Green Tips

Here is a list of ways to help the earth! They range from super easy to going a little out of your way, but all of them have an impact. Ready, set, go:

1. Turn off your computer before going to sleep
2. Use one less paper napkin
3. Use both sides of a paper you are writing on
4. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
5. Shorten your shower by one minute
6. Check out a local second hand store
7. Bring a reusable bag to the grocery store
8. Use a rag or hand towel instead of napkins or paper towels
9. Go to http://calculator.bioregional.com/  and take this quiz to figure out your carbon footprint. At the end it gives you personalized suggestions on how you can reduce your impact
10. Hang your clothes outside to air dry instead of using a dryer
11. Ask your parents to buy organic food
12. Unplug your toaster, television, and other items when not using them. They drain energy even when they are turned off!
13. Use a reusable container instead of Ziploc
14. Use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic bottle (Why?)
15. Carpool or take the bus to school or work
16. Go to a park or community event instead of the mall or a movie
17. In the winter, wear a sweater instead of turning the heat up really high.
18. Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it.
19. Go without a straw. Each year, Americans throw away 138 billion straws and stirrers! Can't you just drink it without one?
20. Buy products that will last.
21. When cleaning your driveway or sidewalk use a broom instead of a hose.
22. To detect leaks in your toilet: Put food coloring in the tank. If there is some in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Fixing leaks can save up to 1,000 gallons a month!
23. Use a reusable lunch box instead of a paper bag

Good Luck! More tips coming soon