Simple Everyday Tips

• BUY odd shaped fruits and vegetables so that they aren't thrown out.
  
• BUY only what you NEED.
  
• Borrow or share things with others.
  
• BUY products that can be reused - bottles instead of cans, use rags instead of paper towels, use containers instead of sandwich bags, reuse grocery bags,  reusable batteries
  
• BUY all purpose green household cleaners.
  
• BUY products with less packaging - buy bulk.
  
• Sell or give away unwanted Items.
  
• Cancel unwanted mail.
  
• Print on both sides of paper.
  
• Avoid individual servings.

Save Energy

• Set you thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer.
  
• USE LED or CFL lights when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. 
  
• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart"power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts"phantom" or "vampire" energy use. 
  
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. 
  
• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time. 
  

Save Water

• Take shorter showers. 
  
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
  
• Turn it off when you're not using it while you brush your teeth, washing dishes etc.
  
• Install low flow toilets
  

Skip Bottled Water

Use a water filter to purify tap water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste. Use a reusable water bottle.

Keep Electronics Out of the Trash

Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible. Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem. Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products with simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

Bathroom Cleaner Recipe
1 cup Blue Dawn
1 cup Vinegar

Stir and put in a spray bottle. Spray on surface and let rest for 5 mins, and remove. Best for shower scum, bath scum and to remove stove top stains, etc. (Note: for stove tops use minimal amount the soap will lather.)