Earth Day 2009, 2010, 2011 & …

Make one change until it becomes a habit, then make one more change and so on. You’ll be greener in no time! Here are a few suggestions to consider:

• Just say no to paper and plastic. Put those cloth bags on the front seat of your car so you remember to take them into the store with you.
• Stop buying anything made of Styrofoam. Switch to paper products (recycled if possible) for your summer picnic needs.
• Replace the next light bulb that burns out with a CFL bulb.
• Find someone to carpool to work with at least once per week.
• If possible, walk or bike to work at least once per week.
• Use cold water to wash your laundry; 90% of energy used during a wash cycle is to heat the water.
• Hang your laundry on a clothesline to dry; if you don’t have room for one, buy a portable drying rack for indoor and outdoor use.
• Make a phone call and ask to be removed from a junk mail list.
• Plant a tree, shrub or perennial flower bulbs.
• If you don’t recycle, start with newspapers until you establish a habit then add other items.
• If you already recycle, keep up the good work and ask yourself what more you can do.
• Shop locally and support the upcoming farmer’s market.
• Don’t buy bottled water. Bring your own refillable bottle from home.
• If you love coffee and espresso, keep a travel mug in your car to use instead of disposable cups.
• Do you subscribe to magazines? Are they printed on recycled paper? If not, call the publisher and ask them to make the switch.
• When dining out, ask the waiter to wrap your leftovers in foil (which can be recycled) or bring your own container. Some restaurants are using paper ‘to go’ boxes, but if they still use Styrofoam, ask them to stop.
• Before you throw something away, ask yourself ‘can this be recycled’ or ‘could someone else use this’? Recycle, donate or have a yard sale.
• Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth.
• Use cloth napkins.
• Next time you replace an appliance, be sure to buy an Energy Star brand.
• Get outside and enjoy the beauty of the natural world!