Give more than food to food banks
Giving to your local food bank is a great way to help those in need. And while the word “food” may be in the name, it’s not the only thing they need and request from their donors. Everyday essentials like toilet paper, dental hygiene items (like toothbrushes) and bundles of socks and underwear are also desired and very much in demand. And just like food, if you want to give these items, give new, wrapped and unopened packages when you donate. Lightly used items in any of these categories are unwanted and can’t be given away. [Editor’s note: The Chattanooga Area Food Bank does not accept non-food donations, preferring only food and monetary donations to keep operations running “as efficiently and successfully as possible,” said Sadie Crunk, community relations coordinator. She recommends non-food donations, such as plastic utensils, paper bowls and plates, paper napkins, sunscreen, insect repellent, socks and underwear, be made to Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga (423-7563891) or the Chattanooga Community Kitchen (423756-4222).]
BAR SOAP
When you lather up in the shower, do you use liquid body wash or a humble bar of soap? Bar soap is far more environmentally friendly than liquid body wash that comes in a plastic bottle. In fact, liquid uses 20 times more packaging than a bar of soap, which is usually simply wrapped in a piece of paper. And bar soaps have come a long way: Today, high-end and all-natural cosmetic companies are formulating bar soap that helps exfoliate, nourish and moisturize your skin and even replaces shampoo, conditioner and body wash as an all-in-one product. Making the switch to bar soap can save packaging and help save money, too, all while decluttering your shower.
COACH SEATING
The next time you fly, consider choosing an airline that only offers allcoach seating. It’s a surefire way to save money on your round-trip flight, and it also means the plane you’re flying in is the most fuel-efficient of all planes heading to whatever sunny destination you’re visiting. The reason is simple: When you remove the larger first- and business-class seats, additional coachstyle seating can be configured on the plane. More seats means better fuel economy per person flying. This, in turn, cuts down on the carbon emissions per passenger on the flight. Consider an allcoach flight an upgrade for the environment!
ILLEGAL TRASH
Did you know that waste haulers typically do not accept appliances, batteries, electronics, pesticides and paint in regular curbside pickup? For many of these items, it is illegal to dispose of them in your trash. What to do? Contact your local waste pickup provider and ask them to do a “special handling” pickup for your items. By simply making a call and arranging for this kind of pickup, you can ensure that these items are disposed of safely. And never, ever try to “hide” these items inside trash bags and bins; special pickup items can pose safety hazards for workers if not handled properly.
AREA RUGS
An area rug is an easy way to add a decorative touch to a space. But it’s also a fantastic way to improve the energy efficiency of your house. Rugs and carpet are great insulators, and they can transform chilly floors into warm, cozy places. Studies have shown using a rug pad and rug can have the most impact on insulating your floors. They improve efficiency for all types of floors — wood, ceramic and laminate — and can reduce your heating bills by around 5 percent.
SUNNY KITCHEN
When the sun is shining bright into your kitchen, take a look where it shines. Is it on your refrigerator? When the sun’s rays come through the window, they generate heat. And when the sun is shining bright on your refrigerator, it can heat it up. When your refrigerator is warming up, it’ll counter the effect by using more energy to keep things cool (or frozen) inside. Over time, this wastes energy and increases your utility bill. Draw shades to block the sun’s rays and help keep your fridge running with as little electricity as possible.
MODERN MICROWAVES
Do you want to heat up some leftovers or cook a side dish of veggies for dinner? Instead of using an oven or toaster oven, consider using a microwave. The reason is simple: A microwave uses up to 50 percent less energy than a conventional oven. And modern microwaves have improved cooking results, often resulting in perfectly steamed, poached, roasted and sauteed finishes that taste just like you made them in a traditional oven.