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Reduce
Reuse
Choose re-useable products instead of disposable. Use real dishes,
glasses and silverware instead of disposables. Use dish towels that
can be washed and re-used instead of paper towels.
Recycle
Find out what recycling resources your trash hauler provides and recycle
everything that they allow. Many City recycling programs allow residents
to recycle used oil,
oil filters,
batteries and even small
appliances through their normal trash
collection service. Check with your City or local waste hauler for
details, special procedures and conditions.
Donate
Instead of Dispose
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Saint Mary's
Mary Graham Hall
Close the
Loop
Buy products with recycled content or reconditioned items. Look for paper
products, anything from copy paper to paper towels and napkins, that contain
post-consumer content. Use reconditioned toner cartridges for your copier
or printer if possible.
Dispose of all Waste Materials
Properly
Different waste streams
contain different hazards that must be managed. Some of these items
include:
Conserve Water
Install low-flow devices whenever possible to reduce water consumption.
You can find low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads at your local home
improvement store
Water landscapes only after sundown. Check sprinklers regularly for output
and to make sure that they are watering the landscape and not driveways or
sidewalks.
Conserve Energy
Use
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent lights last many times longer than incandescent bulbs and use much
less energy. Fluorescent bulbs do
contain mercury, so they must not be thrown in the garbage and must be disposed
of properly.
Seal Ducts
Air conditioners and heaters, when utilized, consume more energy than most other
appliances. If ducts are not sealed properly, hot and cold air is wasted in
crawl spaces, in wall and in attics making your HVAC work harder to provide less
than optimal results. Ducts that are over ten years old that have not been
maintained are sure to have leaks that may be costing you hundreds of dollars
per year.
Use
Rechargeable Batteries
Instead of using disposable batteries, invest in some rechargeable batteries and
a charger. Using rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money over
their useful life. Plus having fresh batteries is just a charge away.
While rechargeable batteries work well in many devices, be sure to check the
manufacturer's recommendations before using these batteries in a device for the
first time.
Buy Quality
Products
The old saying that "They don't make products like they used to" is actually a
true statement. Many devices manufactured nowadays have a limited lifespan
and are meant to be disposed of in a few year's time. By spending a bit
more, you can invest in products that have a longer useful life
Buy Energy
Star Appliances if Possible
Burn Clean
Burn only on approved burn days. New wood stoves
are efficient and burn much more cleanly than old models.
Buy natural products whenever possible
Walk or Ride a Bike
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