about how long it will take you to eat the entire box. If it won’t last more than a week or two, then it’s not the right choice for you.

It’s also important to consider whether a product is recyclable. For example, most plastics are recyclable, but some plastics can’t be recycled. When you’re looking at a product’s packaging and considering whether to buy it or not, make sure that the packaging is recyclable as well!

Part Three: Consider Price Per Use To Be Sustainable

Ultimately, when choosing products for your home consider price per use. If something seems too expensive for you, then it probably is. We want to be mindful of our spending when shopping and not spend more than we need to. This means that if a product costs too much in relation to how long it will last or the amount of times you’ll use it, then don’t buy it!

When I was growing up my mom always told me that it’s not good to be wasteful. And she was right – being sustainable when shopping is one of the best ways to reduce our impact on the environment. By following these three simple steps, we can all do our part in creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Thank you for reading!

Four Environmental Benefits of Electric Heat

February 26, 2018 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Alternative Energy, Electric, Sustainable

Throughout the year, every home and business requires heat in order to ensure the comfort of inhabitants. With an emphasis on protecting and caring for the environment, it is important to acknowledge the impact of energy usage in all that we do. When it comes to heating, there are a variety of possible options to consider. Presented here are four reasons why electric heating is the most environmentally responsible decision.

First, electric heating has often been considered expensive, but this is entirely untrue. In fact, electric heating is better for the consumer and the environment in several ways. First, electric heat is convenient and cost-effective because it is provided through heat pumps. These versatile machines are used not only for heating but for cooling as well, which eliminates the need for other devices and reduces equipment costs.

Second, electric heating does not pollute the environment. Other heating sources such as gas, coal, or wood-burning cause pollution both inside the home and out. Smoke and fumes from other types of heat sources can be damaging to the interior and exterior of the home or business. Chimneys and ventilation systems can become backed up and cause blockages or even fire, but these are not necessary for electric heating. In fact, there are plenty of options for electric garage heaters with thermostats that require little to no maintenance at all. Electric heating is environmentally friendly because it does not create emissions and leaves the inside and surrounding outdoor air clear. Electric heating does not produce dangerous carbon monoxide, and leaves no build-up of debris like other heating sources.

Third, there is no additional usage of environmental resources. Electric heating does not require a burden to get coal, wood or gas delivered or cut for the home. No gasoline or vehicles are needed to get electric heat from one place to another – it is already pre-wired in existing buildings or can be plugged in for an additional supplement. This eliminates environmental waste and resources needed for delivery, cutting or even mining. It is accessible for people with all types of ability levels since no active process is required to heat your home or work. This makes electric heating safer for many groups of people who may have difficulty with movement, adjusting or operating a pilot light, or lifting heavy loads of wood or coal. With electric heat, all you need to do is simply flip the switch or adjust the thermostat!

A fourth reason electric heating is better for the environment is that it is not wasteful. The efficiency of electric heating is not shared by any other heat source or process. All the energy that is put into making electric heat returns directly as output. There is no heat wasted or over-produced because electric heating is regulated by thermostats which monitor temperature. These thermostats are effective at controlling the amount of heat created and are helpful for ensuring a space is kept at a comfortable temperature.

6 Ways to Stay Green During the Holidays

December 23, 2017 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Holidays, Sustainable

The holidays are a time for sharing and spending time with loved ones. Although we look forward to preparing the perfect atmosphere, we often forget about how to keep our environment green. Put these 5 tips in a frequented area, like on the front of your refrigerator, and remember that staying green is a year-round project.

1. Buy one or more potted Christmas trees.

Live trees can give you an intense feeling of Christmas. However, at the end of the season we remove the ornaments and lights and toss this tree away. Try something different this year and purchase one or more potted trees that can continue growing for 2-3 years. Although smaller than a normal 6-footer, you can add the spirit of Christmas in more than one room. You can either replant outdoors or use in your home as different holiday decor throughout the year.

2. Battery-free is better.

Instead of stocking up on those little battery-powered toys and gadgets as gifts, think of items that do not require energy. Discarded batteries are an environment hazard. Kites, board games and books are great ideas for getting your kids away from battery waste use and waste.

3. Waste not and want not.

Instead of heading to a store to purchase an insignificant gift that will end up in someone’s closet, use your imagination to give a gift that you know will be used. For example, a fruit basket or a gift certificate to a local grocery store will be far more appreciated than a trinket that serves no purpose.

4. Remember your outdoor friends.

Instead of decorating an outdoor tree with lights that make your electric bill soar, think of the birds that are searching for their next meal. Use seed bells and pine cones covered in peanut butter to attract nature’s winged friends. The sight will be much more enjoyable than a few hours of artificial lights.

5. Reuse gift wrap wisely.

Garbage cans are always overflowing after Christmas morning. Filled with discarded wrapping paper and bows, most of this trash can be saved and reused. Carefully pick up the wrappings and save for the next year. Paper and bows will take up little space and can save you a ton on money on next year’s holiday budget.

6. Send Christmas cards with meaning.

Walk past the displays of holiday cards and search for cards that have used recycled materials. You may also find cards that donate a portion of the sales to those in need or have been designed and made by non-profit organizations. Christmas cards are all about sending a message of love. Do your part to send a message to friends and family.

It is never too late to change your old habits of Christmastime. By using one or more of these ideas, your holiday season will feel more rewarding and the environment will be remembered.