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eco tips
Love the Planet 101
- Save Power: Unplug items not in use such as cell phone chargers, turn off your computer over night, install florescent lights instead of incadescent, turn off all the lights when you have enough sunlight, let your hair air-dry. Move your refrigerator away from sources of heat, so your fridge won’t have to work as hard. Skip the gym and work out outdoors. See Greenswitch or Earth 911 for more power saving ideas.
- Buy Locally: Decrease your carbon footprint and help boost your local economy.
- Enjoy Tap Water: Tap water is safe is most areas, but if your still worried you can use a filtration system like Brita. This saves the earth buy decreasing our need for plastic bottles and our carbon footprint as many water brands are imports.
- Recycle: Reuse and reduce, this is not only about paper and cans, you can also recycle your computer parts, your cell phone, print cartridges and much, much more. Donate your old clothes to charity, or cut and sew new clothes out of old fabrics. Use a compost bin or make your own in your backyard. Visit your community’s waste department website and see what type of solutions they offer or visit My Green Electronics.
- Get Rid of Junk Mail: Take time one day to call up the junk mail companies opt-out of their automated lists. You can also visit Cataloguechoice.org and they will contact companies on your behalf to cancel the mailings.
- Re-think Lunch: Use Tupperware or a reusable bag for your lunch if you usually bring lunch from home. When purchasing lunch to-go, avoid any extra packaging that may not be recyclable, such as white foam to-go containers and wax cartons. Look for packaging which can be washed an reused. If you already have a bag with you, ask the cashier not to bag it.
- Get Your Own Tote: Stop using plastic bags all together at the grocery store and for shopping. Bring your own reusable canvas tote or keep one folded up in your purse if you’re a spontaneous shopper. Sometimes grocery stores provide free boxes that you use, and also have their own reusable bag program.
- Purchase Organic: Pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers all provide residue that seeps into the air, water and soil. From clothes and cosmetics, it will seep into your skin and hair. Consider organic for everything from cleaning products to makeup. Research shows that most organically grown produce has more cancer-fighting antioxidants then non-organic. Look for biodegradable, eco-safe products, check the ingredients and avoid products with chlorine and ammonia. Visit Food News for organic food news.
- Save Water: Don’t pre-rinse your dishes, move the scraps into the compost instead. Only run the dishwater when its full. Don’t keep the water running when your brushing your teeth. Purchase plants that require less watering, and you can also leave a bucket outside to collect rain to refresh flowers. Don’t shave in the shower, turn the water off while shampooing or conditioning your hair.
- Save Paper: Photocopy on both sides of the paper if possible or use the other side for scrap notes. Avoid paper towels, try to clean up messes with a cleaning utensil that is reusable and dishwasher friendly. For more paper and printing tips visit Lovely as a Tree
- Avoid Dry Cleaning: Most dry cleaners use a solvent called perchloroethylene which is a hazardous air pollutant and probable carcinogen. Visit nodryclean.com to find a green cleaner in your area.
- Go Vegetarian: According to the united nations livestock accounts for 18 percent of the world’s greenhouse-related gases, including deforestation to clear land and transportation. Visit Meatless Mondays
- Shop and Bank Online: Avoid using your car and save time by browsing online. Check your bank account online instead of receiving updates in the mail.
For more tips visit these sites:
If you have more tips or links to share please feel free to contact us.
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