What not to throw away? Anything that contaminates the soil in which our food grows, the water which eventually comes out of aquifers into our tap water, and the air we breathe.
Many of these chemicals cannot be removed from the drinking water supply, nor from the crops that are harvested from contaminated fields. The risks to human health are tremendous.
Most cooks in the kitchen know to recycle, because for every ton of paper recycled, we save: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity saved by recycling one aluminum can.
Habits and behaviors of every person act like a a rock skimming across a lake -- except that the ripple keeps going and going for years and years, impacting us, our neighbors down the street, on the other side of the world and future generations. Every little bit helps. You can make a difference. Here are 5 things you can do to help.
1. Switch off and unplug electronic devices.
Make sure the TV, DVD, computer, iPod, iPad and all types of devices are powered down when not in use. Some appliances that are plugged in [but not needed and not in use] are still drawing electricity, so remember to unplug them.
2. Adjust the temperature on your water heater.
Showers account for two-thirds of all water heating costs. Try to shave a few minutes off your shower time, which lowers your utility bill, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from your home. You can also purchase "low-flow" shower heads.
3. Replace your normal light bulbs with fluorescent, energy-saving light bulbs.
Changing bulb types help you save at least $60 a year in utility costs.
4. Make the switch to energy-efficient appliances.
Once you have energy-eficient appliances, keep them clean. Regularly changing your air conditioner filter or cleaning the gaskets and coils on your refrigerator reduces your carbon dioxide emissions and lowers your utility bill.
5. Reuse instead of using something new.
A simple example concerns your daily cup of coffee: Take your own cup or mug. Most people now know to take a reusable cloth bag every time you buy something: Make a habit of carrying reusable bags with you. Once you make it a habit, it’s easy.
What you buy, what you do or do not recycle, what you “throw away” has an impact on life. If you want to help, recycle and learn what not to throw away to preserve the earth's soil, water and clean air.