10 Small but Effective Ways to Go Green

OPT FOR A WRAPERLESS LUNCH

Make your baon environment-friendly by going for wrapping-free food. This article from Medical News Todaypromotes “naturally packaged lunches” such as fruits and vegetables.  They're perfect for moms who are looking for healthy lunch staples for their kids, as well as those who are going on a diet.

GIVE TREES A BREAK

This article from Ecology.comdiscloses that around 4 billion trees worldwide are cut down to make paper. Lessen that statistic by making a conscious effort to cut down paper use. Thinking of making reviewers for finals? Type those on a portable media device instead of using pad paper.  Making a to-do list for work? Jot it down on a small whiteboard instead. Are you a bookworm? Think about it this way: portable e-readers like the Amazon Kindleor Barnes and Noble Nook, computer applications likeMobiPocket Reader or Microsoft Reader, and audio books could be the best thing for trees since God made fresh water.  

USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

The rainy season’s in full swing, and it’s important to stock up on batteries for emergency use. Stick with the rechargeable ones that you can repeatedly use. G Online reports that a 2007 study on rechargeable batteries found that rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact on the environment than their single-charge counterparts. 

SAY NO TO INDIVIDUALLY-WRAPPED PRODUCTS
Do a household check and zero in on products that are individually wrapped. Take note of these the next time you head over the grocery and choose their bigger counterparts instead—shampoo bottles instead of sachets, a pack of laundry detergent as opposed to buying them in single pack, or a big tub of yogurt instead of single-serve cups. You can always transfer these to small reusable containers once you get home.  

USE COMPACT FLOURESCENT BULBS AS OPPOSED TO INCANDESCENT ONES
Leave the dark side by saying no to incandescent light bulbs.Energy Star recommends compact fluorescent light bulbs instead. Those that have the Energy Star seal use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs and are known to last 10 times longer as well.

CUT DOWN UNNECESSARY WATER USE

GMANews.tv reports that the water level in Angat Dam, the major water supply in Metro Manila, is currently below critical level. As such, it is important to conserve water in every way that we can. Start with simple tasks such as turning the faucet off when you’re brushing your teeth or scrubbing the dishes. Also, avoid using the washing machine every other day when you only need to wash three to four articles of clothing. It will be better to wait for your laundry to pile up a bit so you can maximize your water use.  

DON'T STAND BY AN OPEN FRIDGE DOOR

We are all guilty of this at one point or another. Not only is it burning holes in your wallet by contributing to your electricity bill, it also leads to unnecessary bingeing as well. Ditch this habit by avoiding the fridge unless you really need to get food for meals.   

PAY YOUR BILLS ONLINE

A lot of paper goes to sending billing statements through snail mail. Opt to go the electronic route by paying utilities and credit card bills online. Pay a visit to your bank to inquire about their online payment options. Once you get into the habit of paying electronically, you’ll not only be saving trees, you’ll also be helping to save our supply of fossil fuels: since you never need to leave the comforts or home or office, that cuts down fuel burned for transporting you to and from these basic errands.

CHOOSE BIODEGRADABLE OPTIONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Some household staples such as detergents and cleaning products contain chemicals that do damage to our environment. Thanks to the growing “going green” movement, companies are offering products that are made up of biodegradable ingredients. Scour the supermarket for these alternatives instead. Even face, hair, and body care is going green, if you know where to look.  

GO FOR THE REAL THING

Trade in your disposable spoons, forks, and table napkins for the real thing. Cutlery and table napkins made of cloth are not only reusable, but they also look better than their use-and-toss counterparts. Are you a to-go girl, someone who consumes a lot of fastfood and lives part of her life in the take-out lane? Try your hand at cooking instead. Not only will it minimize garbage, but you might discover a latent talent for culinary arts as well!Yummy.ph offers recipes for novice and advanced cooks, and everyone in between! www.femalenetwork.com