Tips for Going Green

There are so many ways to be good to our planet, here ar just a few ideas

·         Buy only locally grown “chemical free” produce

·         Recycle everything you can (check with your local transfer station to see if there are special restrictions or compost options in your town)

·         Check labels for eco friendly products like organic cotton or even bamboo

·         Drink filtered water from a refillable bottle instead of buying bottled water

·         Make your own or buy reusable grocery/shopping bags

·         Install compact florescent light bulbs

·         Unplug appliances when you’re not using them

·         Eat your leftovers

·         Turn your hot water heater down

·         Check for leaks on toilets and faucets and fix them!

·         Keep air filters checked and cleaned

·         Eat less meat

·         Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible

·         Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of a dryer to save energy

·         Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or whenever you’re not using it

·         Use only washable or biodegradable cups and utensils

·         Install a low-flow showerhead

·         Plant drought tolerant native plants in your garden

·         Walk or bike to work or school

·         Carpool

·         Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items

·         Open windows instead of running air conditioning

·         Use recycled paper

·         Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies

·         Buy in bulk to cut down on packaging waste

·         Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned

·         Invest in high quality, long lasting products

·         Recycle your cell phone

·         Make your own cleaning products (All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, lemon, vinegar and castile soap)

·         Start a compost pile

·         Plant a garden

·         Use water based paints

·         Invest in rechargeable batteries

·         Plant a tree

·         Keep honeybees

·         Avoid using shaving “gel” (it contributes to rainforest deforestation and the extinction of many forest dwelling creatures)

·         Donate old blankets and towels to local animal shelters instead of throwing them away

·         Reuse packing material or bring them to a local UPS or post office (they will often take clean materials to reuse)

·         Reuse food packaging like plastic butter containers (they are like free ziplock containers!)

·         Donate old clothes to local charities

·         Never throw away books in good condition, donate them to libraries or local schools or bring them to your towns recycling center

·         Use old stained clothes for rags instead of paper towels

·         Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper

·         Take shorter showers

·         Consider investing in solar or other alternative energy for your home

·         Keep your freezer full to increase efficiency (try using gallon jugs mostly full of water)

·         Reduce the amount of food you consume

·         Consider investing in a low flow toilet to reduce water usage

·         Check your car’s tire pressure and air filter regularly to increase gas mileage and reduce pollution

·         Buy only biodegradable trash bags

·         Always pick up after yourself DON”T LITTER

·         Reduce prepackaged condiment and napkin waste by not taking more than you need

·         If you have a small lawn use a rechargeable electric or non electric (reel) lawn mower

·         Turn off your engine when waiting in your car DON’T IDLE

·         Collect water in a rain barrel to water your garden

·         Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer

·         Dispose of hazardous material properly

·         Keep you fridge and freezer at the correct settings (37-40 degrees for the fridge, 0-5 degrees for the freezer)