What you can doIn The Home
Recycle everything you can: newspapers, cans, glass bottles and jars, aluminum foil, motor oil, scrap metal, etc. Investigate local recycling centres that take items Use cold water in the washer whenever possible. Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, like opening cans. Re-use brown paper bags to line your trash can instead of plastic liners. Re-use bread bags, butter tubs, etc. Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Take unwanted, re-usable items to a charitable organization. Don't leave water running needlessly. Install a water-saving shower head. Turn your heat down, and wear a jumper. Lower your thermostat by one degree per hour for every hour you'll be away or asleep. Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you're out of a room. Burn only seasoned wood in your woodstove or fireplace... and don't light them as often. IN YOUR GARDEN Start a compost pile. Put up birdfeeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths. Pull weeds instead of using poison. Compost your leaves. Use mulch to conserve water in your garden.(watch gardeners world loads of tips). Plant short, dense shrubs close to your home's foundation to help insulate your home against cold. WHILE ON Holiday Turn down the heat and turn off the water heater before you leave. Carry reusable cups, dishes.. IN YOUR CAR Keep your car tuned up. Use public transit whenever possible. On weekends, ride your bike or walk instead. Buy a more fuel efficient model when you're ready for a new car. Recycle your engine oil. Keep your tires properly inflated to save fuel. AT WORK Recycle office and computer paper, cardboard, etc. whenever possible. Use scrap paper for informal notes to yourself and others. Print things like in-house memo pads, etc., on recycled paper. Print or copy on both sides of the paper. Use smaller paper for smaller memos. Re-use manila envelopes and file folders. Hide the throw-away cups, and train people to use their washable coffee mugs. Use washable mugs for meetings too. Use the stairs instead of the lift on trips of less than three floors... it's better for you too. When You're Shopping.. Avoid buying food or household products in plastic or styrofoam containers whenever possible. (They can't be recycled, and don't break down in the environment.) Think twice about buying "disposable" products. (They really aren't disposable and are extravagant wastes of the world's resources.) Buy paper products instead of plastic if you must buy "disposables." They break down better in the environment. Check the energy rating of major appliances you purchase. Buy only the most energy-efficient models. Ask questions... don't buy products, such as styrofoam, that are hazardous to the environment or manufactured at the expense of important habitats such as rain forests. Buy locally-grown food and locally-made products when possible. Don't buy products made from endangered animals. PERSONAL THINGS Join a conservation organization. Volunteer your time to conservation projects. Give money to conservation projects. Spread the Word encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to save resources too. Teach children to respect nature and the environment. Take them on hikes, or camping. Help them plant a tree or build a birdhouse. Teach them by example. govements sould encourage people |
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