Green Life Tips

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Reusable juice containers cut waste, save cash

If you have kids, consider sending them to school with their juice in a reusable container, instead of juice that comes in non-recyclable containers.

Think of the hundreds of juice boxes and plastic bottles that won't need to be discarded over the course of a school year. You'll also pay less per ounce of juice when you don't have to factor in the cost of all that extra packaging.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Keep reusable mugs, water bottles, utensils at work

Green up your workday routine by keeping a reusable coffee mug or teacup and a reusable water bottle at your desk, instead of turning to styrofoam cups.

To cut down on unecessary plastic use, keep reusable eating utensils nearby. If you don't want to break up a set you have at home, you can inexpensively scout some at a garage sale or resale shop instead of buying new ones.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Recycle old VHS tapes

If you've joined the 21st century and have switched over from VHS to DVD, chances are you've got some old video cassettes laying around. Instead of throwing them into a landfill, consider selling them on Craigslist.org craigslist.org or eBay or giving them away on Freecycle.org or donating them to your local library.

Another option is to send them to Greendisk, a firm that accepts all manner of old electronic machinery and their media, including VHS, audio cassette tapes, old CDs, etc. For about $7, including shipping, Greendisk will give you a box and label for packages of recyclables under 20 pounds. For instructions, visit greendisk.com.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Some toothpaste tubes are recyclable

Aluminum toothpaste tubes are recyclable. Just toss them in with your metal recyclables. You cannot, however, recycle the plastic ones.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Join the Elmer's Glue crew

With the school year in full swing, kids have likely begun their share of craft projects.

Check to see if your child's school participates in the Elmer's Glue Crew recycling program, which offers prizes and gifts for classrooms that collect used Elmer's Glue bottles and sticks and turn them in for recycling.

Teachers or other school officials can drop filled and labeled boxes of recyclables at any Wal-Mart store.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Get rid of unwanted catalog subscriptions

Removing yourself from the mailing lists of unwanted catalogs is one way to effectively reduce your paper consumption.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, more than 53 million trees and 56 billion gallons of wastewater are consumed each year in the production of catalogs. To take action, check out catalogchoice.org, which allows you to select only the catalogs you want and rid yourself of those you don't.

Simply go to their Web site and enter your contact information and the firm will contact providers to let them know your preference. You'll not only save paper, but you'll also save time, since you can adjust all the subscriptions in one place, rather than calling separate "800" numbers.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Think twice before you print a document

When you're at work, think twice before printing a document. Do you really need a hard copy, or can you save the file to your computer for future use?

Keeping one ton of paper out of landfills can save 7,000 gallons of water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can save enough energy to power the average American home for six months, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Skip paper bills on your next hotel stay

The next time you stay in a hotel, opt for the electronic checkout option, if it's available.

The system allows you to view your bill and approve it via television, instead of on a printed paper receipt.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Add a little green to your lunch menu

To make your lunch and snacks for work and school more ecologically sound, pack them individually in reusable containers.

If you use aluminum foil, be sure to recycle it and if you use zippered plastic bags, remember they can be washed and used several times.

Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle

Bank online to save paper

Switch to online banking and bill paying to cut down on paper waste. A 2007 report from Javelin Strategy & Research projected 16.5 million trees could be saved annually if customers switch to online banking.