5 Tips for a Sustainable Summer
12
Jul
The average person generates 4.3 pounds of waster per day.
Approximately 55% of 220 million tons of waste generate each year in the United States ends up in one of the over 3,500 landfills. As we get into the swing of summer it is a good time to start implementing ways to have a more sustainable summer. We want to share with you a few easy steps to incorporate the three R’s, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle into your summer!
1. Reusable Products
Reusable products are a great way to reduce solid waste and help to prevent litter. In 2015 more than 860,000 plastic bottle caps, 424,000 plastic bags and more than 1 million plastic bottles were recovered from the ocean by clean up efforts. Simple steps like using reusable products can help.
- Reusable bags and containers. Bring these items with you when you shop and travel. We recommend using bags made from recyclable material. Many stores offer this alternative and have reusable bags for sale at the checkout counter.
- Use glassware for food storage.
- Reusable water bottles, instead of single use bottled water, also help to cut back on the amount of plastics used.
These are just a few of many ways to help reduce waste and prevent litter.
2. Conserve Water
It is estimated that the average person uses anywhere from 80 – 100 gallons of water per day. While many are making efforts to help contribute to water conservation there are simple steps you can incorporate into your daily routine to help cut back on the amount of water you use per day.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. This will help to cut back on running water while waiting for tap water to cool.
- Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth or shaving. This can help to conserve up to 8 gallons of water per day.
- Don’t over water your lawn during the summer. Rain also helps to water your grass and can eliminate the need to water frequently.
- For more water saving tips for your home, at the office and general tips visit here. Every drop you save helps!
3. Participate in a Clean-up Event
Summer is a great time to get outdoors. Across Florida, volunteers are helping to transform their communities by improving the environment and creating beauty in their hometowns through cleanup initiatives. All of our affiliates are always planning community events to help Keep Florida Beautiful! Check out our affiliate event calendar to see what fun activities an affiliate near you has planned this summer!
4. Join a community garden or start your own!
Community gardens help to provide communities with the opportunity to grow local and seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s a great way to provide your city with access to nutritionally rich foods and create healthier, more sustainable communities. Contact your local affiliate to join one of the many community gardens that can be found in your city or to start one in your neighborhood today!
5. Conserve Energy
On average one person in Florida will use around 136,300,000 BTU per year. That’s enough energy to fly a large plane from Washington D.C. to New York City. By reducing the amount of energy consumed per day you can help to cut back on costs and save the environment. That’s a win-win in our books! It just takes a few simple steps to be more energy efficient.
- During the summer keep blinds closed on the side of the house that receives the most sun. This will help to keep your home cooler.
- Unplug! Turn off all lights and unplug all appliances not in use.
- Use appliances with the energy star seal of approval. This can help to save up to 30% on electric bills and they are up to 30% more efficient!
Want more tips on sustainability, waste reduction and litter prevention visit our blog at keepfloridabeautiful.org for more inspiring ideas this summer!
