Trending
Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
Did you know more than 12 million tons of furniture is thrown away every year, with much of it ending up in landfills? Sofas are among the biggest items in that waste stream, but there are simple ways to help yours last for years, or even a lifetime. Keep your sofa out of direct sunlight, which can fade and "sun-bleach" fabrics. Rotate cushions regularly so they wear evenly, preventing dents and helping them hold their shape. Spot-treat spills as soon as they happen, and vacuum frequently to remove dirt, dust and debris before they become embedded in the fabric.
n n n
Keeping your jeans in rotation for just one extra year instead of replacing them can have a significant environmental impact. That simple choice can save enough energy and carbon emissions to equal the electricity used to charge a smartphone every day for 10 years. Producing new denim requires substantial resources, from growing cotton to weaving, sewing, dyeing and washing the finished fabric. A tailor can also easily patch rips and tears, helping you extend the life of your favorite pair.
n n n
If you're lucky enough to fly somewhere and have a meal included with your ticket, there are simple ways to reduce food waste. If you've been upgraded to a premium class and plan to sleep through the flight, check your airline's website to see if you can select a "no meal" option. Since prepared meals generally can't be reused once the flight lands, opting out means one less meal going to waste. And don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle to avoid disposable plastic cups and other single-use plastics when drinks are served.
n n n
Freezing perishables and leftovers is a great way to extend the life of food, but only if your freezer is cold enough. To check, try the ice cream test: If your ice cream is soft or scoopable straight from the freezer, the temperature is likely too warm. Lower the temperature until the ice cream is firm, and you'll know your freezer is operating at a temperature better suited for keeping food properly preserved.
n n n
Here's another item worth buying organic: raisins. Independent studies have found residues from numerous pesticides on conventional grapes, which are commonly dried to make raisins. Because grapes have thin skins, pesticide residues can remain on the fruit, and it's difficult to know how thoroughly grapes are washed before they're dried. Choosing organic raisins means choosing grapes grown without synthetic pesticides — an easy swap for a cleaner snack.
n n n
Don't toss old cookware in the trash. If a pan is made entirely of uncoated metal — such as cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel or aluminum — take it to a local scrap-metal yard or specialty recycling center, since most curbside programs don't accept pots and pans. Nonstick or ceramic-coated pans generally aren't recyclable, because their coatings interfere with the metal-recycling process. If a pan is still usable, donate it to a thrift store. Companies like GreenPan and Made In Cookware offer a cookware mail-back recycling program, too.
n n n
Opt for vintage or antique gemstones and jewelry whenever possible. Reusing stones already in circulation eliminates the need for new mining, which can displace enormous amounts of earth, disturb habitats and pollute waterways. Unlike newly mined gems — and even lab-grown stones, which require substantial energy to produce — vintage gems give existing materials a second life with a much smaller environmental footprint. You can also reset vintage stones in a new, modern setting for a fresh look.