What are some simple ways I can reduce my impact on the earth?
The amount of information and facts about reducing, reusing and recycling can seem overwhelming and confusing. Here are a few basics to get you started.
• Reduce waste by purchasing food items that have little or no packaging.
• Substitute reusable items for disposable ones. For example, replace paper napkins with cloth napkins, or use reusable grocery bags instead of paper or plastic.
• Participate in your local curbside recycling program by finding out what your municipality accepts and how to sort it properly.
• Compost your food and garden waste.
• Buy products made from recycled materials.
• Have a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity rather than throwing them away.
Remember, every little bit counts. By doing what you can, when you can you will gradually get into a routine. Before you know it, you and your family will have shifted its lifestyle to one that benefits both the environment and your health.
Alison Finney is a certified hatha and kundalini yoga teacher in Ottawa. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and is the founder of PranaShanti, a health and yoga resource. For more information, visit www.pranashanti.com.
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