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Buy refurbished electronics

11/29/2024

Buying refurbished electronics instead of new reduces resources used and costs less.

A lot of resources are used to create new electronics, from the plastic casing to the mined metals. The end of life of electronics also contributes to the piles of waste that are created. Buying refurbished devices is not only better for the planet but comes at a lower purchase price than buying new.

Read more about this issue here.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Open doors manually

11/22/2024

Open doors by hand without using electricity; only use the paddle to automatically open doors if you are otherwise unable to open doors manually.

It’s very straightforward: Every time a door is opened automatically, electricity is used; when opened manually, the electricity use is zero. Unless you truly need the assistance of the automatic door, resist using electricity to have the door opened for you and just open it by hand. Opening the door yourself is actually faster and more efficient than waiting for the motor. The slower speed of the automatic door also keeps it open longer, letting more heated or air-conditioned air leave the building. The high use of the automatic system also adds to its wear and tear, and a break-down of the system would have a greater impact on those who rely on this automation.

Read more at Recycle Nation.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Heat water with an electric tea kettle

11/15/2024

Boiling water with an electric kettle uses less energy than either the stovetop or microwave.

Because the heating element in an electric kettle heats the water directly, it is the most efficient method for heating water. The stove and microwave transfer heat to the pot or mug. You can increase the efficiency of making your tea even more by only adding the amount of water that you need to the kettle. If you simply fill the kettle to the top, you are heating more water than you need.

Read more at Treehugger.com

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Buy your Thanksgiving turkey from a local source

11/8/2024

Buying a locally sourced Thanksgiving turkey supports the local economy and promotes the benefits of small-scale farms.

Foods purchased locally are transported over the shortest possible distances and support businesses and farms in our region. Most local growers raise free-range, hormone-free birds. Turkeys raised on small-scale farms that raise their turkeys pasture fed is healthier for the animals, better for the environment, and may produce more nutritious meat. In Swarthmore, humanely raised turkeys are sold at the Swarthmore Food Coop and Ironstone Creamery at the Swarthmore Farmers Market.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Decline printed receipts

11/1/2024

Opt for digital receipts whenever you can and don’t recycle printed receipts; most are made of thermal paper coated with the hazardous chemical BPA.

Most receipts today are made of thermal paper that contains free-form bisphenol-A (BPA) or bisphenol-S (BPS) instead of ink to produce the letters and numbers on receipts. These chemicals can transfer to your skin or food in your shopping bag. BPA and BPS have been linked to endocrine disruption which can adversely affect your reproductive health, brain development, and heart and lung health, among other organs and bodily functions.

Read more here at Treehugger .com

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Buy refurbished electronics

Open doors manually

Heat water with an electric tea kettle

Buy your Thanksgiving turkey from a local source

Decline printed receipts

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