greenliving Ever-More-Green in
Easy Ways to Go Eco Right Now
by Avery Mack N
ew Year resolutions can be a distant memory by mid- January, due to unrealistic expectations, slow results and distractions that sideline good intentions. Yet we
may still reap the rewards of a greener, healthier lifestyle by progressively adopting small, doable changes.
Nifty Switches January white sales present a prime opportunity to change to organic cotton sheets and dry-fast towels to reduce energy usage. Local animal shelters welcome old towels and blan- kets. Homeless shelters also accept gently used clean linens, and outgrown cold-weather gear.
Replace family toothbrushes with eco-friendly models made from renewable castor oil plants instead of petroleum. The Naturally Clean Toothbrush is BPA-free and recyclable (
TomsOfMaine.com). Each day, Americans use 500 million disposable straws, reports Milo Cress, founder of the Be Straw Free Campaign (
Ecocycle.org). Discarded plastic straws and stirrers are on the Ocean Conservancy’s top 10 list of debris littering beach- es. Cindy Schiff Slansky, CEO of GreenPaxx, in New York City, suggests using a reusable silicone straw. “The bright colors help keep track of each person’s drink. They’re in my purse for when I eat out with my kids,” she says. “We always say no to disposable straws.” Also consider paper straws that compost within 45 to 60 days. Plug electronics into power-saving energy strips that can be turned off when machines aren’t in use. Completely shutting down computers saves more energy than using sleep mode. When it’s time for a more energy-efficient fridge or
freezer, call the electric company. The Appliance Recycling Centers of America work with utilities to pick up and re- cycle working appliances. Air conditioners and dehumidifi- ers are accepted with a qualifying fridge or freezer. Alterna- tively, call a local recycling company for a curb pickup of broken appliances; even easier, confirm that the company
20 Charlotte Edition
AwakeningCharlotte.com
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