Local ways to stay GREEN
Buy Only What You Need
Plan ahead and don't over purchase. However, when buying items you use daily or in large quantities, consider buying in bulk.
Recycle
There are many recycling options in the Valley. Aluminum cans and paper aren't the only products that can be recycled. You can also recycle batteries, motor oil, cell phones and more. Visit azrecycling.com and earth911.org for more info.
Change a Light, Change the World
Replace your incandescent lights with new, energy efficient compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use 2/3 less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Be sure to dispose of your light bulbs properly, as they may contain lead solder or mercury. Visit earth911.org to find out where to dispose of your old light bulbs.
Bag It Up
Instead of bagging your groceries with plastic, consider getting a reusable, cloth bag. Many stores sell reusable bags, and some are charging for plastic bags. When walking your dog and cleaning up after them, use a biodegradable bag instead of a plastic one. If you do use plastic bags, remember to recycle them. There are many locations across the Valley, visit earth911.org to find a drop off location. Does your grocery not recycle plastic bags? Visit the Progressive Bag Alliance to download their At-store Collection Toolkit
Green Your Gadgets
Resist the urge to upgrade every time a newer or "cooler" gadget comes out. Donate working electronics to charities or school programs. Recycle broken electronics! Refill or recycle your inkjet or toner cartridges. Close the recycling loop and buy recycled, post-consumer content paper for your printer. Most office supply stores offer an increasingly larger selection of environmentally friendly papers. Even computers and iPods can be recycled.
Make Every Drop Count
Water is a precious commodity, especially here in the desert. With so little water, we need to conserve all we can. Turn the water off when you're brushing your teeth. Use your dishwasher and washing machine only when they're full. Avoid small, partial loads. Compost food scraps instead of using your garbage disposal. You'll save gallons of water and have a great looking garden. Clean your driveway or sidewalk with a broom instead of hosing it down. Don't use running water to thaw food.
Don't Toss THOSE PEELS!
Did You Know...
Although orange peels aren?t the worst thing to throw into your garbage, what if you could actually use them instead of tossing them? Orange peels have some pretty unique and interesting uses. Before you head to the garbage, think about these interesting and different uses:
1. Mosquito Repellent: You can rub orange peels on your skin because gnats and mosquitos hate the smell. If you are sitting outside, you can place the peels around your sitting area to keep them away as well. Around the campfire? Simmer some water with orange peels to keep the little buggers away!
2. Quick Potpourri: Throw your citrus peels in a pot with water, cloves and cinnamon sticks to freshen the air in your kitchen.
3. Get Rid of Ants: If you have too many ants around your home, you can take citrus peels and water to make a powerful potion. Simply blend the peels and water together and place on any ant hills that are too close to your home. The can?t stand the scent and will build their homes elsewhere.
What To Do?
Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics