Precycle

Ahhh, the art of going green can be and is as simple as rethinking our actions. While many already have the right idea about recycling, it's all about taking it to the next level. So before one hops into their car, pull out their wallet or unnecessarily use three napkins for a spill... think! Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Certified Sustainable Product Standard, want to educate and motivate all to precycle, which is reducing waste by not acquiring it in the first place. In other words purchasing with waste reduction in mind is one simple way to go green and be eco-friendly. Precycling saves precious natural resources. It also helps with greenhouse gas reduction and saves you money. To get started try the below:

•   Using a video service like Netflix instead of owning movies

•   Give a gift of an experience rather than a thing - movie tickets, dinner gift certificate

•   Buy music online rather than on a CD

•   Buy rechargeable batteries

•   Compost organic waste rather than throwing it away

•   Rent or barrow things whenever possible rather than purchase

•   Share a lawn mower with several neighbors rather than each household owning their own

•   Use a lawn service so that you don't need to purchase lawn equipment

•   Bringing a re-useable coffee mug to the corner Starbucks instead of taking the coffee in their paper cup

•   Using a re-useable water bottle on the go rather than buying bottled water

•   Bringing your own cloth bags to the grocery store or any store

•   Storing left-overs in durable re-useable glass containers

•   Buy in bulk whenever possible

•   Avoid disposables and choose re-useable or refillable products - a refillable razor

•   Buy local because not only less transportation is involved but less packaging too

•   Use a permanent coffee filter

•   Use a sponge instead of paper towel

•   Use a bar of soap instead of liquid soap that has a container

•   Buy a block of cream cheese rather than a tub

•   Shop at a Farmer's Market where there is minimal package from the farm to your table