10 Forgotten Ways to Go Green and be Environmentally Friendly

1. Recycle your cell phone – components can be reused even if the phone does not work anymore. There are many places where you can drop them off – I have even seen a recycle drop off recently at a Target, but also Best Buy and other electronic stores.

2. Put chargers on a power strip, that way when everything is done charging the power strip can be turned off till the next time the chargers are needed. You can even plug them into an outlet that has a switch. My favorite power strip has a master and only turns on sections of the power strip when the master component is on.

3. Grill more in the summer and bake more in the winter. It will lower heating and cooling costs by not creating extra heat in the summers and adding heat from the oven in the winter. Definitely a great way to double up your efforts by having these things work harder for you when you need them to.

4. Reuse everything possible. Look at things that get thrown out and think about how it can be reused. Be creative. People on Pinterest have a ton of great ideas for turning one mans trash into another mans treasure. Who knows, you may even be able to make a side hustle out of it.

5. If it cannot be reused, can it be recycled? Composted? What other eco-friendly way can it be disposed of? Read the package and get to know your items before you purchase them.

6. Buy efficient everything. In the market for a new appliance? Redoing a bathroom? Check to see if there are efficient options available. Everything from computers to major household appliances now has a green alternative. Looking at labels such as the energy efficiency rating, low flow faucets and shower heads, etc.

7. Use non-toxic when available. Paints, cleaners, and other household items have non-toxic alternatives that work as well if not better than the toxic varieties. This is not just better for the environment, but also for your own health and the health of your family.

8. Buy recycled items. Not just packaging and office products, but recycled jewelry, containers, clothes, building materials, etc. There are thousands of products for just about every use that is made from recycled materials. Some are even very creative and even pieces of art.

9. Save trees and use a computer for almost everything. Need to find a local business or directions? Skip the phone book and use online services. Need to send invitations, send an evite. Read the newspaper online instead of having the paper edition delivered.

10. Buy produce from a green market or local farmers market. Even better, gather a few family members or friends and go to the local “you pick it” and get a great discount while buying local. It’s also a great way to bond and get everyone outdoors.

What other ways can we all go green? Tell us what we forgot and we will do a follow up with your ideas.

About the Author: Liz Karschner is the Marketing Director for SEPCO – Solar Electric Power Company who specializes in manufacturing commercial solar LED lighting systems for many applications. SEPCO works to help the world go green one light at a time.