The Mad Tipster: on Being Green

By Andrea Ways Newman

Reduce

• Packaging-Take your own bags to the store; either re-use old store bags or take sturdy canvas ones. Skip the plastic produce bags (you don't need them for potatoes, onions, etc.) or double-up (lettuce and parsley can share).
• Water- Plant native plants that thrive with less water. Use soaker hoses and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation waste.
• Toxins- Vinegar and water is a great all-purpose cleaner (especially for glass and wood floors). Baking soda is also a great non-abrasive cleanser for countertops and sinks.

Reuse

• Containers- Plastic baby food containers are great for snacks, the lids are good for holding glue and paint when crafting. Big Costco containers (clear plastic mixed nut jars or pretzel barrels) are nice for holding small toys or small pieces.
• Boxes- Kid-size shoe and gift boxes are great in cabinets for holding small items that tend to get lost on big shelves (spices, baking supplies, small appliance parts).
• Paper- Keep a folder or box near the computer for printer waste. Cut used paper into small scratch sheets; they're perfect for notes, grocery lists, etc.

Recycle

• Curbside- don't forget paper products-- clean mixed paper (junk mail), corrugated cardboard, cereal and other paperboard dry food boxes.
• Area Centers- Glass, Foil, Batteries, Styrofoam, Electronics/Media, and much more can be taken to UMKC- one block east of 48th & Troost or Bannister- in the WalMart parking lot.
• Cell Phones- Donate old phones to battered women shelters (Rose Brooks, Hope House, etc). They give them to women in trouble to use for emergency situations.

For more information on area recycling and the environment, visit www.bridgingthegap.org