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Here at DoGoodedness, we are trying to cultivate our own breed of overachievers.  Our mission is to show you how to go the extra mile.  We want you to be the trendsetter: a positive influence for those around you.  Help lift up the collective average!

When you think of the easiest way to make a positive Environmental impact, the first thing that comes to mind is recycling.  Cheaper than buying a hybrid and easier on the back than saving a whale, taking an extra second to sort your recycling is a pretty simple gig.  Accordingly, most municipalities have caught on, and now offer a pickup service (although sometimes limited) for your recyclables.  In the grand scheme of things, however, quite a bit of waste is still being produced at your house and business on a daily basis.

So what can you do to go above and beyond the norm?  What other options are out there for those who want to do more?  Well, after a little digging and some asking around, I have found some extra credit options for up-and-coming overachievers.  Check out the list and let me know what you think!

Reusable Shopping Bags

Here’s something you might have considered already.  After all, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to bring your own bags to the store and forego the paper or plastic variety.  I have found that it is quite easy to amass a handful of these reusable bags at no charge, but remembering them every time can be tricky.  Keep them in your car for easy access!

Cash for Trash

A novel concept: Get paid for your trash.  The good people at TerraCycle.net have a variety of offers for recycling your everyday products (chip bags, drink pouches, wrappers, etc).  Just sign up for one of the “brigades” and they will send you the shipping labels.  For larger households and companies, this is a great way to make a little money off of waste that otherwise was headed to the landfill.  Plus, you have the added bonus of doing a little good for the planet.

Composting

If you are the gardening type, chances are you already do this.  The concept of turning food and plant waste into a natural fertilizer has been around for a long time, but having a smelly pile of garbage in your backyard is not exactly the coolest.  Thankfully, with more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing composters available these days, the whole process can be less intrusive.  I’m planning a “Composting 101” article for the near future, so expect more info just around the bend!

Bottle Caps

If it pains you (at least a little) to throw away the caps every time you recycle your plastic bottles, then here is a little peace of mind.  There are several programs now available that are specifically targeting the previously unwanted plastic #5 (made with polypropylene).  Check out these initiatives from Aveda and Whole Foods to learn more!

Water Collectors

From an economical and environmental standpoint, the water collector is a great thing to have.  There are plenty of styles to choose from, installation is simple, and the benefits are immediate.  Each year, Americans use millions of gallons of processed (potable) water on their lawns.  Last time I checked, my grass doesn’t demand drinking water.  It’s about time we save the energy and use what is already falling naturally on our property.  Here are some good examples of what rain collectors are out there.

Smart Buying

One of the easiest ways to save on your end waste is to be a conscious consumer.  If your local pickup service does not take glass, then buy cans instead.  If companies are making a concerted effort to cut down on their packaging, then show your appreciation with the almighty dollar.  Money talks.

Electronics

As we have become a technology driven country, the need to recycle our old electronics has grown significantly.  I have personally killed two iPhones in the last year, and while they make great coasters, I wanted to see what options they have for the afterlife.  Well, Best Buy now has a program in place to take most of your old electronics. Just be sure to read the guidelines before you haul a truckload over there.  There are also plenty of companies that will recycle cell phones and used batteries.

Lend a Helping Hand

In addition to your own efforts, be conscious of those around you that could use a little encouragement or assistance.  If you are making a trip to the recycling center, ask your neighbors if they have anything you could take for them.  Check here to see where the nearest drop-off locations are for different materials.  The best thing you can be is a good example and a cheerleader for those around you.  Talk to your employer about ways to reduce waste around the office.  Little things such as replacing Styrofoam coffee cups with washable mugs or thermoses can save the company money while cultivating a positive mindset.  If your office does not recycle, then offer to start an initiative.

The Kegerator (Yes, Really)

This will be music to the ears of Men and College Students (21+ of course) everywhere.  Want to spare the world of hundreds of empty beer cans?  Just get yourself a kegerator.  This wonderful contraption keeps a keg of beer cold and fresh for extended periods of time.  It also makes your house the place to watch any sport imaginable (Curling World Championships anyone?).  When you use up a keg, just be sure to keep the shell so you can exchange it for another one.  In addition, keep plenty of reusable glasses on hand instead of plastic cups.

I hope these tips were helpful, and I would love to hear your feedback or ideas.  Email me at matt@dogoodedness.com or post a comment below.

DoGood!

Matt