New Year’s Resolutions: New Year, Greener You

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions with the goal to better our lives in some way – save money, get in shape, eat healthier. This year, make a resolution to better the planet. There are tons of simple things you can do. Choose one, or a few, and get going to a more sustainable you! For daily habits, give yourself the goal of sticking to it for at least 21 days – you might find it isn’t so difficult after that!

This year resolve to…

Handle Hazardous Waste Properly

 Clean out the garage (or basement etc) and take items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Naperville. Winter is the least busy time of year for this!

Save energy at home

 There are many simple things you can do. Learn more at our free workshop, January 10th

Reduce Food Waste

In the US, we waste about 40% of the food that is produced. In response to that staggering statistic, the USDA and US EPA joined forces to set the nation’s first Food Waste Reduction Goal: Reduce food waste 50% by 2030. Check out these tips for At-Home or At-School. Be a part of the movement to #savethefood!

Begin Composting

Some towns now offer curbside food composting in DuPage County – Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton. You can also compost in your backyard. Download instructions to build your own bin and learn the ins and outs here or stay tuned for a Backyard Composting workshop from us! Don’t have a yard? Ask us about indoor vermi-composting.

Properly Recycle Old Electronics

 It is illegal to throw e-waste into the landfill in Illinois – that’s anything with a power cord. Resolve to properly recycle your old electronics. Check with your municipality for a program or download a list of DuPage County locations here.

Take Care of Cooking Oil

 There are 7 year-round cooking oil recycling locations in DuPage County. Instead of flushing it down your drains or disposing in the trash, resolve to recycle your cooking oil in 2017.

Green Your Cleaning Routine

Many household cleaners have unhealthy chemicals in them that affect air quality in a home. Resolve to use eco-friendly cleaners: purchase or make your own. Simple water, vinegar, and baking soda does the job pretty well! Check here for some tips – there are also many great books on the subject.

Recycle Right!

You probably recycle already, but it’s important to make sure you’re putting things in the recycle bin that are truly recyclable – if you aren’t, you may be “wish cycling” – putting items in your bin in the hopes they’ll be recyclable. Wish cycling increases the cost of recycling programs and threatens their sustainability. Check out our quick curbside recycling info sheet – it includes a list of items that recyclers tell us they frequently have to pull out.

#PickUp5 When You Go On Walks

Resolve to pick up 5 pieces of litter each time you go for a walk. If you have a dog and walk at least once every day, that adds up to 1,825 pieces of litter picked up over the course of year! It might be a good idea to bring along a bag, in addition to the one for Fido.

Ditch the Dump, Donate!

Resolve to donate items that you no longer use, rather than throwing them away. Not sure where to donate something? Give us a call! If we don’t take it, we often know who can and we’re happy to help!