Now that you’ve, started walking, got on the treadmill or paid your fees and joined the gym for 2020 why not try a few less energic actions! At Recycle IT we have assembled 12 pointers to help you reduce, reuse and recycle during 2020.
It’s never too late to start taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint and become eco-friendly. Make it your goal and here are 12 potential resolutions for cutting down on waste, changing habits and maybe saving some money during the year and after.
Cut down on energy usage. When you’re not using one of your many electronic devices such as phones, tablets, TV’s and laptops unplug them. This saves electricity and potentially saves money if you do it all the time. Remember its best to turn your devices off even if you don’t unplug.
Bring your own cup and food containers. Coffee shops are now happy to fill your washable and reusable to-go cup and while your local waiter might take a second look at the to-go container you’ve brought from home to the restaurant: you know, it helps in reducing waste and clutter.
Fashion shopping. Take action. There are far too many paper bags used and they are hard to recycle. It’s normal to bring bags food shopping so when you go clothes or shoe shopping please take a bag; one which folds into small pouches and can be easily placed in a handbag or jacket pocket – it’s easy!
Old clothes. The EU textile industry generates waste estimated at 16 million tons per year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated. Could you reduce your clothes purchases in 2020? Can you reuse your current wardrobe of clothes or recycle in a safe manner? (research what happens to your older clothes prior to giving them away).
Reduce polystyrene usage. If you are buying something new leave the polystyrene packaging at the store, for safe recycling. If you need disposable plates for birthdays or picnics opt for something recyclable like paper. You can also ask your favourite takeaways to switch to an environmentally friendly alternative.
Bottled water and soft drinks. Stop buying bottled water and soft drinks in plastic bottles. The immediate result is less single-use plastic on the planet. It also saves you money and reduces the impact on the worlds natural resources.
Tap water and energy. Most of us make tea or coffee at home or in the office; one easy tip is to fill the kettle with the amount of water you need for a cup, rather than filling it each time. If you’re using coffee pods, make sure you recycle them safely. Most suppliers have a recycling scheme.
Leftovers. After parties, you might have half-finished cans or bottles of cola. Why not use them to clean areas of your home. Cola drinks contain carbonic, citric and phosphoric acids which are often found in household cleaning products. Leave the cola to clean sinks or toilets, soak for an hour with the cola, then use a brush to clean and wash away. If you don’t have any cola, try vinegar, it works as well!
Drive less. Walk, run, cycle or use public transport (bus, Dart, Luas, trains) where and whenever possible. This is good for the environment, it offers exercise and saves money in the long run. Some activities can also be fun when family and friends join in!
Bike to work. Take advantage of the Irish Government initiative offering tax-free bikes for cycling to work. The Bike to Work scheme allows your employer to help you obtain a brand new bike and safety equipment worth up to €1,000. It saves you money, on the purchase of equipment, replaces your existing mode of travel and helps the environment.
Curtail clutter. As new items replace old or damaged equipment please try to recycle immediately. This reduces clutter and free’s up space in your home or office. Items which are replaced are rarely used again, Old mobile phones, tablets, radio’s, laptops, computers etc sit around for years. If safely recycled, the parts can be reused to create something new. It makes sense!
Furniture reuse. Consider reusing furniture or upcycling to divert furniture from landfill. To reduce your carbon footprint and reduce the costs incurred by buying new furniture try to maximise the reuse, repurpose (and fixing) and recycling of furniture while minimising the quantity of furniture that is disposed of. If you really need to replace items offer the old stuff to others using programmes such as Freetrade or Age Action.
Start today
It doesn’t take a lot to make your new year more environmentally friendly. You can try some or all of the above New Year resolution or come up with some of your own. If you do please let us know what you’re planning on doing to reduce, reuse and recycle and make your home and your family more eco-friendly in 2019.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Over a last number of years Recycle IT have offered a drop-off and collection service to tens of thousands of homes, communities, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas recycling a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
Visit our website for further details about recycling old electrical items or call 01 4578321 to book a collection in the New Year!
