Green Tip #4 - Drop Those Small Items In Your Bag

When we go out, I carry a bag big enough to carry an elephant in. It's been this way since the kiddos came. How else can I store diapers, wet wipes, toys, diaper cream, a small towel, 2 water bottles, snacks, a small camera, my wallet and everything else that needs to come along with us when we go out? Amazingly, there's still enough space for small little items I get drawn to buy when we're out shopping like make-up, jewellery and even clothes for the kids. THAT's how BIG my bag is. So, if you're like me and you carry a bag BIG enough to carry an elephant in, make it a habit to drop those small little things you buy into your bag; instead of having them put it in a plastic bag. That's my green tip for the day! Happy green weekend!

Green Tip #3 - Send E-cards

I still remember when I was in university, my hubby (boyfriend then) and I used to send each other letters and cards. I can't remember if they had e-mails then (yes, I'm that old!) but it was nice to get a letter in the mail (the real mail, as in the post box?......that red box-like thing on your gate?.....nevermind) once in a while. Times have certainly changed and I don't think my kids will grow up sending letters to their friends, besides the electronic kind. But, does it really matter when we are trying to go paper-less in an effort to go green? Many people are still sending cards for special occasions but I feel that, that special occasion would still be meaningful even with an e-mail, e-card or sms greeting. Don't you think so? Where do your cards normally end up? In the trash? Recycling bin? Kept in the drawer for years until the day you declutter and throw them away or recycle them? So, the way I see it, why not send e-cards and have your recipient archive them instead? The trees would be real happy!

By the way, have a Blessed Hoppy Easter!

Green Tip #2 - Remember Your Reusable Bags

We Malaysians are way behind in terms of using reusable or recyclable bags for shopping. Jusco in Ipoh, my hometown, has only recently implemented their no-plastic-bag day not too long ago. Frankly, I feel they should implement no-plastic-bag day everyday. With just one day a week, it's difficult to get into a habit of taking your reusable bags along when you shop. So, tell yourself that everyday is no-plastic-bag day, everywhere. I have a super lightweight one in my bag ALL the time so that whenever I'm out and need to buy something, my reusable bag comes in handy. Also, have one in the car just in case. So, remember to remember your reusable bags!

Green Tip #1 - Recycle And Sort Your Paper

Recycle your paper and sort them into these categories:

1. Mixed paper/Books/Comics (Mixed paper include all the advertising junkmail you receive)
2. Black and White (A4)
3. Computer Paper (those with the holes on the sides)
4. Cardboard

The reasons for sorting are, firstly, it'll make life easier for volunteers at the recycling centres and secondly, recycling centres pay different rates for the different categories. As a reference, check out Alam Flora's rates. It's really not about the rates but about helping to ease the work of the volunteers. I take my recyclables to the centre in Damansara Jaya which is run by a group of really dedicated volunteers who are members of the Residents Association there. The least you can do is sort them on your end before sending the things there. It does take a while to get used to sorting but once you've sorted out how to sort them, sorting will sorta be like second nature!