The Three R's of Green Living

There has been a lot of talk about "going green" over the last few years.  With the population continuing to expand and valuable resources being used up, we need to take responsibility for how we treat our planet in order for our children and grandchildren to have something worthwhile in the future.  You don't have to make major changes in your / lifestyle to make a major difference.  Just remember the three R's of green living: reduce, recycle, reuse.

Reduce - It used to be difficult to find products that were packaged in biodegradable materials.  However, many manufacturers are also advocating a greener way of life.  Everything from laundry detergent to eggs can be found packaged in items that are easily recyclable, such as cardboard and paper.  If you can only find the item you're looking for in plastic containers in /, make sure the plastic is the kind that can be recycled.  Bring your own reusable shopping bags with you when you go to the grocery store or even the mall.  This will help reduce plastic bag consumption.  Since cloth bags are more sturdy then their plastic counterparts, you can fit more items in each bag as well. 

Recycle - Most cities in / have adopted a recycling program of some sort that coincides with regular curbside pickup of household refuse.  Many times, they will provide a separate trash can that you put all recyclables in: paper, cardboard, plastic, soda cans, etc.  Contact your local trash company to find out what their policy is.  If your city doesn't provide a program, you can separate your trash yourself.  Set up a separate bin for paper products (including cardboard items), plastic items (milk jugs) and metal (such as soda cans and fruit/vegetable cans).  Find your local recycling facility to take these bins when they fill up.  There are many places that allow you to turn in your soda cans for money.  So, you can get that $0.05/can that you are charged when you buy the product in the first place.

Reuse - Don't throw out something simply because you need to have the latest and greatest version.  There's no reason to get rid of an item simply because you're trying to keep up with the Jonses.  Old jelly jars, butter containers and milk jugs can be repurposed to separate and organize nuts, bolts and screws in your / garage, hold your leftovers or as a funnel to change your motor oil, respectively.  You're only limited by your imagination.

A greener lifestyle doesn't mean making drastic changes.  Just keep the three R's of green living in mind and you can make a big impact: reduce, recycle, reuse.  Help keep / and the rest of the world beautiful for generations to come.

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/01/12/the-three-rs-of-green-living/.