1. Use reusable canvas totes instead of paper or plastic bags when shopping.
2. If you use plastic bags-return them to recycle bins or donate to your local humane society.
3. When you buy one or two items-skip the bag at check-out.
4. Use cloth napkins and hand towels instead of paper towels.
5. Pack no-waste lunches
6. Utilize the library for books
7. Read online or utilize e-books
8. Reduce junk mail and excess catalogs-op for online catalogs
9. Cut back on disposable products (paper plates, utensils, razors, etc)
10. Proof before printing and print only when necessary
11. When printing, print on both sides
12. Use light weight paper with 25% post-consumer content
13. Use electronic mail
14. Instead of discarding paper, use backside for scratch paper
15. Check out local parking lots for recycle bins-load up boxes, plastic, aluminum and recyclable items before you head out.
16. Reuse glass jars to store small items
17. Use rechargeable batteries
18. Install flow reducing shower heads
19. Plant a small garden or garden pots
20. Visit and support local farmer’s markets
21. Buy frozen food in bags – there is 98% less waste than buying the equivalent in single serve boxes
22. Buy in large bags instead of individual serving portions
23. Use energy saving light bulbs to save 60% less energy per bulb
24. Turn off and unplug unnecessary equipment.
25. Turning off lights saves 45% of lighting energy
26. Install energy saving thermostats to save energy and lower your bills.
27. Check your thermostat…For each degree you lower heat saves 3% and for each degree you raise it in the summer saves up to 4% of you cooling costs.
28. Open windows on nice days both in house and car.
29. Take steps to better insulate your home with home improvement projects.
30. Donate used clothing and furniture to charity instead of disposing. Think before tossing if someone else can use.
31. Don’t run water while brushing teeth and washing dishes.
32. Take a bag along on your walks and collect litter.
33. Buy wrapping paper and greeting cards made with recycled paper.
34. Leave lawn clippings on lawn instead of bagging.
35. Volunteer in community clean-ups.
36. Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic water bottles.
37. When painting use no VOC paints
38. Keep tires inflated to correct pressure to save up to 3% in gas milage
39. Limit use of Styrofoam
40. Buy recycled toner
41. Cold water washing saves 89% on energy and about $60 per year
42. Laptops save ¾ off electrical usage as compared to desktops-make sure you turn off at the end of the day to save up to $80/yr
43. Shop resale shops for vintage looks
44. Use a drying rack to save energy as well as to keep clothes looking new longer
45. Buy organic cotton clothing. Regular cotton is one of the most pesticide intensive crops
46. Use dry shampoo on hair alternatively
47. Keep a box to store and reuse packing materials like bubble wrap for future shipping needs
48. Keep a craft bin to store otherwise disposed misc. parts and pieces that can be used for “rainy day” craft projects
49. Install a water purifier to faucet or buy a purifier water pitcher for the refrigerator to cut back on bottled water. What’s new? Flavor cartridges to lightly flavor your water!
50. Check labels – support and buy from manufacturers that utilize recycled materials.
These small changes when multiplied by millions of people show the “Power of One!” This awareness and adjustments in your lifestyle not only impact our environment but will can financially benefit you too! If you would like more inspiration and information, watch Leonardo DiCaprio’s profound eco-documentary, The 11th Hour on the human impact on our environment. We all play a role in consumption….let’s begin to play a big part in conserving….Start today for changes in our tomorrow!
