Three Small Changes that make a BIG Diffrence

January is the month for new starts, big promises and best intentions, but sometimes our resolutions become too daunting to keep as time goes by.

That being said, it isn’t too late to make promises that you can keep! This year we welcome you to consider these three sustainable resolutions that are as easy to keep as they are to make!

Start 2015 green and keep it that way by implementing these three small changes that make a big impact on the environment.

Resolution #1: Recycle your most commonly used material…EVERY time.

Pinpoint the recyclable item you buy the most and resolve to recycle it EVERY time you dispose of it. This is much easier than you would think, as these common items don’t require any preparation, just the decision to toss them into the recycling bin and not the trash!

Take these examples: If you drink soda every day, make it a point to recycle each and every (empty) can. Do the same, if bottled water is your daily beverage.

If you are an avid online shopper, resolve to toss all cardboard shipping boxes into the recycling bin. Just make sure to remove any non-recyclable packing materials first, like plastic bags or foam peanuts.

For those of you who swear by a yogurt for breakfast or need your PB&J sandwich every day, give those containers a light rinse, or quick swipe with a sponge and send them to the recycling bin! Remember, even thicker contents like yogurt and peanut butter only require a quick swipe or rinse; you don’t need to extensively wash your recyclables to toss them into the bin!

Resolution #2: Switch to Re-usable Bags.

We’ve all heard that “bagless is better”, but this year instead of walking by those re-usable bags at the checkout aisle, break the plastic bag habit and try one out!

Forgoing plastic bags and opting for something re-usable not only saves energy, but it also protects recycling processing facilities, their employees and the recycling process!

Plastic bags get caught in recycling processing machines, such as those used at the American Recycling Center. When the bags wind themselves around the sorting equipment, it can cause the equipment to jam resulting in a shut down of the facility or a safety hazard to the employees who work at the plant.

If these reasons aren’t enough to inspire you to break up with bags, remember, re-usable bags are more convenient and easier to find than ever. There are now varied options, some that collapse into tiny pouches that can easily be kept in a purse or jacket pocket so you never have to worry about forgetting them at home. Let us not forget to mention, many stores provide customers who choose the re-usable bag option a monetary incentive when shopping at their stores.

Resolution #3: Say NO to Foam

It is difficult to find anyone who can give a valid reason why we still use polystyrene in our manufacturing process. If you need disposable plates or cups, there are many environmentally friendly, compostable options these days. If your office is still using polystyrene cups for coffee, try suggesting compostable cups instead, or that employees bring in their own reusable cupsIf your favorite take out restaurant is also still using this troublesome material, suggest that they follow the lead of companies like Whole Foods, whose take out containers are made from an eco-friendly, compostable material and still do the trick for taking food home!

(Bonus!) Resolution #4: Recruit Your Friends

Resolve to convince your friends to make the same resolutions! The more people who make these small changes, the bigger the impact will be!