Seven Ways To Reduce Waste In Your Home
It seems like the garbage bin fills up faster and faster these days. You’re running out of plastic garbage bags far too often, stuck in a cycle of takeout containers, cellophane wrap, and electronic waste.
Trash is a growing problem across the globe, and it’s much bigger than any one person can handle. We can’t change the way the world works. But changing our habits can make a real difference.
As unwieldy as it might seem, residential junk removal is under your control. Some of the products we use every day are the biggest culprits for junk production.
The best day to make a change is today. That’s why we’ve put together these junk removal tips for homeowners. Here’s how you can reduce waste in your household:
Switch to Reusable Bags
At first, it can be a bit of a nuisance to remember that you need to bring cloth bags whenever you go shopping. But it’s worth it to reduce your landfill contributions.
Here’s another bonus: cloth bags are more durable, which means they’re less likely to break when you load them with milk cartons or laundry detergent.
You can find other alternatives to plastic bags. Even the plastic wrap and sandwich bags in your kitchen can be replaced. Instead of plastic wrap, try a cloth or wax paper. Use glass jars or containers to store leftovers instead of plastic sandwich bags.
Get Rid of Junk Mail
Those bills, flyers, and coupons that clog up your mailbox are more than a nuisance; they’re also a source of unnecessary waste.
To unsubscribe from marketing mailing lists, you may need to contact the company directly. Check the flyer to find a link to their website, and send an email to request that your address be removed from the mailing list.
Whenever possible, switch to paperless billing instead, so that your monthly expenses are emailed to you rather than shipped.
Find New Uses for Old Things
It’s good practice to second-guess yourself before you throw something away. Before you let go of that worn sweater, consider if someone else might need it.
Rather than throwing out old appliances, clothing items, or knick-knacks, see if you can donate them to a local shelter or thrift store. Alternatively, a close friend or family member might have another use for them. Don’t be afraid to ask around before you toss something out!
Research Recycling & Composting Guidelines
You know that it’s beneficial to recycle old materials rather than throw them out. But if you don’t recycle things properly, your efforts will be for nothing. Recycling guidelines will vary based on where you live; you’ll need to conduct some geo-specific research to refine your recycling skills.
You might be surprised at how many everyday food items can be composted. Coffee grounds, tea bags, and vegetable trimmings can all be composted. Find out where you can drop off compost in your area, and set aside a sealed container for those items in your home.
Purchase Reusable Beverage Cups
There’s no denying the convenience of takeout beverages when you’re on the go. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a bottle of water, sometimes you just need a quick drink to stay hydrated (or caffeinated).
Try to drink tap water as much as you can. If you don’t like the taste, you can install a tap water filter that attaches directly to the faucet. It removes things like minerals and metals, so your tap water will taste just like bottled water.
Ditch the Paper Towel Roll
As soon as you spill a drink or plate of food on the floor, you instinctively reach for a wad of paper towels. As useful as they can be, they’re also pretty wasteful; paper towels are good for one swipe, and then they’re discarded. We suggest replacing paper towels with reusable cloths to cut back on waste production.
Think Again Before Buying Something New
Do you ever get an itch to buy something new, like a designer bag or the latest laptop? Even if you don’t need it, it feels good to purchase new things; it can give us a rush of dopamine.
But whenever we buy something new, we usually throw something old away. If there’s no rush to purchase a new jacket or electronic device, consider holding off on that purchase. It will save you money and reduce your landfill contributions.
When you look at the world around you, it’s hard to find a place without trash. We can see plastic bags, water bottles, and empty cans almost everywhere. By reducing your household waste, you can avoid contributing to a growing trash problem. You’ll feel good about your everyday choices when you put the planet first.
At JunkRemoval, we can help you find service providers to eliminate clutter and waste from your home. They’ll take care of everything from scrap metal recycling to appliance removal. Contact us today!
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