​Chemicals are part of modern life, and many are very useful in keeping us healthy and comfortable.  However, these chemicals end up in the earth’s air, water, and soil and may be harmful when they accumulate or are released into the environment by large numbers of users.  Sewage treatment plants cannot remove every chemical that is present in the water that enters the plant.  I am not saying you shouldn’t use these products, but please make a conscious decision which to use and which to avoid. Consider alternatives where appropriate. 

• Laundry products frequently have strong fragrance that lingers in your clothing and then gets into the air and water.  That fragrance you smell is chemicals being released into the air.  Using anti-static dryer sheets puts chemicals into the air and leaves a residue on your clothing that washes off and ends up in lakes, rivers, and eventually the ocean.  Choose unscented laundry products and look for an alternative to dryer sheets. 
• Dyes in products such as laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, and cosmetics also end up in the water and then in the environment. 
• Bleach is a strong disinfectant and has some important uses, but it’s important to understand the safety aspects of using it.  Combining bleach with other household cleaning products may result in formation of harmful or even deadly chemicals.  Bleach and other harsh cleaners must always be used in well-ventilated areas.  Use milder cleaning products when disinfection is not required.  Here’s an interesting article that also includes information on other cleaners.  https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cleaning-with-bleach-can-release-harmful-airborne-particles
• Air fresheners frequently contain chemicals that would be harmful in larger quantities.  Why add even small quantities to your air?
• Shop for low-VOC paints and construction products.  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are found in many items and products and are harmful in larger quantities.  Here’s a good article.  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
• In a previous post, I discussed phthalates and will discuss PFOS chemicals in a post I am still developing.    http://www.3percentsustainability.com/three-percent-sustainability-challenge/phthalates

​What can you do with old clothing?  Currently, a lot of old clothing (an estimated 10 – 11 tons per year in the US) ends up in landfills.  The US EPA estimates that 5% of the contents of landfills consists of clothing.  The links to the three articles below provide good ideas and in some cases, links to organizations that will accept old clothing.  Here are some ideas:

• If the clothing is in good condition, sell it or donate it. 
• Some organizations will accept clothing that can no longer be worn.  Call your local thrift shop to see what they do with old clothing that cannot be sold.  Some will throw it away but others will send it to a clothing recycler.  You can also check to see if there is a clothing recycler near you.
• See if you can repurpose old clothing for rags, padding for packing boxes, rag rugs, etc. 
• Old towels and sheets can be used for rags or upcycled into something useful. 
• Some people make beautiful quilts with old T-shirts from special events in their lives. 
• Buy good quality clothing that will not quickly go out of style so you can wear it a long time.  It costs more up front but then it will be a long time before you need to spend money to replace it.  I have stopped shopping at stores whose clothing only lasted for 3-4 laundry cycles. 

https://www.rd.com/article/clothes-recycling/
https://trashisfortossers.com/how-to-recycle-old-clothing
https://earth911.com/style/clothing-recycling-mistakes/
 

I frequently hear that as much as 40% of food in the US is wasted in various stages of production, transport, sales, and by consumers in restaurants and homes.  Although we as consumers cannot affect most of what happens before the food gets to the grocery store or restaurant, there are things we can do. 

• Plan your meals before you shop, buy what you need for those meals (including meals using leftovers), and then stick to your plan.  When you stock up on extras “just in case”, choose items with a longer shelf life or use your freezer. 
• Be creative with the leftovers.  For example, you can use the carcass of a roasted chicken to make soup broth.  Bits of leftover vegetables can be added to casseroles or make vegetable soup.
• Manage your food storage areas and keep track of which items are nearing their expiration dates.
• Shop in the grocery store “last chance” areas for bargains on items that are still good but nearing the end of their shelf life. 
• While you should not buy or eat food that is spoiled, buying “ugly” fruits and vegetables (still good food but have a blemish or shape that turns consumers away) can save these items from the landfill.
• Take your reusable container to restaurants to bring home leftovers.
• Use your freezer. 

See the link below for some additional ideas.  I don’t agree with the tip about using aluminum foil to crisp your pizza toppings, because then you have generated aluminum waste, but many of the other tips are good. 
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https://www.rd.com/list/13-steps-to-a-zero-waste-kitchen/

“Tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully.”  These words are from a vow (see the TED video link below) that visitors to Palau are asked to sign when they arrive, to help visitors understand how to protect the environment and culture in Palau.  I think these words are a good mantra for me as we go into a new year.  Tread lightly upon the earth, reducing your impact on its life and resources.  Act kindly to other people and to the plants, animals, and other creatures that share our planet.  This includes taking care of the ocean, the lakes and streams, the land, and the air.  Explore mindfully, considering the impact of your actions and decisions.  Will what you do help leave the world a better place, or at least leave it as you found it?  Do some research and mindfully consider facts from multiple reliable sources before you act. 

Wishing you a happy and sustainable 2022!
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https://www.ted.com/talks/children_of_palau_leave_only_footprints_that_will_wash_away