Five, Simple, Ways To Reuse Plastic Bags

This Resource Can Be Used for Many Different Projects

Grocery shopping?  Going on a lunch break?  Packing for a vacation?  It may be a habit to reach for and/ or use a plastic bag.

Unfortunately, if thrown away or disposed of improperly, plastic bags can easily become tangles in plants, trees, and other forms of vegetation, waterways, and animal habitats.  Typically, sturdy, re-usable bags are the best for the environment.

Instead of simply throwing away plastic bags after a shopping trip, which can cause lasting and severely damaging effects on the environment, below are five ways to re-use plastic bags in everyday life.  Even though plastic bags cannot be traditionally recycled, these are great methods to reuse a resource and promote a green life:

1. Suitcase or box buffer: For those packing boxes or storing items in closets or storage bins, always use and layer plastic bags to act as a buffer for delicate items.
2. Plant protector: Cover outdoor potted plants during the evening or storms with old grocery store bags to protect from rain, wind, and other elements.  

Five Ways To Reuse Plastic Bags

Reuuse, Don't Throw Away

Grocery shopping?  Going on a lunch break?  Packing for a vacation?  Instead of simply throwing away plastic bags after a shopping trip, which can cause lasting and severely damaging effects on the environment, below are five ways to re-use them:

1. Small trash can liners: plastic bags are the perfect size to line small trash cans in bathrooms and guest rooms.
2. Pet waste bag or glove: when walking the dog or cleaning up a cat's litter box, it never hurts to be prepared.  Utilizing the plastic grocery bag as a pet waste glove is a perfect way to save resources.
3. Car trip trash: keep plastic bags in the glove compartment on longer car road trips in case anyone needs a place to dispose of trash or waste on the way.
4. Plant protector: Cover outdoor potted plants during the evening or storms with old grocery store bags.
5. Suitcase or box buffer: For those moving homes or storing items in closets or storage bins, always use plastic bags to act as a buffer for delicate items.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Spring Cleaning 2016: Tips and Ideas

Clean in a Truly Green Way and Protect the Environment

Do you know the benefits of spring cleaning?  Taking time to go through a household and clean and organize is an extremely effective way to find clothes, decor, or other supplies that can be donated and re-purposed.  

However, not all cleaning supplies are good for the environment.  In fact, some cleaning products can infiltrate and severely damage grass, shrubbery, and waterways. 

In order to avoid harmful chemicals, it is possible to purchase green cleaners.  It is also easy and economical to create efficient cleaners from everyday supplies...

Some common supplies you can easily make effective cleaners from include:

• Distilled white vinegar (sold in the cooking section of most supermarkets),
• Baking soda,
• Olive oil,
• Microfiber cleaning cloths, and
• Newspaper

Green Tips for the Summer

Simple, Green, Household Tips To Remember

This summer, save some energy in your apartment by remembering some of these green tips:

1. Remember Your Microwave: Your microwave uses less than half of the energy as your stove when heating food.  Save energy and money by using your microwave to quickly heat up food and leftovers.  Interestingly, your apartment community may offer gas cooking, and that could be included in your rent.
2. Stock The Refrigerator: The refrigerator uses less energy when fully stocked versus partially full.