Monday, August 20, 2012

Save a lot with a little planning

by Heather Alexander, Solid Waste Specialist

It’s that time of year again. . . time for the early morning rush to get the kids off to school, dance lessons and soccer practice, weekend football games, time to get together for dinner with friends who have been gone all summer, time for evening meetings.

Now is the time to bring some sanity to your busy life. Gain some peace, save money, and conserve resources with these simple tips:

1)      Plan meals ahead of time, particularly lunches and dinners. By planning your menu ahead of time, you’re more likely to purchase only what you need when you grocery shop. Can you use ingredients to make two separate meals? How about tacos one night, and tex-mex stew another night? Shop farmers markets for great local, fresh produce.

2)      Enjoy the beautiful fall weather by walking or biking to work and school. Talk to other parents, and coordinate a “walking pool” for the kids in your neighborhood. You’ll save gas, and get invigorating exercise to energize your body and mind for the day ahead!

3)      Say no to idling. We all do it…. Leave the car running while we wait for the kids to get out of school, wait for our partner to finish their shopping…. Help create better air quality in the Gorge by turning your car off.

4)      Consolidate trips. How many times do you come and go each day from your home or workplace? Conserve gas and improve air quality by consolidating your trips. Get groceries, pick up the dry cleaning, then pick up the kids, rather than making three separate trips.

Want more ideas on how you can conserve resources and reduce waste? Check out our website at www.tricountyrecycle.com, or find us on Facebook. Let’s get ecosmart together!