Green Quarantine

Making a positive impact on the planet during a worldwide pandemic

During this COVID-19 crisis and adjusting to the "new normal," it may be difficult for us to prioritize the way in which we impact our planet. Choosing to go green is already challenging, and with a worldwide pandemic that forces us to stay home, we may have put our commitment to mother earth to the wayside. I began my quarantine eager to change my lifestyle to reflect my passions and inform others about why sustainability, especially in our own homes can remind us how just a small change can create a massive impact when we all take the time to do it.

Focusing on sustainability during a worldwide pandemic may not strike you as important, but if you really think about it, now is the perfect time to analyze your lifestyle and make the necessary changes to be greener!

Thoughtful takeout

I get takeout at least twice a week, and my trash can has been filled with old leftovers, plastic cutlery and too many receipts. Our world, even during a pandemic, seems to function on convenience. Whatever is easier for the customer trumps what is right for our planet. During quarantine especially, many restaurants provide plastic cutlery and extra condiment packets that now sit lonely and unused in my fridge. I can only imagine how many sit unopened in trash cans all over the US. Supporting small businesses and local restaurants is a great way to spend, yet there is a way to make much of what we do and who we support greener and more environmentally aware. When ordering your favorite meal from a local restaurant, make sure you ask them to skip any plastic cutlery and condiments if you're eating at home, while placing an order. It is important to let them know before they begin boxing as it will be noted and will stop them from routinely adding single-use plastic items to your order. Before quarantine, takeout did not always mean picking up food and heading straight home. It is best to limit the amount of single-use waste you are bringing back to your house, as it will more than often just turn into trash. Also keep in mind how much food you and or your family will be eating. A to-go platter of juicy sliders will taste fantastic the night of, but may not reheat well the next day. By recognizing the amount of food you are ordering and limiting leftovers, you are also doing your part to create less waste.

Reusable Remedies

Convenience can't control our lives. It is so easy to pull up to the Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru and order a latte to-go... everyday. But the plastic cup collection in your car can easily be replaced with a thermos of freshly brewed coffee from home. Brewing a pot of coffee daily is also a lot lighter on the wallet! If you are choosing to continue your coffee stops, ask the barista for a paper cup, a straw-less lid, or skip the straw entirely!

With more stores opening up, it is important that you remember your reusable bags. Single-use plastic, especially film plastics are hardly recycled due to contamination and pollute so much of our beautiful planet. By packing up your groceries and goodies in your own reusable bag you're lessening your carbon footprint and making sure your treats make it home safe! This being said, wash your reusable bags! Cotton bags can be placed in the wash and plastic bags can be rinsed with dish soap and hot water, or sprayed with disinfectant. Your reusable bags should go everywhere with you, so kill the germs that inhabit them and keep your home corona free.

Clean your greens

Now more than ever it is crucial to wash your produce. Soaking fresh produce in water and dish soap or organic produce cleaner can quite literally stop bacteria and viruses from entering your body. No need to keep the water running! Get a large bowl of warm soapy water and let produce sit and soak, then rinse and enjoy!

Decluttering your space

We have been putting off organizing our hall closets and garages for years. With a little more free time and the need to stay at home, we can finally accomplish this daunting task. Decluttering your home promotes sustainable living as you often find many things that you no longer need. Clean these items of clothing or toys or books, and donate them if possible. You may also find old t-shirts that can be recycled into pillowcases or rags to clean. It is also a great reminder of what you already own, so when you are scrolling through Amazon you do not order anything you don't need. When you get to your "junk drawer" take out old batteries and dispose of them properly. Batteries are classified as hazardous waste and should not be mixed in with your trash, or single stream recycling. If you live in Ulster County, you can figure out where to dispose your hazardous waste and other items you may be uncertain about with the help of UCRRA.

Travel green

Many of us, especially those wanting a break from city life are excited about venturing out to state parks and local trails. Being one with nature while walking, or swimming can put this pandemic in perspective and remind us that the earth is here for us. For those of you leaving NYC and visiting the Hudson Valley or upstate NY to enjoy a picnic or a day hike, make sure you are not leaving behind trash. Bring only what you need, and when you are finished, pack the trash away and dispose of it in a trash can or at home. Not only does this ensure that other hikers will have a clean experience, but it also saves animals from gnawing on dangerous and sometimes harmful materials. The DEC urges visitors and hikers to "leave no trace" whilst exploring.

Keep that clean energy

Switching to completely solar energy can be an overwhelming and research filled process. Although awesome for the environment, the commitment and communication between your utility and a clean energy provider can be confusing, and a stress too large to handle during this pandemic. For New Yorkers you may be able to find a community solar farm near you and begin getting clean energy throughout your home, while also preventing carbon emissions. Common Energy works with state supported clean energy programs and clean energy developers to provide clean energy at a discount to renters and homeowners through their utility. By signing up with Common Energy, you are not switching utilities or signing up for a shady ESCO who will increase your bill over the years. Rather, you are directing clean energy to your home through your utility provider. Common Energy is a liaison between you, the utility; National Grid or Central Hudson, and a community solar project near you. Common Energy solidifies your spot on a community solar project and then takes over the billing for your electricity, so you can receive clean energy credit, and save money every month on your electric bill. The platform is completely digital and gives you access to a portal where you can see your clean energy credit, carbon emissions prevented and savings to date. Signing up is free, and takes two minutes. You can check and see what community solar project you are near, sign up and start receiving clean energy credit right now!

Keeping yourself motivated to make a change

At the end of the day, making a positive impact on the planet and how you navigate a cleaner and greener lifestyle is between you and mother nature. Staying self driven is easier when you have steady reminders about the impact that you are making on the environment. Plastic Free July is a great way to stay committed to making a green difference. By taking the pledge, you are holding yourself accountable to minimizing your single-use plastic consumption.

One of the trickiest yet most affective ways to motivate us to stay green, is to stay informed with what is happening worldwide. NYT Climate is a great way to stay on top of climate change research and updates in sustainable legislature. You can also look to your local environmental departments for updates in local laws, and potential environmentally friendly events in your area!