Tip #12: Reusable containers

October 31st, 2008 Thomas (Ecotipsforlife.com Admin)closeAuthor: Thomas (Ecotipsforlife.com Admin) Name: Thomas Korthuis
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.move2create.com
About: I was born in The Netherlands in 1982 and now reside in Orlando, FL, USA. I do web, graphics and audio/video design. I believe that you can bring change through little and big steps. Big steps for those that like change, little steps for those that don't. Ecotipsforlife.com is not only meant to become a useful reference but also catalogs my own personal journey toward becoming more environ-mind(ed)See Authors Posts (62)

Budget: $0-$20
Time required: Varies
Estimated Impact: Varies

Tip: Reducing waste equals reducing our impact. One way we can do this is by replacing throwaway plastic bags with reusable containers. Storing food items for instance in reusable containers instead of plastic sandwichs bags can potentially save you waste and money.

Another thing you can use reusable containers for is beverage containers. The next time you order your “custom, double extra-special but hold the…” drink consider using a reusable container. There’s even options for those who just can’t shake the need for that specific look and feel of that paper/plastic drink cup. Check it out here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/accessories/a3a4/

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Tip #11: Gadget Energy Management

October 24th, 2008 Dan (Guest Blogger)closeAuthor: Dan (Guest Blogger) Name: Daniel Harrison
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.dailyecotips.com
About: My name is Daniel Harrison, I’m a web master and business coach, but I have a strong interest in the environment and being eco-friendly. I recycle everything I can, I use freecycle to save sending waste to landfill, I also sell unwanted items via eBay and local classifieds. I also try to buy products that are not shrouded in too much packaging. Doing my little bit for the planet. Daily Eco Tips is my way of encouraging others to do the same!See Authors Posts (1)

Budget: $0 to $40
Time required: 30 seconds to 5 minutes
Estimated Impact: $5 to $100 a year, maybe more.

Tip: You might not know this, but gadgets that are on standby mode use typically between 10% to 50% of the energy they use when fully switched on! That’s a considerable amount of energy for something that is just not being used.

There are several ways to make it as easy as possible to switch devices. Clearly you don’t want to spend ages switching all your gadgets off, so here’s two simple tricks you can use to make it really easy.

If you have a TV with a digital TV receiver, or video player, or DVD player, or surround sound unit, or a satellite TV kit, or even a combination of them, that’s a lot of devices that could end up being left on standby. Here’s the trick, plug all of the gadgets onto a single power strip (one of those multi-way extension leads). Then you can just switch off all the devices at the socket where the extension lead is plugged in. These extension strips are so cheap these days, costing less than $8 or £4 usually.

If you’re really lazy or want to make it even easier, look for something like a standby saver. These standby savers have a primary socket that you typically plug the TV in to. When you switch the TV off on to standby, it switches all of the devices off completely. When you switch the TV on again, it automatically powers on all your other gadgets. Easy huh?

This tip was written by Daniel Harrison who just loves his eco friendly gadgets and has his own site where you can get eco friendly tips daily.

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