save green by living green, part 2.

Save Green By Living Green (Part 2) 

Click to view Part 1 of this 2-part series.

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In this, the second-part of a 2-part article series, we are covering the most common R’s in Zero Waste, in the order they should be implemented are: Rent, Repair, Repurpose, Refuse, Reconsider, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot. So let’s take a brief look at each of these and discover just how much impact it has on our own budget and the costs involved in waste management.

Reuse is a wonderful way to extend the budget – reusing containers, bags and sturdy boxes is a common habit these days. Reuse centres can be found in most cities, offering paint and moving supplies to all kinds of every-day items that still have some life left in them. Releasing your unwanted items back into the community via donation, thrift stores, consignment shops, reuse centres and garage and estate sales is also a part of Reuse. Shopping at these places is a great way to support waste reduction, while saving a lot of money.

Repurpose involves altering the item in some way for reuse. For instance, instead of purchasing plant tags, grab a pair of scissors and cut a (650 gram) yogurt container into 2” wide strips, making one end slightly pointed. Or take a bleach bottle, cut the bottom off at an angle and you have created a handy scoop for dog food, potting soil or garden amendments.

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Recycle generally means utilizing resource recovery programs such as bottle and can depots, curbside recycling programs, return and collection sites for things like oil, paint, light bulbs and batteries.

And that brings us to Rot. Composting keeps organics out of the landfill, preventing leachates and toxic gasses that are actually more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide. It produces a natural fertilizer that benefits gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs and potted plants on the deck. Doing so will reduce pesticide, herbicide and fungicide use because the plants are healthy. Additionally the soil will be able to retain water, meaning you’ll have less work to do and you’ll use less water as well. Rot can also be used to produce biofuels, a slightly better alternative to fossil fuels. There are units for condo’s and apartments, for older and physically challenged people who may find having a compost pile impossible… These units plug into the wall outlet and grind and dehydrate the food waste making it a powder that you can use to fertilize deck plants, sprinkled around the landscaping and lawn around your building etc.

Incorporating these R’s can sometimes feel like clipping coupons; we save anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars with each action. At the same time it has a profound impact on our community, the environment, local organizations and small businesses. It is so important acknowledge the value of the proactive individual.

Taking on the R’s has a real and measurable positive impact, when people realize this they often find themselves seeking out new opportunities to have a greater impact. If this is you, please visit our website where you can find our blog, archived radio episodes and books that will help you on this exciting journey. http://BrummetMedia.ca 

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