Connect with us

Uncategorized

Steps to Help Protect the Environment

Published

on

Each American throws out about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By incorporating the “Three Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) into routines, you can help divert some of this waste away from landfills to help protect the environment.

Up to 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. In addition to the unnecessary strain on water and land resources, the excess food that ends up in landfills produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change.

By carefully planning before going to the grocery store, you will be more likely to purchase only what you and your family will realistically eat. Even smart shoppers can reduce the amount of unavoidable food waste they produce by starting a composting bin at home. You can turn today’s fruit peels, eggshells, and tea leaves into tomorrow’s fertile soil for your garden.

There are many ways you can incorporate the “reuse” concept into your food routines. At the grocery store, bring your own reusable tote bag to avoid single-use plastic at checkout. Take this concept a step further with refillable containers, which can be used to stock up on bulk foods. While bulk foods have been a feature of certain supermarkets for years, many stores are expanding their offerings and taking precautions to keep these systems safe and hygienic for customers, making it easier for the eco-conscious to shop sustainably.

When packing lunches for the family, ditch the single-use baggies, utensils, and sandwich wraps and switch to reusable BPA-free, eco-friendly alternatives.

Finally, when it comes to hydration, you can make a huge impact simply by stocking your fridge with a water filter pitcher and by bringing along a high-quality reusable water bottle with you on-the-go.

For example, until recently, toothpaste tubes haven’t been recyclable because most are made of a mixed material that doesn’t have a second life. Now, you can recycle your toothpaste tube with a first-of-its-kind recyclable tube from Tom’s of Maine. Several of the brand’s popular toothpaste is available in the new tube, with all full-size Tom’s of Maine toothpaste available in the recyclable tube by the end of 2020.

To recycle the tube at home, check the back for the blue flag, which indicates that the toothpaste tube can be placed in your recycle bin with #2 plastics. If your town doesn’t accept #2 plastic, you can recycle your toothpaste tubes and other oral and personal care products, regardless of the brand, through the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program with TerraCycle. To learn more, visit TomsOfMaine.com.

You may also like…

Crime & Safety21 hours ago

Man threw his girIfriend’s chiId out the door like a bag after the 5-year-old refused to do chores or waIk back and forth outside in the severe heat, causing him to Iose consciousness and later die at the hospitaI: DA

Nebraska – According to Nebraska authorities, a newIy fiIed search warrants have revealed detaiIs about the aIIeged abuse suffered by...

Crime & Safety21 hours ago

Mon told poIice his girIfriend’s former spouse was foIIowing him and attempted to confront him on two separate occasions before he fataIIy stabed the man foIIowing a physicaI aItercation he cIaims the victim initiated; charged

Texas – A Texas man, 31-year-old J. Dogget, 31, was arrested earlier this week and charged with murder following the...

Eugene5 days ago

Eugene opens 56 new permanent supportive housing units downtown at Bridges on Broadway to serve residents experiencing chronic homelessness

Eugene, OR – Eugene has added 56 new units of permanent supportive housing to help residents experiencing chronic homelessness. Homes...

Eugene5 days ago

License plate reader alert leads Eugene Police to arrests after early-morning attempted vehicle break-ins

Eugene, OR – On August 22 at 3:01 a.m., a license plate reader camera alerted Eugene Police officers to a...

Eugene5 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire deployed resources to Flat Fire near Sisters, supporting Lane County task forces

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) deployed two brush engines to the Flat Fire near Sisters as part of...

Crime & Safety7 days ago

SchooI counseIor who encouraged the minor student she was indcently assauIting for years to hide the lnappropriate reIationship by telling the girl, “If she tells anyone, she will take her own life,” was charged

Colorado – A Colorado schooI counseIor was taken into custody last week and is now facing multiple felony charges related to...

Crime & Safety7 days ago

Man who kiIIed his girIfriend carrying their unborn baby several days after the victim told her sister that he threw her on the floor, strangIed her, and if anything happened to her, it was because of him, was charged

Massachusetts – A Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his girIfriend, K. Montero. The young...

Eugene1 week ago

Red Flag Warning issued for Southern Willamette Valley Thursday afternoon

Eugene, OR – A Red Flag Warning has been issued from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 21, for...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Police SWAT assists federal firearms trafficking investigation

Eugene, OR – Just after 6 a.m. on August 19, 2025, Eugene Police SWAT provided assistance to the Bureau of...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene City Council hires new independent police auditor to oversee department

Eugene, OR – The Eugene City Council has appointed Craig Renetzky as the city’s new Independent Police Auditor. The office...

Eugene1 week ago

35-year-old man arrested on drug, weapon charges after attempting to escape Eugene officers

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU) arrested 35-year-old Adam Cole Young following an investigation into...

Trending