{"id":67637,"date":"2020-04-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-08T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2020\/04\/08\/livegreen-healthy-sustainable-actions-during-a-pandemic\/"},"modified":"2022-09-02T16:59:52","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T21:59:52","slug":"livegreen-healthy-sustainable-actions-during-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2020\/04\/08\/livegreen-healthy-sustainable-actions-during-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"LiveGreen: Healthy, sustainable actions during a pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s April, and that means it’s Earth Month, even if it doesn’t really feel like it. COVID-19 has dominated our lives for the past month and forced all kinds of changes, with many working from home and\/or trying to keep kids occupied.<\/p>\n

We recognize the seriousness of the situation, but also know that this could be a time to make changes that will have a positive impact<\/a> — on your family’s health, your pocketbook and the environment around you.<\/p>\n

The first is a “home waste audit.” With limited trips outside your home, the waste stream you are responsible for is easy to track — and to change. Count the number of bags of trash vs. recyclables for a week (or day, whatever is easiest), and then work with everyone in your family to get the right things in the right container. Maybe your spouse doesn’t know the gable-topped milk\/juice containers can be recycled, or maybe your family needs a place to collect glass<\/a>. Check out Keep Omaha Beautiful’s page<\/a> or Wasteline<\/a> for more information. If your family has a lot of organics, consider composting in your backyard<\/a> or through a compost club<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don’t forget to reduce. Replace disposable items with reusable — no need to hoard paper towels\/napkins if you have fabric alternatives, and they’ll save you money in the long run. Consider the packaging of items you buy and find alternatives whenever possible.<\/p>\n

Other possibilities:<\/p>\n