~ help our earth ~

• The Market:
  -Take your grocery bags back to the store for reuse, or use a permanent bag.
  -Some food is sold wrapped in 3 or 4 layers of packaging...try to buy brands with minimum packaging.
  -Try not to use throwaway cameras, flashlights or shaving razors.
  -Buy packaged goods in bulk.
  -Buy used goods (junk yards, thrift stores, garage/yard sales).
  -Buy products in recyclable and/or recycled containers.
  -Avoid plastics and disposable plates, cups and utensils.
  -Buy/use cloth diapers instead of disposable.
• At Home:
  -Try to stop junk mail or get off as many junk mail lists as possible.Recycle used motor oil.
  -Compost food wastes and yard debris.
  -Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
  -Separate aluminum, glass, newspaper, cardboard, white paper and colored paper before recycling.
  -Use rags instead of paper towels.
  -Use a coffee mug instead of disposable cups.
  -Use both sides of paper sheets.
• Home Energy Use
  -Insulate, caulk and weatherstrip your home. Insulate floors with carpeting. Install double-paned windows.
  -Install a timer on your thermostat.
  -Wear a sweater rather than turn up the thermostat.
  -Install a solar water heater.
  -Insulate you water heater and storage tank.
  -Keep your water heater at 120 degrees.
  -Use energy-efficient appliances.
  -Use fluorescent in place of incandescent light.
  -Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
  -Plant trees to shade your house in summer.
  -Hang your clothes in the sun to dry.
  -Keep lint screen and outside exhaust on dryer clean.
• Getting Around
  -Use public transportation, carpool, bike or walk.
  -Drive a fuel-efficient car.
  -Keep your car well-tuned.
  -Live close to your place of work.
  -Call ahead before you shop and consolidate errands.
• Trees
  -Plant trees in your community.
  -Plant fruit & nut trees in your backyard.
  -Don't buy products made from tropical hardwoods.
• Water Conservation
  -Install a water-saving showerhead.
  -Take showers rather than baths.
  -Install a space-occupier in your toilet.
  -Install sink faucet aerators.
  -Turn off the water between rinses when shaving and brushing teeth.
  -Use a broom rather than hose to clean walkways.
  -Don't let the hose run when you wash your car.
  -Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water.
  -Water plants and lawn in the morning to minimize evaporation.
  -Install a drip-irrigation water system.
  -Plant drought-tolerant plants.
• Pesticides/Eating Habits
  -Eat lower on the food chain.
  -Buy organic foods to discourage pesticide use.
  -Grow your own food using alternatives to pesticides.
  -Buy foods without additives and preservatives.
  -Avoid highly processed foods.
  -Support food co-ops and farmer's markets.
  -Buy foods grown or produced locally.
  -Be creative with leftover food.
• Hazardous Products
  -Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
  -Use alternatives to toxic household products.
  -Dispose of household hazardous wastes properly.
  -Use rechargable batteries.
  -Purchase appliances with alternatives to ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons.
  -Think about purchasing a car without air conditioning to avoid using CFC's.
  -Purchase a halon-free fire extinguisher.
• Activism
  -Educate yourself and others on environmental issues.
  -Purchase from environmentally responsible businesses.
  -Know the voting records of your elected officials; write letters to your representatives supporting environmental action.
  -Get involved in local politics to influence local environmental policy decisions.
  -Take time to learn about and enjoy nature!