1) Walk, bike, carpool, take the bus or train. Consider
purchasing a hybrid.
2) Recycle cans, bottles, jars, plastics and newspapers.
Register with the Direct Marketing Association to stop
75 percent of junk mail.
3) Save energy. Switch to low energy light bulbs (they last
up to 10 times longer, use 75 percent less energy, give
$36 savings over the life of each bulb). Turn things off
when not in use.
4) Skip the supermarkets and shop local and organic. Try
your city’s Farmer’s Market or independent stores.
5) Save water. Take short showers, and don’t let the water
run as you brush your teeth or shave. Water the lawn in
morning or evening only.
6) Say no to plastic. Buy an inexpensive and reusable
canvas or cloth bag. Some grocery stores will give you
your money back for using your own bag.
7) Use eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries.
8) Use rechargeable batteries. They have a longer life
span and can reduce household battery waste. Many
large retailers will dispose of your rechargeable batteries.
9) No more bottled water. Add a filter to your tap or buy
an aluminum bottle like Sigg ($15-20) rather than plastic
bottles that can leech chemicals in the water
10) Adjust your thermostat. Turning your thermostat two
degrees lower in the winter and two degrees higher in
the summer can lower your energy bill and prevent
500 lbs. of carbon dioxide from entering the atmo-
sphere every year.
11) Donate or recycle your computer, cell phone and more.
Visit Earth911.org to find a recycling center near you,
including safe disposal of hazardous waste.