Have you or your family wondered about becoming a less wasteful household? Maybe you've noticed that you are filling up your trash bin more often than you'd like, or seeing things go to waste that shouldn't. An average individual throws away 1,361.4 pounds of trash each and every year! Reducing this waste helps create a greener Earth, a more sustainable household, and saves you money in the long term. Follow these tips to get started.

Start Composting

Starting a compost doesn't have to be as daunting as you might believe. There are many countertop composters that can help quicken the process. Because Michigan has such an excellent growing season — usually April through November — you are able to put those scraps to great use and keep them from ending up in a landfill.

Utilize Free Facebook Groups

There are groups in every city across the U.S. that turn trash into treasure. Check your social media for groups near you that connect individuals with items they no longer need to households that want them. This helps reduce landfill waste significantly — and you may even score some awesome treasures yourself. Unfortunately, donating to charities doesn't always guarantee items stay out of landfills; did you know that 84% of donations can end up being thrown away?

Switch to Natural Gas

Natural gas is the cleanest burning natural fuel source — cleaner than coal, it heats homes and supplies cooking fuel with fewer emissions than other natural fuels. Your household could also save money every month with a variable rate plan. Kratos Gas & Power has competitive rates for any energy needs.

Use a Bidet

Long utilized by other cultures and countries, bidets help reduce the need for toilet paper. Easy models attach directly to pre-existing toilets with no heavy plumbing required, and can reduce toilet paper consumption by up to 75%. This is especially economical when multiple people live under the same roof. Remember the toilet paper shortage of 2020? Don't let that happen to you!

Becoming a less wasteful household doesn't have to cost anything — it's more about being aware of where you can cut back and do better. Remember that every little bit helps reduce the overall waste on our planet each year. Keep checking back to the Kratos Gas and Power blog to learn more lifestyle and homeowning tips.