Reduce
- One of the biggest things we can all do is just buy less - buying more fuels our consumerist habits, and hurts our environment in the long run.
- Take quick showers, and turn the water off while soaping
- Turn off water while brushing teeth/shaving
- Use eco-friendly cleaners - or make your own!
- Set your thermostat 2 degrees cooler in the winter and 2 degrees higher in the summer and turn it off when you're not at home.
- When choosing between similar products, select the one with the least amount of packaging and ask yourself if both the item and the package can be recycled or reused.
- Avoid disposable versions of razors, pens, batteries, plates, cups, napkins, etc.
- Remove yourself from junk mail lists
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes.
- Buy fresh fruits and veggies instead of frozen (freezing takes 10 times more energy)
- Buy local/organic food and other local products as much as possible - try a farmer's market or a CSA
- Print only when necessary and use both sides of the page (duplex or N-up)
- Commute efficiently.
- Plug home electronics into power strips and turn power strips off when not in use.
- Don't leave your computer/computer monitor on for extended periods of time.
- Appliances that are "off" can still draw power whenever they're plugged into an outlet.
Reuse
- Carry your own water or coffee in a reusable container (Stainless steel, BPA-Free Plastic).
- Start an OSC (one-side clean paper) bin
- Bring your own reusable shopping bags rather than using paper or plastic
Recycle
- Choose recyclable containers when purchasing refreshments. Avoid foam cups with plastic lids and straws.
- Remember - don't throw away non-recyclables into the bins - one bad apple ruins the whole bunch.
- Switch to biodegradable/organic soaps/shampoos/toothpaste - they're better for you and the environment
- Buy recycled products (paper, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags) or things that contain recycled content.
- Make sure old electronic equipment/computers get recycled
