What Can You Do?
In Your Home
Recycle everything you can: newspapers, cans, glass bottles, aluminum foil, motor oil, etc.
- Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand: opening cans
- Use cold water in the washer whenever possible
- Re-use brown paper bags to line your trash can instead of plastic bags
- Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Save wire coat hangers and return them to the dry cleaner
- Take unwanted, re-usable items to a charitable organization
- Turn your heat down, and wear a sweater
- Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you are out of a room
- Turn down the heat and turn off the water heater before you leave for vacation
At Your Business
- Recycle office and computer paper,
cardboard, etc. whenever possible
- Use scrap paper for informal notes to yourself and others
- Print or copy on both sides of the paper
- Use smaller paper for smaller memos
- Re-use manila envelopes and file folders
- Train people to use washable coffee mugs and hide the throw-away cups
- Don’t print out emails unless absolutely necessary
- Turn the lights off in your office when you're not there
- Keep lights off in conference rooms and other areas when they aren't in use
- Create a contest at work for ideas that help save the environment
Personal Efforts
Avoid buying food or household items in plastic or Styrofoam containers whenever possible
- Think twice about buying "disposable" products (they aren't really "disposable")
- Buy paper products instead of plastic if you must buy "disposable". They break down better
- Check the energy rating of major appliances and purchase the most energy-efficient models
- Buy locally grown food and locally made products whenever possible
- Don't buy products made from endangered animals
- Ask questions. Don't buy products such as Styrofoam, that are hazardous to the environment
- Join a conservation organization
- Convert by example and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to save resources too
- Teach children to respect nature and the environment
|