16 No Cost Ways to Help the Environment

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – starting with reduce. Lower your carbon footprint by carefully considering each purchase. Is this a “want” or a “need”. Can I get it in good used condition from someplace else? Does it have minimal packaging.
2. Operate your large electrical appliances in off-hours. If you use a dryer, run it in off-peak hours. (using a clothes line is even better)
3. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater.
4. Make your own household cleaners. It’s easy and quick. See http://greenterrafirma.com/cleaners.html for recipes.
5. Shorten your shower times and take fewer baths. (if you buy a low flow shower head you can greatly reduce your hot water usage and keep those longer showers)
6. Use your microwave and toaster oven rather than the stove/oven.
7. Wash clothes in cold water. Set the water level to the appropriate level and don’t over do the detergent.
8. Walk, bike, use public transit and carpool.
9. If you are driving your own car, ensure the tires have the correct air pressure and slow down a bit. (though it will cost you a bit of money, a tun-up is worthwhile also)
10. Turn off the lights and appliances (tv, radio, computers) when you leave the room.
11. Clean the coils on your fridge (every few months) and ensure there is room for air flow around and behind it. Check for air leaks around the door.
12.  Use your shades to keep the heat out in the summer and let the sunshine in for the winter.
13. Lower your thermostat when heating your home and raise it a bit if using air conditioning.
14. Compost yard and kitchen waste. Keep meat and fatty kitchen waste out of the compost to avoid unwanted guests at night (skunks, dogs).
15. Plant trees in your yard.
16. Plant grass, flowers, fruit and vegetables that are native to your area. They will grow much better and won’t need extra water and pesticides to stay healthy.

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Filed under: Climate Change, Go Green