For decades, Republic Services has been a trusted partner for sustainable recycling and waste solutions. Today, we’re a leader in environmental services. So, it’s no wonder that one of our most significant observances is Earth Day (it falls on Monday, April 22 this year), which provides all of us with an excellent opportunity to live our value of Environmentally Responsible.
If you’re unsure how to adopt a more sustainable way of living, then you’re in the right place. We asked Republic Services’ Sustainability Expert Jeremy Walters to share some simple ways to incorporate Environmentally Responsible practices into your everyday. Here’s his top 10 List:
1) Recycle! – It might sound obvious, but always recycle when and where you can. Today, only 3 in 10 water bottles are recycled. That isn’t because they can’t be recycled, but simply because we aren’t even placing them in the recycling bin to begin with!
2) Make a shopping list – As trivial as it might sound, making a list before you head to the grocery store helps to cut down on excess food waste. Who hasn’t stood in the aisle failing to remember they already have a head of lettuce (or two) hiding in the back of the refrigerator?
3) Reuse over single-use – You’ve likely heard this a lot, but investing in a reusable coffee cup, water bottle or bag is a very basic way you can lead a more sustainable life. Some studies suggest that over its useable life, one reusable bag offsets the use of over 20,000 single-use ones.
4) Donate or sell useable goods – If you are trying to stay current with the latest trends, don’t trash wearable clothes, give them another life by donating them to a secondhand store. Clothes also sell surprisingly well at garage sales! The same goes for other goods such as décor, furniture, toys and more.
5) Ditch the single-use dinnerware – There is a time and a place where these items can be convenient but consider serving up your meals on dishware that you can wash and reuse. Paper plates, towels, napkins and plastic cutlery cannot be recycled. Pro Tip: Next time you order take-out, tell the restaurant you don’t need the disposable cutlery!
6) Save leftovers – Saving leftovers is a no-brainer when it comes to cutting back on food waste, but how you store them could one-up your sustainability efforts. Consider storing them in reusable containers instead of plastic bags or Styrofoam containers which can’t be recycled.
7) Grow your own food – Gardening is a win-win – organic locally grown produce and a connection with nature! Even if you don’t have space for a garden, there are several herbs you can grow in your windowsill!
8) Power down – Another seemingly simple way to live more sustainably is to make sure you turn lights (and devices) off when not in use. Shout out to my wife for always leaving the closet light on (I hope she doesn’t see this)!
9) Water-wise – Fix those leaky faucets! According to the U.S. EPA, a single leaky faucet dripping one drop per second could waste more than 3,000 gallons of water! Even if you don’t have a leaky faucet, consider how long you might be running it when not in use. If you leave your faucet running for two minutes (the recommended duration for brushing your teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic), you could waste over 5 gallons of water.
10) Reduce your personal emissions – No, I’m not talking about the aftermath of a garlic-heavy meal. A simple way to do this is to walk or bike instead of driving your car for short trips. A little exercise is good for your mind and body! Carpooling is also a great way to cut back on emissions.
A big thank you to Jeremy for these 10 useful actions we can all take to improve our environment!