Connections:
Going Green
By Nancy Yergin, MS,
RD, LDN, Forest County Penn State Extension
Perhaps you haven't yet started recycling the many
containers that package food purchases. And, maybe you have limited access
to some of the "greener" food products on the market. Yet there are things
you can do if you're interested in a "greener," more environmentally
friendly household. My extension colleague out in Nebraska, Alice
Hennemann, RD, has shared 7 great ways to be a little greener this spring.
Read on for some easy steps you can take right now. They also will save
you money, adding a little extra green to your wallet!
1. Size matters. When
choosing between a large container and several small containers that add
up to the same volume: Consider whether buying the large container would
serve the same purpose and save you money? For example, do you really need
to buy individual boxes (and more packaging) of juice if they all are
drunk in the same week and at your kitchen table?
2. It's in the bag. While
we could all carry our own reusable shopping bags when we go shopping, if
we don't we can reuse any plastic grocery bags we might accumulate to line
small wastebaskets. Put a few bags in the bottom of the waste basket
BEFORE you line it, so there's another one ready to use after one is
filled.
3. Gotta have a plan! Plan
ahead and shop less often for groceries or shop in conjunction with other
errands taking you near a grocery store. The result is a reduction in the
use and cost of fuel needed to transport food.
4. Practice the 3 Rs. Produce less waste AND save
money by practicing the 3 Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle. Here are three
examples in relation to throwing away leftover food. Not only does tossing
leftovers waste money, it also wastes the energy resources and packaging
materials associated with the tossed food.
6. Drink to this. Buy a reusable water bottle and
fill it with tap water. Your investment soon will pay for itself.
7. Bulk it up. Some products purchased at the
grocery store, such as hand soap, can be purchased in big bottles that are
used to refill a smaller bottle size. Reduce the cost and the packaging by
refilling the smaller bottle.
Questions or comments on this or other columns? Nancy Yergin can be reached via email at
NLY1@PSU.EDU.
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