Shannon Harvey Insurance

I always crack up when I hear the phrase "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" since that's a common theme on Bob the Builder (one of our 3-year old son, Jackson's, favorite shows). Of course, it's not a joke...it's a method of taking small steps to help preserve our natural resources.

Here are a few steps you can make use of in your home:

• Recycle all paper in your home including phone books, newspapers, magazines and even mail. For mail that has account numbers and personal information printed on it, buy a paper shredder and shred the paper before recycling it.
• Plan meals ahead of time and stick to your grocery list. When you buy less, you waste less!
• There are many non-toxic cleaners available that can take the place of harsh chemical cleaners you buy in the store. For example, use vinegar and water to wash windows and clean mirrors. Use a paste of baking soda to clean sinks, tubs and toilets, and for freshening drains.
• Before painting, get an accurate idea of how much paint you'll need. One gallon of paint should cover about 400 square feet.
• Donate used clothing that's still in good condition to thrift stores or relief organizations rather than throwing it away.
• Use funnels when adding fluids to your car, lawnmower or other vehicles to prevent spills.
• Close your shades and blinds in the summer to prevent the sun from heating up your home and making your air conditioner work longer. Likewise open your shades in winter to take advantage of the sun's warmth.

Whether you're a firm believer in everything Al Gore has to say about man-made global warming (and that he invented the internet) or you're someone who believes that man has little effect on global warming compared to sunspot activity, the fact of the matter is that the less we waste the longer our resources will last. And if you're like me you firmly believe that if it's good enough for Bob the Builder, it's good enough for me.