Little ways you can help the environment.

Everyone should do their part to help make the world a better place. We live on this Earth, we should all be doing at least a little something to keep it a safe, healthy place for ourselves, and for future generations.
A lot of people think they have to drastically change their lives to do anything meaningful for the environment, but that's really not true. You can do little things here and there, and share those little ideas with others, and it can make a real difference. So read on and find out some of the things that you can do to make this Earth a better place, without a lot of effort.

1. DRAIN CLEANER
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, try pouring 1 cup of baking soda down the affected drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar, added slowly. Let sit for 15 minutes, then run hot water. Not only is your drain clear, your metal will be sparkling and fresh!

2. BATTERIES
Use rechargeable batteries. It's more cost-effective in the long run, and you'll be keeping all those horrible chemicals out of the landfills from all the discarded batteries. Keep 2 sets, 1 in the charger, and 1 in your battery-powered items, and swap out when needed.

3. TUPPERWARE
Instead of buying name-brand resealable containers, wash and re-use the ones from your lunch meat, margarine, yogurt, etc. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but they're cheaper and better for the environment, because you've already bought them with your food.

4. METAL POLISH
Instead of using chemical silver polish, use a mix of toothpaste (actual paste, not gel), water, and a small bit of baking soda. It works like a charm! Rub it on, then just rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Also works amazingly well on brass and copper. This is inexpensive, since most of us have all the ingredients already, and it smells a lot nicer than the chemicals.

5. SHIPPING BOXES
Keep the cardboard boxes that you receive products in, as well as cereal boxes, etc., along with bubble wrap, packing peanuts and the like. Store them in your closet and re-use them when you have to ship something. It's cheaper than buying all-new packing items, and it's recycling. For food boxes, turn them inside out and securely glue or tape them back together. For saved boxes you received, just remove the original mailing labels and add your own. And don't forget, your old newspapers make excellent padding in packages!

6. STORAGE
Have a baby? Those plastic baby wipe boxes make great little storage containers for small toys, or the random bits and bobbles that would otherwise be rattling around in the bottom of your drawers.

7. TP ROLLS
Toilet paper rolls make great chew toys for your pet birds and small rodents. They're also good for protecting holiday decorations when you pack the ends with newspaper or paper towels.

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I'll keep adding more to this list in the coming days.