Eco-Friendly Tips

1. Bike, use public transit, carpool to work, drive slower, keep your tires inflated

One-third of all traffic is commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible. If you must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation. It saves both fuel and tires, and lowers emissions. It also saves lives.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost

Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. By avoiding extra packaging, you save both energy and landfill space. Yard and kitchen waste (leaves/grass/vegetable scraps) are 30% of trash. Reduce this amount by composting. Also be sure to re-use plastic bags, or better yet... refuse plastic bags when you really don't need them.

3. Conserve water

Don't let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Place a brick in old toilets. Take low flow short showers. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Let grass grow longer. Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.

4. Quit smoking

Second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit, both you and your family will lead longer and healthier lives.

5. Don't use pesticides/herbicides on your lawn

Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants.

6.Keep your cat indoors

Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cat averages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminate ground nesting birds.

7.Eat less meat/eat more local and organic foods

Feedlots are a major source of organic pollution. Tropical forests are cut to raise beef.

8.Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it in the summer

Wearing a sweater in the winter and short sleeves in the summer saves energy and reduces pollution.

9. Dispose of old paint, chemicals, and oil properly

Don't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use proper toxics disposal sites. Never buy more than you need.

10. Consider the environmental costs of major decisions and purchases

When relocating or changing jobs try to live close to work. Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances. Buy fewer things. Choose products with lower energy inputs.

11. Volunteer/Lobby for the Environment

Work locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollution and prevent the destruction of wilderness areas for timber and oil.

12. Plant a tree with a child

Take a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store CO2. Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to insure the future of humankind.

13. Wash dishes by hand in a basin, and then use the dish water for outdoor gardens.