Simple Tips for Eco-living

I just moved out into my first non-college apartment, and it is a big change. But as I’m settling in, I’m discovering the smallest things you can do to stay green.

• If you live in San Francisco, the city provides free composting. Ask your landlord to request one or if you own your own place, call the City yourself and set it up so they drop off a Green Composting bin that looks just like your trash and recycling containers. You can compost fruits, vegetables, bread and even soiled paper towels and cardboard (think pizza boxes, and dirty napkins). And don’t forget any plant or yard waste. It is so easy. The hardest part is establishing a compost system in your kitchen. I would recommend a sealable container (to mask the smell) that you can take out once a week or every few days. Make sure to wash it periodically so it doesn’t build up mold. And that’s it! If you aren’t lucky enough to live in San Francisco, you can still compost. If you have a yard it is especially beneficial. Start a compost pit in your yard and soon enough you will have your own fresh soil. Read how.
• As an entry-level employee at a non-profit, I’m not making the big bucks. But I’ve found easy ways to save money and help the environment. First is by buying recycled furniture. Usually it’s not furniture that is made of recycled materials, but furniture that has been used already. Craigslist is a great resource for this. Make sure to check the “free” tab and the “garage sale” tab. That’s how we found our couch (which we love!) and checked out some great garage sales. Simply walk around your neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday mornings and I guarantee you will find at least 1 garage sale. We’ve picked up such diverse items as can openers, beer pitchers and small tables for super cheap prices. This helps the environment by not producing new goods out of raw materials, and also preventing items from going to the landfill.
• Along the same lines, the library (find your local one here) is heaven for any environmentally conscious individual. It is essentially pointless to buy books new, when there are hundreds and thousands of books just sitting in the library waiting to be read. If you don’t like the book, you won’t have it sitting around your house for ages, and if you do – you can always check it out to reread again later.
• I can not support public transportation more. I just got rid of my car, and I’m loving it. I take the bus to and from work, and live close enough to everything else to walk to the library, grocery store, shopping, post office, and even the bars. My roommate bikes 20 minutes to work, and finds the exercise great. Again, if you live in San Francisco, got to 511.org to plan a trip on public transportation anywhere in the Bay Area. It is especially a relief not to be spending money on car insurance and gas (especially now, at such high prices) and I can use that money for other things.
• And just to point out the obvious: recycle, use energy-saving light bulbs and appliances, and please turn off lights (and water) when not in use.