Simple things that everyone can fit into their everyday lives….
Also, don't forget to read my 2006 EarthDay top 10 list!
- Recycle waste cans, bottles, jars, plastics and newspapers. Most local authorities run schemes to recycle this sort of waste. If your local authority runs a scheme use it! Cancel junk mail – In the USA, register with the Direct Marketing Association to stop 75% of junk mail.
- Where you can, avoid supermarkets. Most of the food has travelled many hundreds and often thousands of miles before it gets to the supermarket shelf. Try to buy seasonal locally produced food. Check out farmers' markets and farm shops and even local, independent stores. Think of the food miles that are saved. Find your local farmers' market in the USA.
- Save energy. Not only will this reduce the CO2 output from power stations it will also save you money. Switch things off when they're not being used. Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when it is full. Fit thermostats on radiators and turn the heating. Turning down your heating by just 1 degree can save 10% off your heating bill! Draught-proof windows and doors and insulate loft and cavity walls. If you use air conditioning to keep cool, turn the thermostat up a little. Switch to low energy light bulbs. You could also switch energy supplier to one that supplies electricity that is generated by wind power or hydro - look for the green energy.
- If you want to get rid of something that you no-longer use, Freecycle it. The Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely non-profit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns.
- Save water. Have showers instead of baths. Don't use sprinklers or water hoses. Always turn the tap off when brushing your teeth!
- Use your car less. For short trips, walk or cycle instead. For longer journeys, use the bus or carpool.
- If you have space for a compost bin, compost all organic waste.
- Start using rechargeable batteries. The average household uses 21 batteries a year. The US generates 40,000 tonnes of waste general purpose batteries every year, but less than 1,000 tonnes are recycled.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries.