Going Green: Tips for Living More Sustainably Beyond Solar Energy
Tips for a More Sustainable Home in Kansas City
While installing solar panels is a great step towards reducing our carbon footprint and saving on energy costs, there are many other ways we can live more sustainably. Here are some tips for homeowners in Kansas City and surrounding cities to live more sustainably beyond just solar energy:
Reduce Water Usage: Conserving water is crucial for sustainable living. Homeowners can reduce water usage by fixing any leaks in their plumbing, taking shorter showers, installing low-flow showerheads and faucets, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills. Homeowners can look for Energy Star-certified appliances, which use less energy and are designed to be more environmentally friendly.
Practice Proper Waste Management: Proper waste management is essential for sustainable living. Homeowners can recycle and compost as much as possible, reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.
Conserve Energy: Beyond just solar panels, homeowners can take steps to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using natural light instead of artificial lighting, and upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Green Landscaping: Landscaping can be a great opportunity for sustainable living. Homeowners can plant native plants that require less water and maintenance, install rain barrels to collect water for irrigation, and use natural fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers.
By taking these steps, homeowners in Kansas City and surrounding cities can make a significant impact on the environment and live more sustainably beyond just solar energy. Sustainable living is not just about one action, but a combination of many actions that work together to create a more sustainable future.
At Helio GreenTech, we are committed to helping homeowners make the transition to solar energy and live more sustainably. Our team of experts can help homeowners design and install a solar panel system that fits their unique needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the transition to sustainable living.
Discusses composting, recycling, and other waste reduction tips.
In addition to the previously mentioned tip of reducing water usage, it's important to note that a significant amount of freshwater in the United States is used for energy production. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, about 41% of freshwater withdrawals in the United States are used for cooling thermoelectric power plants, which produce electricity from burning fossil fuels or nuclear power.
This means that reducing energy consumption can also have a positive impact on freshwater resources. By transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, we can reduce the amount of freshwater used for energy production and help protect our freshwater resources.
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists, "Freshwater Use by U.S. Power Plants: Electricity's Thirst for a Precious Resource."
Trashing the Environment: The Impact of Waste Management in Kansas and Missouri
Discusses the negative impacts of landfills and shipping waste overseas.
Waste management is a crucial issue for environmental sustainability in Kansas and Missouri. Trash and recycling companies, including Waste Management, have a significant impact on the environment through their operations.
One major environmental impact of trash and recycling companies is the creation of landfill sites. Landfills take up a significant amount of land and can cause pollution and environmental degradation. When waste is buried in landfills, it can release harmful chemicals and gases into the environment, including methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Additional Tips for Reducing Household Waste in the Kansas City Area
Another environmental impact of trash and recycling companies is the shipping of waste to other countries. Many developed countries, including the United States, export their waste to developing countries, which can lead to environmental pollution and health problems in those countries.
To minimize the harmful effects of landfills and waste shipping, Waste Management has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. One of these initiatives is the development of landfill gas-to-energy projects. These projects capture methane gas produced by landfills and convert it into electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses.
Waste Management also operates a recycling program to divert waste from landfills and reduce the amount of waste that needs to be shipped overseas. They encourage the use of single-stream recycling, which allows customers to recycle a wide range of materials in one bin, making recycling more convenient.
Additionally, Waste Management has implemented waste reduction programs, including composting and food waste reduction programs, to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Overall, while trash and recycling companies like Waste Management have significant environmental impacts, they are taking steps to minimize those impacts through innovative initiatives and programs that promote waste reduction and resource recovery.
In addition to composting and recycling, there are many other ways that home and business owners in the Kansas City area can reduce their waste. Here are some additional tips:
Use reusable bags, water bottles, and containers: Instead of using disposable bags and bottles, switch to reusable ones. This can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Choose products with minimal packaging: When shopping, choose products with minimal packaging, or packaging that can be recycled.
Donate or sell items you no longer need: Instead of throwing away items you no longer need, consider donating them to a charity or selling them. This can help reduce waste and benefit others.
Use digital resources: Instead of using paper resources, such as newspapers and magazines, switch to digital resources.
Opt for sustainable alternatives: Use sustainable alternatives to everyday products such as reusable menstrual pads, cups and cloth napkins.
Does America Really Recycle?
Yes, America does recycle, but the recycling rate varies depending on the region, city, and even the type of material being recycled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national recycling rate was 32.2% in 2018, which means that about one-third of all municipal solid waste generated in the United States was recycled.
However, the recycling rate has been impacted by various factors, such as changes in the global recycling market, contamination in the recycling stream, and lack of infrastructure and education on recycling. Some cities and states have implemented innovative programs to increase their recycling rates, such as single-stream recycling and pay-as-you-throw programs.
It's important to note that recycling is just one part of the larger waste management and sustainability picture. Reducing waste, reusing materials, and properly disposing of hazardous waste are also crucial to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
In terms of resources for recycling, composting, and waste reduction, there are several options available to homeowners in the Kansas City area. The City of Kansas City, Missouri, offers curbside recycling and yard waste collection services to residents. Additionally, the Mid-America Regional Council offers resources and information on composting, recycling, and waste reduction.
Many private companies also offer recycling and waste management services, such as Waste Management, Republic Services, and Deffenbaugh Industries. It's important to research these services and choose one that best fits your needs and goals for waste reduction.
Sustainable Alternatives to Everyday Products
Curbside Recycling and Yard Waste Collection
Waste Reduction Services from Private Companies
Recycling in America, including in Kansas City, faces a number of challenges that make it difficult to achieve high levels of success. For example, contamination of recycling streams can make it more difficult to effectively process materials, and markets for recycled materials can fluctuate, leading to lower demand for some types of recycled goods.
Waste Management in Kansas City, like other waste management companies across the country, is committed to recycling and sustainable practices. They offer curbside recycling services for a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals, and have invested in recycling technologies like optical sorting systems and robotics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their recycling processes.
Here are 10 major waste management and recycling companies operating in the Kansas City area, serving both Kansas and Missouri:
Republic Services
Deffenbaugh Industries
Town & Country Disposal
Heartland Recycling Services
Johnson County Landfill & Recycling Center
Metro Waste Systems
SBC Recycling
Industrial Disposal Services
Northland Recycling
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other companies operating in the area as well. What company handles your trash and recycling? Leave a comment below!
What Countries Are Putting the Most Plastic in the Ocean?
According to a study published in the journal Science in 2021, China is the largest contributor to plastic pollution in the ocean, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. However, it's important to note that plastic pollution is a global problem, and every country has a role to play in reducing it.
Even though Kansas and Missouri are not located on the coast, they still contribute to plastic pollution in various ways. For example, plastic waste generated in the Midwest can end up in rivers and other bodies of water, which eventually flow into the ocean. In addition, products that are manufactured or consumed in the Midwest may contain plastic packaging that contributes to plastic pollution.
To help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean from the Midwest, there are several actions individuals and businesses can take:
Reduce single-use plastic: Choose reusable alternatives for items such as water bottles, straws, and shopping bags.
Recycle properly: Make sure to recycle plastic items correctly and check with local recycling facilities for guidelines.
Support plastic reduction initiatives: Support organizations and businesses that are working to reduce plastic pollution, such as by promoting plastic-free alternatives.
Participate in community cleanups: Help clean up plastic pollution in local waterways and parks.
Spread awareness: Educate others about the impacts of plastic pollution and how they can help reduce it.
However, there are still challenges that must be addressed to make recycling more effective in Kansas City and across the country. This includes improving education and awareness around recycling contamination, reducing the use of single-use plastics and other non-recyclable materials, and developing more reliable and profitable markets for recycled materials.
