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Reduce your use of paper and wood products. Over seventy-eight
percent of the Earth's original forests have already been
logged or degraded. When paper products are needed, use
those with the highest percentage of recyclable material.
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Recycle everything you can: newspapers, cans, glass,
aluminum products, motor oil, scrap metal etc. Every little
bit helps!
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Use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps. Phosphates
from soap solutions run directly into our storm sewers
and then into our rivers. They cause an overabundance
of algae growth, which uses up oxygen needed by plants,
animals and other marine life.
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Use natural fabric softeners. Besides the effects it
has on the environment the ingredients can also cause
symptoms such as disorientation, dizziness, headaches,
memory loss, neck and spine pain in people. The toxic
chemicals found in fabric softeners have been linked to
pancreatic cancer, central nervous system disorders, respiratory
problems and more!
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Turn off all lights and appliances when they are not
being used. Lighting accounts for about 25% of home energy
use. The less we use, the better it is for the environment,
and also for our wallets!
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Use cloth diapers. Disposable diapers do not break down
in the environment.
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Avoid using pesticides. Fly-swatters work great and
you can also use natural insect prevention, like cayenne
for ants, apple cider vinegar for fruit flies, or beer
for slugs!
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Use non- toxic all natural cleaning products. You can
buy these at natural/organic stores, or use the products
we all have in our cupboards: baking soda, lemon juice
and vinegar.
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Use rechargeable batteries. The price for these is a
bit more in the beginning, but in the long run will save
you hundreds of dollars.
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Insulate your home to cut down on air pollution and
cost. Hang heavy drapes, insulate your hot water heater
and windows and wear warmer clothes.
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Set one day a month (or more) when you and your family
will pick up litter and debris from your neighborhood
or another chosen area. Besides making the area look much
cleaner you can also help to stop the pollution in our
storm water drains, lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans.
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Don’t buy food or other various household products
that are packaged in plastic or Styrofoam. Buy products
that are packaged in recyclable material.
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Compost your leftover produce. This makes a great fertilizer
for home gardens and also cuts down on your families’
amount of garbage.
