Trying to Stay Green During Difficult Times

These last few months have been absolutely bonkers. We all know the pandemic has caused so much change that I feel like we’re in an alternate universe, the twilight zone, or even wonderland. I didn’t know if I wanted to make a post even talking about these historic times but environmentalism can never stop, not even for new threats. Below are two ways I’ve tried to minimize my impact while also staying safe:

  1. Reusable masks.

The new fashion trend of 2020 worldwide is wearing face protection to minimize spreading sickness.  Combining this with my love for Disney I was able to purchase two cotton masks from Simply Sawdust Studio on Etsy. I know in some areas it’s been difficult purchasing masks because of the shortage but there are many outlets selling reusable cotton masks that are great protection and can be washed and reused again. This not only reduces the possibility of spreading sickness but does it in a way that doesn’t increase the amount of waste from one time use masks.

 

  1. Cotton Bags

I’ve already received concerns about reusable bags containing and spreading germs due to possibilities of items such as meat leaking from their packaging or because of the bags being exposed every time you step into the store. I would suggest using whatever cotton bags you already have and then just washing them in the laundry after every use. This should minimize risk of exposure while also allowing to reduce the amount in plastic coming through your door.

 

 

I know these ways are obvious but in painful times of struggle it’s easy to throw out any habits that require extra effort. I hope everyone is safe at home with their families and I applaud all the students who are graduating during this time. Congratulations! Follow my other media links below for more ways on how to live each and every day by Codegreen.

 

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The Exchange of Paper for Technology

The Exchange of Paper for Technology

The world is slowly moving away from the destruction of trees and the constant reliance of paper due to rising alternatives that have been made widely available because of technological innovations. As a huge supporter of sustainability, I’m very thankful to reduce my amount of paper use in anyway. From the work place, to school, and even your home base there are many ways that we can work and play without printing off a single paper during the day. Below are some options that you probably already do or maybe have never thought of:

1.Go paperless with direct deposit through your work or even when depositing a check.

Many work places have direct deposit that employees can sign up for that not only reduces that hassle of having to visit your bank but saves paper from printing out a check. Now if you do get a check (like if you babysit or still receive a nice birthday check from your thoughtful grandma) you can use your banking APP to deposit your check directly. This saves the bank from having to print out a useless paper slip stating that you deposited the money,

2. Go paperless with bank statements.

Now I have credit cards, a retirement fund, and a bank that will send me updates and notifications on how much I’ve invested or how much I owe. If you’re like me and still appreciate getting updates because life gets really busy you can sign up for email notifications to stop getting paper statements in the mail.

3. When shopping ask for no receipt or ask for paperless option.

When I’m out shopping for groceries or other products I try to reduce paper waste by just not getting a receipt or by having them email me instead. Let’s be honest with ourselves we aren’t going to storm to the store demanding are dollar back for the carrots I bought to cook for dinner. (And if you’re one of those people just stop and do something better with your time like work for soup kitchen or donate time at an animal shelter).

4. When at work utilize sharedrive or Adobe programs.

There are so many options through program like outlook or Adobe that allow for work departments to have spaces where documents can be shared, uploaded, and even edited through each other without even being printed off. This has been utilized by students forever especially students who are in programs that force students to work on group essays or projects that also are unable to meet during the week.

5. University Library Online Databases

I don’t even have to leave to go to may university’s library to access all the sources that I need for my papers. I can download what I need to my laptop without physically moving or printing a single sheet of paper.

6. Download electronic copies of your favorite books.

Most people already know about this but you can download  your favorite books right to your tablet or laptop without having to buy a physical paper copy.

We’re so thankful for trees and the shade/oxygen that they provide for us that we can give a little love back by not cutting them down for useless paper items. For more green topics check the green links down below and live each and everyday by Codegreen:

 

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February: the Month of Love and Reducing Food Waste

February: the Month of Love and Reducing Food Waste

It’s February, yes Valentine’s day is coming up, no we will not be talking about the holiday that supports the existence of hallmark cards. No, I’m going to talk about food waste. I struggle with it, you struggle with it, almost everyone probably struggles with it. I mean when I’m driving home after class and stress just overcomes me, I sometimes mysteriously find myself at a local drive-through with fries in my hand. Does anyone really crave the banana in their fridge after sitting in class for 3 hours listening to the professor rant about nuclear energy being his favorite energy source? Not only does this habit impact the amount of waste going into landfills (60 million tons a year in the United States alone), but sadly impacts are wallets. That’s less many to spend towards building your new BB-8 droid on your next trip to Disney World. Let’s start the new year focusing on making sure to finish the food in are fridges. However, if you do get the urge to splurge on some waffle fries and the banana sitting in your fridge rots, it can be turned into some yummy compost that your plants or even the local community garden will enjoy. Happy single’s day!

 

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New Year, No Disposable Straws

A new year means opportunities for developing new habits. Start your year strong by not only drinking lots of water to keep yourself hydrated during these colder periods but also reducing disposable straw waste. I know it’s tempting to use a straw for every sip we intake, but it can be a giant obstacle for our aquatic friends. Now I recognize that there are some who face disabilities that require the use of straws (and how do you ingest drinks like milkshakes without them) so here’s some alternatives. There are options for reusable straws (steel straws are my favorite) that even come with cleaners for keeping your drinkware squeaky clean so you can sip your beverage without adding waste into the water system. You can also be like Elsa and “Let it Go” by not using straws. Nothing says “I’m a hero” more than protecting baby turtles. To my fellow Codegreeners, let’s make this new decade a green one.

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Keeping the Holidays Green

December is always a special time of year because no matter what event you celebrate there is always something to be joyful about. Which is why everyone should be mindful of all the wrapping that gets thrown away. Contrary to belief, boxes can always be reused, gifts don’t always have to come in piles of paper, and not even a million bows can make a fruit cake look like a chocolate mousse cake. Let’s be aware this holiday season of the joy we can bring without deploying too much waste. To my Codegreeners, have a holly and jolly holiday season

 

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