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A Little Effort Pays Big Environmental Dividends
By
Carol L. Spence
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Aug. 15, 2007) – Granted, it doesn't feel like
much, but when you save a penny here or a penny there, they
quickly add up to a significant amount. And though you may not
think recycling that plastic milk jug or reusing bags will have
any effect on the environment, just like with pennies, a little
here and a little there adds up to a significant amount.
Healing the environment can begin at home with everyday choices.
The plus side is, good choices for the environment are often
good for our bottom line, says Amanda Abnee Gumbert, University
of Kentucky agricultural programs water quality liaison. Being
aware of what you’re buying, reusing materials, driving less,
switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and saving water
can all result in a reduction in personal expenses.
Gumbert recommends implementing changes slowly and thinking
about how you consume materials. Everyone leaves an ecological
footprint; waste is produced and fuel is burned to heat and cool
our homes, operate our vehicles and transport our food. This
time of year, as students return to school and summer clothes
are replaced with cooler weather apparel, is a good time to try
taking some simple steps toward living a greener life.
“As you shop, think about what goes in the shopping bag,” she
said. “Ask yourself, how far did it travel to get to you? Can
you get what you need by exchanging what you have with someone
else? Can it be repaired rather than replaced? To save on excess
packaging, can the items be bought in bulk, rather than
individually wrapped? Can the item or its packaging be reused or
refilled instead of disposed of? Is it recyclable?”
She offers a few simple ways to make a big impact in the
environment.
Buy a larger bottle of shampoo or laundry detergent. That choice
will drastically reduce the number of bottles that end up in a
landfill or being recycled. Plus, the larger size can be more
economical since it often costs less per ounce than the smaller
package.
Don’t take a receipt if you don’t need one. And if you do take
one, remember to recycle it when you no longer need it.
Take your own reusable bags when you shop. Some grocery stores
will even give you a few cents off for supplying your own bags.
Use travel mugs instead of disposable coffee cups. Many coffee
shops give a 5-10 cent discount if you bring in your own mug.
When purchasing office or school supplies, look for items made
of recycled materials, such as loose-leaf paper and notebooks.
Reuse last year’s binders and backpacks. And for those “brown
bag lunches,” use a washable lunch box with individually sized
containers inside. This will reduce the number of plastic
baggies that end up in the landfill.
Buy as many items as you can from local or regional sources. The
farther an item has to travel to reach you, the more fuel that
is expended.
Noting that even small changes can make a huge difference,
Gumbert emphasized, “Find what works for you.”
So the next time you go shopping, remember the three “R’s” that
can lead to a healthier planet, not to mention a healthier
wallet: reduce, reuse and recycle.
For more information about how you can cut waste and make
environmentally sound choices, contact a county office of the UK
Cooperative Extension Service. |
Contact: Amanda Gumbert, 859-257-6094
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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