Now that the holidays are quickly approaching many of us are planning family get-togethers and parties. This doubtlessly will entail hours of planning, cooking, shopping and of course, cleaning. For many families, cupboards are stocked with an ever-expanding arsenal of home cleaning products many of which contain dangerous ingredients, harsh cleansing agents and artificial colors and fragrances. While these home cleaning products come in pretty packages and offer clever ad campaigns; they also offer indoor air pollution which put our family members at risk, unnecessary antibacterial agents that result in more resistant bacteria, and unnecessary expense. Contrary to the popular belief, even the biggest messes and nastiest stains can be battled effectively with baking soda, borax, lemon juice and many other eco-friendly household items. Read the rest of this entry »

Recently I was discussing sweeteners with a close friend of mine. It occurred to me that many families today are cutting back on sugar intake or exploring other options in terms of possible sweeteners. What is the difference between white and raw sugar? It would seem that while many of us are looking at the health impact of sugar, what is the environmental impact? Is the impact on the environment comparable between raw and white sugar? Read the rest of this entry »

What is Precycling?  Precycling is a way of thinking, behaving, purchasing and living that is quickly gaining momentum throughout the ‘Green’ community. Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to steer clear of item which will generate waste into the home or business.

We are familiar with the three-pronged “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” motto as well as the push to recycle. While recycling s a wonderful activity that allows for many kinds of energy savings, it certainly is the solution for our waste management issues. Even when recycling, resources are used, energy is consumed and a certain amount of pollution occurs- even in the best scenarios. Traditionally recycling requires amounts of energy to “melt down” and then remanufacture items. While this does significantly cut down on the amount of waste heading to the landfill, it is not sustainable unless the underlying energy supply is sustainable. Additionally, recycling often means downcycling and always entails at least some loss of the previous material, so primary extraction is still necessary to make up the difference. However, recycling reduces these troubles by using less material in the first place, so less has to be recycled.

The “Greenest” product is the one you don’t buy at all. Of course we cannot however live on air alone. We thereby should make informed purchases. Precycling is related to “Reduce” the most important of the 3R’s and is also related to the “Reuse” a concept that is that is at times referred to as “Repuposing”. Precycling is about reducing waste by avoiding items that will generate it or selecting certain items that will generate less, or acquiring items that can reused for something else entirely. Precycling is a simply another way to lighten our environmental footprint. However, becoming an avid precycler can also save you money too.  Such precycling practices include buying consumables in bulk in reduce packaging, buying consumables in recyclable over non-recyclable packaging, and using electronic media when possible just to name a few options. Precycling also includes the practice of using an item or material for another purpose prior to use for its original purpose, thus avoiding using some other object. For example, a centerpiece of squash and mini pumpkins can make a lovely table decoration prior to eating it and rules out the need to buy that plastic centerpiece the big box stores are busy pushing on consumers.

Another way to participate in precycling is to carry a “recycling kit”. Said kit may include, Tupperware or reusable containers, silverware, cloth napkins and handkerchief, thermos or water bottle all carried in a cloth bag that can also be used as a shopping bag.

Examples of precycling opportunities are abundant once one changes their perspective. For example families that prioritize recycling don’t buy sodas which come in plastic bottles and aluminum cans. They instead opt for teas and juices that can be mixed at home and stored in reusable pitchers. This allows for less bottles and cans that need to be recycled. Instead of buying plastic bags and water bottles, precyclers value metal thermoses and water bottles as well as reusable storage containers and jars. Even the use of a water purifier can be considered recycling if it cuts down on plastic waste.

Cloth products are extensively used all precycling families. Our family has cut out the need for paper napkins and facial tissue simply by investing in cloth napkins and handkerchiefs. Many families use cloth towels and sponges rather than paper towels as well. Finally, and most obviously, nearly all avoid plastic or paper grocery bags and instead opt for reusable cloth ones.

Yet another example for families to precycle is to take simple steps in order to lessen the amount of junk mail they receive each month. Nearly everyone agrees that junk mail is the one of the most unnecessary uses of paper possible. Families can avoid giving their addresses to places that will sell their names. Also, by simply contacting companies and organizations directly and requesting to be taken off of their mailing list can greatly reduce the waste coming into your home.

While the 3R’s are wonderful in practice, precycling is a valuable component as well.  It earns extra points for not just limiting our environmental footprint but also for saving green-going family valuable money.