Something You Can Do and Save Money and the Planet

(And save money!)

1. Change some light bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFL) OR LED’S
2. Install ceiling fans in home or office to reduce the use of air conditioners.
3. Use the sun to dry clothes.
4. Stop eating beef (cut back on methane) or try buffalo.
5. Stop buying disposables like paper towels and use washable cloth towels, napkins,
6. Reuse grocery bags if you must (so we can leave a few trees for the next generations.  Carry cloth/string bags in your car for those stops at the market
7. Use recycled paper for all your needs.
8. Stop using pesticides (try ladybugs and other natural remedies)
9. Use organic fertilizer from your composter instead of chemicals
10. Consider gray water systems to irrigate your gardens (use every drop).
11. Insulate your home properly.
12. Replace windows (double paned, low e glass) and if you live in a cold climate, be sure to install storm windows.
13. Drive an energy efficient or hybrid car.
14. Rideshare/carpool whenever you can.
15. Lobby and support your local and national politicians to pass energy and emission laws.
16. Stop growing lawns (if you live west of the 100th meridian) and replace with drought resistant plants. Install efficient drip irrigation wherever possible.
17. Recycle (it takes 20 times the energy to make an aluminum can from scratch).
18. Buy energy saver appliances (look for the “Energy Star.”)
19. Support local farmers’ markets and don’t buy food that travels 1000s of miles to your table.
20. Fight overdevelopment in your community by appealing to your local representatives to only approve sustainable projects.
21. Conserve water by fixing leaks (you’ll feel better by not running water when shaving or brushing teeth).
22. Ride a bicycle whenever possible (cut pollution AND get needed exercise).
23. Encourage and support energy suppliers to implement a mix of renewable energy sources.
24. Adjust thermostat down one degree in winter, to 68 up one degree in summer (you’ll spare the air 500 lbs. of carbon emissions and save 15% on your bills).
25. Encourage corporations and government to use renewable energy sources for their products and services.
26. Install a photovoltaic panel(s) on your south facing roof (begin the transition).
27. Heat your home water and pools with solar hot water, not gas (another fossil fuel)
28. Be personally responsible for every decision you make. Think of the Earth first.
29. Install lo-flow toilets and leave a polite note – “If it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down.
30. Use the greatest invention of mankind in the last 300 years: the condom.
31. Get on an action alert list (like the NRDC or stepitup07.org)
32. Elect no politician that is not green (whatever party affiliation).
33. Think globally, act locally.
34. Stay flexible and ready for changes in your life style.