by Anne Mohoff,
Sunset Waste Systems

Since I began writing this Going Green column for Kings River Life Magazine a few months ago, I’ve focused on the need for recycling in our communities. This month I would like to take a different approach and present some ideas from a more ‘green’ perspective.

Our Recycling Coordinators at Sunset Waste compiled a list of A to Z green tips which I am sharing with you. Many of these tips are not only environmentally friendly but may also save on household spending and inspire a few ideas of your own!

• After drying clothes, clean your lint filter to save energy, cash and reduce fire hazard.
• Buy in bulk and save big on waste and money.
• Check out local farmers markets — it saves fuel and helps farmers in your community.
• Donate old newspapers to your local humane society, ASPCA or pet shops.
• Energy Star qualified electronics and appliances use less energy and are more efficient.
• Fix leaky faucets; one drop per second can add up to 165 gallons per month.
• Glass bottles and jars can be recycled.
• Help your community. Donate old clothing and household goods.
• Insulate walls and attics to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Junk mail can be reused as scrap paper or recycled with your newspaper.
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator; a running faucet uses 3-5 gallons per minute.
• Leftover drinking water is good for watering plants.
• Make sure you turn off lights, appliances, fans, etc. when leaving the room.
• Natural landscaping reduces pollution and preserves natural resources.
• Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
• Paper bags can be recycled. Ask for these instead of plastic.
• Quit using disposables. Use reusable mugs, lunch containers, batteries, razors, etc.
• Recycle paper, aluminum, steel, plastics, glass, scrap tires, cell phones and electronics.
• Save energy and cash. Switch to compact fluorescent lights.
• Thaw food in the fridge the night before you need it to save water and energy.
• Use cold water instead of hot in your clothes washer to conserve energy and cash.
• View and pay your bills online, 18.5 million trees per year could be saved.
• Walking short distances instead of driving means savings on gas and less air pollution.
• Xmas and other holiday cards can be reused as gift tags.
• You can compost organic byproducts like leaves, grass, paper towels, napkins, food scraps, etc.
• Zoom around town on a bike or take mass transportation to work, the store, etc. once per week.

I hope those of you interested in going green are encouraged by these ideas. Sunset Waste Systems would like to give you a copy of this list: We’ve created a magnet you could post in your home, workplace, or anywhere you’d like to get people taking about living a green lifestyle!

To receive one of our A to Z Green Tips magnets, just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to

Sunset Waste Systems
2721 South Elm Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706
Attn: Anne Mohoff.

I’d love to hear from you!

Watch for a new Going Green column by
Anne monthly! July’s is One Person Can Make A Difference!. ➡

Anne Mohoff is an ongoing contributor to our
Helping Hands section, providing a green perspective as the Business Development Coordinator
of Sunset Waste Systems.