50 Earth Day Tips
Celebrate Earth Week with these tips and information from our Living the Green Life web page to help you be a better steward of the Earth and live more sustainably. Every day should be Earth Day!
At Home
In the kitchen...
- Set the refrigerator temperature between 38 F and 42 F.
- Set the freezer temperature between O F and 5 F.
- Microwave whenever you can.
- Don't wash dishes with the water running.
In the dining room...
Avoid washing clothing in hot water to
save on energy costs.
- Use cloth napkins.
- Use washable plates, cups and silverware.
- Serve condiments from recyclable containers.
- Provide personal glasses for beverages.
In the laundry...
- Wash and dry only full loads.
- Wash with warm water instead of hot.
- Rinse with cold water instead of warm.
- Hang wash out to dry.
In the bathroom...
- Shut off the sink while brushing your teeth.
- Shut off the shower while soaping or scrubbing.
- Install a low-flow shower head.
- Reduce the volume of water in your toilet tank.
In the living room...
Plant a tree in your yard.
- Switch off unnecessary lights.
- Dress warmly: don't turn up the furnace.
- Dress cool: don't turn on the air conditioner.
- Raise shades on winter days; lower them in summer.
In the yard...
- Compost leaves and grass clippings.
- Avoid pesticides, use nontoxic alternatives.
- Apply only as much fertilizer as the lawn needs.
- Use native plants which require little to no watering.
- Plant a tree.
In the garage...
- Recycle motor oil, antifreeze and car batteries.
Away from Home
Buy or share used textbooks.
In the car...
- Drive at the speed limit.
- Avoid sudden starts or stops.
- Don't overfill the fuel tank.
- Check the tire pressure monthly.
- Change air and oil filters regularly.
At the store . . .
- Don't buy over-packaged items.
- Choose products in reusable and/or recyclable containers.
- Buy concentrated cleaners and detergents.
- Return empty bottles and cans for deposit.
- Bring your own reusable bag.
At work...
- Send electronic copies whenever possible.
- Copy reports and memos on both sides.
- Circulate rather than copy paperwork.
- Reuse tubes and envelopes for mailing.
At play...
Keep a compost pale in your kitchen so you can easily
gather your food scraps to add to your compost pile.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Hike, row, sail, ski or paddle - don't motor.
- Build campfires with care.
- Observe, don't disturb wildlife and plant life.
- Share books, magazines, CDs and DVDs with friends, hospitals and prisons.
At school . . .
- Copy bulletins and exams on two sides, make notes and drafts on scrap paper.
- Reuse textbooks and school supplies.
- Serve reusable trays, dishes and silverware.
- Compost cafeteria vegetable wastes.
Everywhere...
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
