Download the What You Can Do poster.

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
• Make sure your attic is properly insulated and vented
• Caulk windows and weatherstrip doors
• Learn how rain barrels can save water and reduce runoff
• Build a compost pile and use that dirt instead of fertilizer
• Wash clothes in cold water when 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 foil
• Take unwanted, re-usable items to a charitable organization
• Wrap your water heater with an insulated "blanket"
• Rake your leaves instead of using a gas-powered blower
• Hang clothes outside to dry when possible
• Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you leave a room
• Turn down the heat and turn down 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
• Use both sides of the paper when possible
• Re-use manila envelopes and file folders
• Ask IMT how to reduce your computer's energy consumption
• Train people to use washable coffee mugs and hide the throw-away cups
• Don't print emails unless absolutely necessary
• Keep lights off in your office and other areas when they aren't in use
• Create a contest at work for ideas that help save the environment

Personal Efforts

• Drink filtered tap water instead of buying commercial water bottles
• Take plastic grocery bags back to the store; better yet, buy several sturdy, reusable bags
• Think twice about buying "disposable" products (they aren't really "disposable")
• Participate in Earth Day cleanups and HazardousWaste Collection Days
• Buy paper products instead of plastic
• Bike, ride the bus or carpool to work
• If you must drive, make sure your car's tires are properly inflated
• Check the energy rating of major appliances and purchase the most energy-efficient models
• Buy locally grown food and other local products when possible
• Don't buy products made from endangered animals
• Donate "old" clothes; buy "vintage" clothes
• Don't buy Styrofoam or other products 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