Going green is certainly not a new phenomenon. It is, however, a movement that has more riders on the wave than ever before. It may seem as if someone is always coming up with a new way to go green, but the truth of the matter is that there are some foundational ways you can go and remain green, year after year.

Create Less Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a staggering figure that between 1960 and 2007, waste production per person has doubled from 2.7 pounds per day to 4.7 pounds per day. Figure out all of the ways you can create less waste by recycling, composting and reusing as many items as possible.

Reuse

Many of the items that end up in the trash can be reused. You may not be able to (or want to) reuse them in the same manner you did the first time. Here are some ways to reuse items to get you started, but use your own imagination to figure out all of the ways you can reuse items rather than throw them away.

Turn old t-shirts into:

• Cleaning rags

• Shopping bags

• Pillowcase

• Rag rug

• Quilt

• Scarf

Recycle

The EPA also says that 75% of what we throw away could be recycled. The bottom line here is to get a recycling bin and use it. Put anything and everything in the recycling bin that can be recycled.

Compost Items

Create a compost and then throw food scraps and yard waste in it. Composting adds nutrients and moisture to the soil, which also means you have to use less water to keep it looking good and to keep the yard alive. Composting also tightens the soil in a manner that keeps contaminants from spreading.

Recycle before You Recycle

When you buy packaged items at the store, think about the packaging or other parts that will end up in the garbage or what can be reused or recycled. Try to find and buy items that are packaged in a manner than can be recycled or reused in some manner. For example, a crafter may look at a package of gourmet dog biscuits that includes ribbon and a plastic box container and see a new clear storage box for her colored pencils and markers and a ribbon to add to her latest greeting card creation. So, think before you purchase.