We Hear All the Time Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: What Does It Mean? Can It Help? Can It Help Me? The Answer is Yes

What's Up?

How does the popular phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle impact me on a personal level? We know it helps the environment, but is it practical? We also ask ourselves, "Do we really want to go to the expense or the hassle to implement?" With so much on our plates, sometimes it feels like just one more thing to do.

RECOMMENDATION

Go for It!! Implement the 3 R's today. I think you will be very surprised by how much money you can save and how easy it can be to implement.

Let's learn some basics today about Reducing.

(Note this is part of a part series. Reuse and Recycle will be discussed in future articles.)

What is Reduce?

Reduce is simply reducing consumption and trash generated. Savings can be generated quite quickly by implementing some easy solutions. See below for a quick hit list.

Consumption

Energy: The amount of electricity, and fuel (gas, oil, propane,etc.) you use on a daily basis to live.

Water: Reducing the amount of water used in daily living. Examples, are showers, dishwashers, washing machines,etc.

Purchases: Reducing the amount of "things" you purchase. Examples: Clothes, shoes, toys, etc.

Trash Generated or Trash Put Into the Waste Stream

Reduce Packaging in Your Purchases: Be aware of how your purchase is packaged. For example: buy in bulk vs. individual packages, or look for a product that does not have excess packaging. Certain manufacturers are actively working on reducing packaging or types of packaging they are utilizing.

Recycle or Reuse Items: Be very aware of what you put into a trash can. Many things we throw away can be recycled or reused by someone. Examples: basic recycling, composting, and finding ways to reuse an item vs. throwing it away.

Quick Hitting Saving Tips

Note this is just a short list, and by no means all inclusive. For additional information visit the tips in each section to give more detailed savings plans.

Electricity Usage

Kitchen

Use right size burner for your cooking pot
Cook in batches. It takes less energy and time to reheat a food item.
Use the air dry button on the dishwasher.
Use the toaster oven for small food items.

Appliances

Reduce Vampire Energy Usage
Review appliances for energy efficiency; consider trading out, if the return on investment is there.
Fill the freezer full. A full freezer is more energy efficient.
Place the refrigerators or freezers in cool, non-humid places, if possible.

Heating/Cooling

Use CFL or LED lights when possible. They use less energy and generate less heat.
Clean light fixtures. This can improve efficiency up to 20%.
Maintain air conditioning around 78-80 degrees.
Use ceiling fans to move heat and air, This will help reduce the load on your heating/cooling unit.
Regularly change your filters. A clean filter is more efficient.
Use day lighting and task lighting when possible.
Plant a tree or bush by the house to reduce summer sun and winter winds.

See article for more hints.

Water

Did you know? A running faucet wastes 2.5 gallons of water per minute.

Wash your vegetables or fruit in a pan of water vs. running water.
Pre-rinse dishes in a pan of water.
Shut the water off while brushing teeth.
Reduce the time in the shower by one minute.
Run the dishwasher when full (Avg. is 11 gallons per use)
Run the washing machine when full (Avg. is 46 gallons per use)
Clean your dishwasher and washing machine. A clean machine is more efficient.
Fix a leaky faucet. This can save you 10% on your water bill, on average.

Packaging/Purchases

Buy in bulk vs. individually pre-packaged items. You will save money and reduce the amount of trash.
Reuse items vs. throwing them away.
Reduce the amount you spend on clothes.

These are just a few tips. Have fun reviewing the website for more ideas and detailed savings and implementation plans.