What can you recycle? Newspaper, phone books, aluminum cans, plastic and glass containers are all recyclable. Recycling electronic devices like cell phones and computers keeps toxic components out of landfills and ground water. Many printer manufacturers will recycle their ink and toner cartridges. Even old athletic shoes are being recycled into running tracks! Keep the chain going by buying products made with recycled materials, such as paper towels and garbage bags. close

A one-degree change on your thermostat will save 3% of heating or cooling costs, so turn it down in the winter and up in the summer. Switching to long lasting, energy efficient fluorescent bulbs will save both energy and money. Unplug all those gadget chargers when not in use, and put your computer to sleep at night. Turn down the temperature on your water heater, and turn it off when you go away on vacation. Use the toaster oven for small jobs. Your parents were right: turn off the lights when you leave the room! close

The earth is 70% water, but only but only .036% of it is drinkable and available for use. Baths are relaxing, but taking a short shower uses less than the 50 gallons it takes to fill a tub. Modern dishwashers are more efficient and don’t require any pre-rinsing. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save 150 gallons a month—a good idea when shaving or washing your face, too. Install a low-flow toilet and fix those leaky faucets. Wash only full-loads of laundry and use warm water instead of hot to save energy—your clothes will be just as clean. close

We throw a lot of stuff in the trash, 236 millions tons a year, and much of it “disposable.” Use a real mop and a real rag, not throwaways. Use real utensils and dishes, not plastic. Take a mug to the office. Refill your water bottle and your soap dispenser. Take your sandwich to work in a reusable container instead of a plastic bag. Reuse both paper and plastic shopping bags at least once. Buy rechargeable batteries. Buy in bulk to cut down on packaging waste and save money, too. Find out how to stop all that junk mail. Think you can’t make a difference? Think—and use—again! close

Which is better, paper or plastic? We face this question daily. Plastic grocery bags are made from petroleum and are not biodegradable. Paper bags are biodegradable and made from a renewable resource, but do require more energy to produce and to transport. The best answer is to use whichever bag you prefer, then reuse it several times. For an even bigger impact, recycle those bags after reusing them. But perhaps the best answer of all is to use durable and reusable cloth grocery bags instead of either paper or plastic. close

Keeping your automobile in tune conserves gas and reduces emissions at the same time. Tires kept at optimum pressure improve gas mileage, so check them once a month. Using higher-octane gas than your car needs won’t make it run any better and puts more toxic compounds into the air. If you’re buying a new car look for one with high fuel efficiency and low emission ratings. You might even consider a hybrid vehicle or one that runs on biodiesel. close

Leave your car at home and help reduce emissions. Get around town by walking, riding or taking public transport. Walking is enjoyable, burns calories, and costs you nothing. Riding a bike has all the benefits of walking, gets you there faster, and is fun besides. Using public transportation is energy-efficient, cheaper than driving and much more relaxing. Your employer may have a Ride-Share program that will pay you money while you help improve the air. And who knows, you might even make a few new friends. close

Your local farmers’ market is an excellent place to buy locally grown, farm-fresh produce, nuts and even flowers. You’ll also find locally produced items such as cheese, bread and eggs. Because it travels less to get to market, local food is fresher, tastier and more healthful. And less travel means less fuel, cleaner air, lower cost to you, and fewer big trucks on the road. You also support the local economy, family farmers, our agricultural heritage and biodiversity. And the farmers’ market is just a lot more fun than the supermarket.close

Organically grown food is both better for you and better for the environment. Organic farmers use growing practices that promote sustainable agriculture and keep chemicals off of your food and out of the environment. Organic food is a healthful and delicious alternative to food grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers and hormones. Make the switch and you will taste the difference.close

Many dish and laundry detergents are with petroleum byproducts, a non-renewable resource. Many contain phosphates that are harmful to our oceans, or chlorine and other chemicals that are bad for your health and for the environment. Switching to ecological, biodegradable, phosphate-free and chlorine-free soaps and cleaners will help keep chemicals out of our oceans and waterways—and your home. close