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Green Tip of the Moment
SHOWER TIME! Did you know that by reducing your shower time from 7 minutes to 4 minutes you can save approximately 36 litres of water per shower? To help keep you on track, RIPPLE PRODUCTS have a great fun range of shower timers and other water saving products for the home and office. RIPPLE PRODUCTS aim is to provide well-designed, sustainable, functional items that raise awareness and acknowledge all of our responsibilities to our environment. They provide water saving and energy saving products for all sectors of the market. Their products are designed to assist and educate. From a shower timer and a bucket to a recycle bin or a shopping bag - all of their products help raise awareness of environmental campaigns and educate providing a product solution to the end user. To read more and order online, please visit their website: www.rippleproducts.com
Weekly Shopping Made Easy!
19 May 2009, Author: ~Karen~
1) Buy close to home
Check out local markets on the weekends to buy up on your fruit and vegetables. Help support local growers and save on petrol costs by driving longer distances to large chain shops.
2) Think for the moment
Choose recipes that require in season fruit and veg. By doing so, you'll reduce transport and storage emissions.
3) Eat fresh
Packaged, processed foods have less nutritional value so go for natural options that are not wrapped. Every little bit counts and by trying this in your weekly shop, you're actually helping cut down on extra energy input and reducing packaging waste.
4) Nude Food
Treat your body to organic food where possible. Say no to nasty pesticides and herbicides!
5) Adding that little bit extra per shop!
Why not cut down on packaging and cut down on transport to and from the shops? Where possible, try to bulk buy household items like larger packs of recycled toilet paper, or bulk-buy larger packs of eco-friendly/grey water safe laundry detergents.
6) Taste, not waste!
Everyday we're all guilty of throwing away excess food. But to conquer this bad habit, make your shopping list specific and plan your meals ahead. Buy only what you need to minimise waste and keep your food bill cost down. Also, don't go overboard on pantry items that expire without you even realising it! Otherwise, these items will go to waste too. Keep it simple, and save.
7) Re-use, or lose!
Say no to plastic bags at the register. If you are only purchasing 3 small items, take them with you and put them in your bag. Alternatively, for a larger shop, keep your re-usable cloth/material bags on hooks in the garage so when you leave it is a reminder to take them with you. Another option is after a shop and after unpacking at home, put the re-useable bags back in your car or on your bike basket ready to go for your next shopping trip! This small amount of organisation on your part will make a HUGE difference to our environment.
8) Be aware: shopping no-nos
Our society is pushing us to function faster in all aspects of our lives and as such, we're 'tricked' into thinking convenience is always the best option. But in reality, it all comes down to prior planning! Keep this in mind when you're on your next shopping trip. For example: Packaged salad is a definite NO NO. You think you're paying for convenience but really you're paying for excess packaging that ultimately damages the environment. Take 10 minutes to prepare your own salad. This way, you know it's fresh and any scraps left over you can put them into your compost bin. Also, be aware of eco no-nos like palm oil and genetically modified ingredients. If in doubt, always read the label for ingredients. Take the time to care for your body, your family and your environment - after all, these things are invaluable.
9) Compost it!
Any leftover vegetable scraps from your shopping, contribute it towards your compost bin. Your garden will love you for it!
10) Grow your own!
Where possible, start your own little veggie patch. Maybe start with some herbs and then expand your green thumb towards seasonal fruits and/or vegetables. Make it a family event - the kids will love it! Save money too on your weekly food bill and enjoy the taste of home-grown veges with your dinners!
