Next year holds the promise of reaching even greater heights and more success – and just like in 2022, you can do your part, too. As you head into the New Year, consider these 5 simple steps that can help you live more sustainably in 2023:

1. Go paperless– Opt for an e-receipt when shopping and consider digital subscriptions of your favorite magazines (less expensive and better for the environment!) Have additional junk mail piling up that just ends up in the recycling cart? Check out ecocycle.org or CatalogChoice.org to stop junk mail and unwanted marketing mailings. 
2. Use reusable grocery bags and not just for groceries – some retail stores are phasing out plastic bags at check-out. Get into the habit now of bringing your reusable bag with you into all stores, including your favorite retailers. Keep bags in your backseat or the trunk of your car so they aren’t as easy to forget.
3. Purchase products with recyclable or minimal packaging– You can reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by purchasing products with less packaging or whose packaging can be recycled. Paper/cardboard is always 100% recyclable. Plus, it’s sourced from renewable natural resources making it an eco-friendly packaging material. To learn more about how to recycle right in Franklin County, check out recycleright.org.
4. Learn how to tell if food is bad using your senses, not the label. You don’t need a laboratory to tell if your food is safe to eat. Spoiled foods will develop an off odor, flavor or texture due to naturally occurring spoilage bacteria. Ask yourself: Does this look okay? Does it smell, feel and taste okay? If the answer to all is “yes”, then it’s most likely safe to eat. 
5. Know what food date labels mean. Eggs and yogurt are typically good for five weeks after their ‘sell by’ date. What gives? The only product required by federal law to have a date label is infant formula. For all other products, manufacturers use date labels for quality purposes, not safety. Learn more about Food Product Dating at savemorethanfood.org.

Thank you for all that you do to help Central Ohio be green and have a safe and happy New Year!