Reusables!
Carry a reusable nalgene-type bottle for water instead of buying throwaway water bottles
Use a travel mug at the coffee shop
Use rechargeable batteries; batteries contain toxins that are harmful to the environment and can get into the water supply as they decompose
Use a reusable lunch bad and decrease your reliance on takeaway meals, eating out creates waste
Take a canvas bag to the grocery store or reuse your local shop’s paper and plastic ones
Use sponges instead of paper towels for kitchen messes and cloth napkins instead of paper ones
Paper Savers
Each year, 100 million trees are used to produce junk mail
Stop unwanted catalogs and junk mail
Pay your bills online to eliminate paper versions
Subscribe to your favorite magazine online instead of through the mail
Increase Your Health
Walk, bike, swim, and use public transportation
Eat local; supporting local, organic agriculture, as opposed to faraway farms, cuts down on food transport that’s tough on the environment
Stop smoking! But if you must, don’t throw the butts on the ground, they take a long time to decompose
Cut down on meat consumption- it takes much more land to raise cattle than it does to grow grains and veggies
Watch the Water!
The hot water heater is the second biggest energy user in the house
Turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth and washing the dishes
Wash your clothes in cold water and line dry your clothes
Technology Tips
Use digital cameras- you’ll cut back on the chemicals used to develop film
Donate your old computers and cell phones instead of tossing them
Efficient Ways to Save Energy
Stop reaching for that thermostat! Put on or take off an extra layer instead (56% of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling)
Unplugging appliances when not in use will save electricity (between 15-20% of your electric bill)
Think before you open: don’t hold that fridge door open while pondering what to pull out
Turn off the lights- use natural lighting or candles
Clean your furnace and air conditioner filters regularly to cut down on energy use and decrease indoor air pollution
Use low-energy light bulbs
Seal window and door leaks
