7/27/2019 Eco Friendly Tips

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Eco-Friendly Tips

1. Bike, use public transit, carpool to work, drive slower, keep your tiresinflated

One-third of all traffic is commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible. Ifyou must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation. It saves both fuel and tires, andlowers emissions. It also saves lives.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and CompostReusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. By avoiding extrapackaging, you save both energy and landfill space. Yard and kitchen waste(leaves/grass/vegetable scraps) are 30% of trash. Reduce this amount bycomposting. Also be sure to re-use plastic bags, or better yet... refuse plastic bagswhen you really don't need them.

3. Conserve waterDon't let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Place a brick in old toilets.

Take low flow short showers. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Let grass growlonger. Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.

4. Quit smokingSecond-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit,both you and your family will lead longer and healthier lives.

5. Don't use pesticides/herbicides on your lawnAlong with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants.

6. Keep your cat indoorsDomestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cataverages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminateground nesting birds.

7. Eat less meat/eat more local and organic foods

Feedlots are a major source of organic pollution. Tropical forests are cut to raise beef.

8. Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it in the summerWearing a sweater in the winter and short sleeves in the summer saves energy andreduces pollution.

9. Dispose of old paint, chemicals, and oil properlyDon't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use propertoxics disposal sites. Never buy more than you need.

10. Consider the environmental costs of major decisions and purchasesWhen relocating or changing jobs try to live close to work. Compare efficiency whenpurchasing new cars or appliances. Buy fewer things. Choose products with lowerenergy inputs.

11. Volunteer/Lobby for the EnvironmentWork locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollutionand prevent the destruction of wilderness areas for timber and oil.

12. Plant a tree with a childTake a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store CO2. Teaching our children tolove and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to insure thefuture of humankind.

13. Wash dishes by hand in a basin, and then use the dish water for outdoorgardens.