In 2021, we are feeling the effects of climate change more than ever, and we all need to be focusing on doing our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize the effects of climate change in our local environment – especially in a natural desert like Los Angeles. Not sure where to start? We have some ideas on how to jumpstart your attempts to go green in your house.
1. Pay attention to symbols on packaging to know what’s safe to recycle.
Whether it’s on your bag of chips or just wrapping around a chair, packaging on any of your household items will tell you everything you need to know. The all-too-familiar recycling symbol will initially let you know if the item can be recycled at all and all plastic items have a resin identification code (RIC) that can indicate the grade of plastic and how well it can be recycled if at all. Second, check the guide listed on your waste bins along with their individual symbols. With instructions on what you can and can’t put inside of the bins, the work is essentially done for you.
2. Limit your consumption of single-use items. The choices you make as an individual may not seem like they make a difference, but the amount of waste we produce individually is incredible. Make smarter future purchases for your home, use and reuse items for as long as you can, and accept that single use items can be necessary. While staying hygienic and safe about your practices, purchasing reusable items to reduce your household waste and non-recyclable trash in a more sustainable way is a large step in the right direction.
3. If you can afford it, go organic. 
If you have a home garden, you can grow delicious, organic fruits and vegetables – even if you don’t have a lot of space! Tower gardens or windowsill gardens allow you the opportunity to make your kitchen – and garden – more green! If you don’t have the time, space, or energy to grow your own organic produce, you can find affordable, sustainably grown produce at your local Farmer’s Market, or even at budget grocery stores like Aldi or Grocery Outlet!
4. Move your house over to LED lighting. LED bulbs reduce the amount of toxic gasses associated with production of lightbulbs, but will also save you money on your energy bill while doing your part to save the environment! These days, LEDs are just as affordable as regular incandescent bulbs, just as adaptable in size, emit less heat and have a life of 35,000 to 50,000 hours compared to their less eco-friendly alternatives.
Not everyone is ready to throw in the paper towel in exchange for a reusable one, we get it. But being environmentally conscious isn’t as scary as it may seem. Taking a little time out of your weekend or week night to find the proper information for your local area helps everyone!
