It may seem that global warming and the gradual destruction of the environment are issues that are too big for us to do something about individually, but there are several steps we can take to make a contribution to cleaning things up. These steps also make sense in tight economic times.
Shopping
• Buy in bulk to avoid too much packaging.
• Reuse your grocery bags, or use a canvas or string bag for trips to the store.
• Look for eggs and milk in cardboard cartons instead of plastic. If you do buy plastic bottles, be sure to recycle them.
• Buy rechargeable batteries.
• Buy products made of recycled materials.
• Buy products packaged in recyclable materials, such as paper or cardboard.
• Limit or eliminate your use of ‘disposable’ items.
• Use latex and other water-based paints instead of toxic enamel or oil-based paints.
• Avoid products made from tropical rainforest woods.
General Activities
• Recycle at home, work and school.
• Recycle cans and bottles, plastics, paper, cardboard.
• Reuse aluminum foil and plastic wrap or avoid them completely by using reusable storage containers.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator to reduce cooking times and to ensure food safety.
• Use glass or ceramic eating and drinking containers instead of disposables.
• Participate in local recycling efforts. If your community doesn’t offer curbside recycling, urge your representatives to begin one. In the meantime, take your recyclables to a collection center.
• Use smoke detectors and regularly change the batteries.
• Use pump sprays instead of aerosols.
• Don’t throw used needles in the garbage. Collect in hard plastic bottle, such as a detergent bottle, and label properly for disposal.
• Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water or baking soda and water.
Your Car
• Keep your car tires inflated to the proper pressure to improve fuel economy and extend the life of the tires.
• Keep your car tuned up to maximize fuel efficiency.
• Remove unnecessary items from your car. Each 100 lbs. of weight decreases fuel efficiency by 1%.
• Don’t speed; accelerate and slow down gradually.
• Choose a light-colored car with tinted glass to reduce your need for air conditioning. The light color reflects sunlight. Dark colors absorb heat.
• Share rides or use public transportation.
• Buy a fuel-efficient car. Aim for 35 miles per gallon.
• Use high-quality multigrade oil in your car to increase fuel efficiency.
Water
• Don’t use excessive amounts of detergent. Presoak dirty laundry.
• Install low-flow fixtures and aerators on sink faucets.
• Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.
• Don’t throw unused medicines into the sewer system. Dispose of properly.
• Take used oil and gasoline to collection centers. Do not pour into the sewer system or in storm drains!
• Remember that everything you toss in a ditch or drain will end up in a water source.
Outside
• Use mulch and natural ground covers in gardens to contain moisture and conserve water use.
• Plant trees. Trees can reduce heating and cooling bills, help prevent soil erosion and reduce air pollution.
• Water lawns at night to limit evaporation.
• Compost your leaves and yard waste.
• Minimize use of garden chemicals, or choose organic compounds for weed control, etc.
• Compost your vegetable peelings and scraps.
• Don’t litter! Pick up any litter that you see!
Click here to see a video about the future made for an AARP contest by a 20-year old student.