Use reusable bags at the grocery store rather than paper or plastic -- saves money too, as most grocery stores give a per-bag discount when you bring your own!
Drink tap water, not bottled -- and carry your own bottle to refill. Saves the earth and your wallet -- why pay for something that's free? In fact, there are more regulations on the quality of tap water than bottled water -- it's safer for you and your family!
Don't leave the water running while you're brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or scrubbing dishes. Try to take shorter showers too!
Buy recycled paper products, such as toilet paper, tissue, notebooks, etc. They're often cheaper too! Even better, use reusable absorbent cloths or sponges to wipe up messes.
Eat less meat -- this has a huge positive impact on the environment while saving you money! It's estimated that if every American eliminated meat for just one meal a week, it would have the same impact on carbon dioxide emissions as taking more than 500,000 cars off the road.
Shop at our farmers market, fresh produce and meat, great prices, and a great way to re-invest in our local economies and support local farming.
Unplug chargers and appliances (or use a power strip and turn it off) and turn off lights when you're not using them -- this is one we all know, but it's worth focusing on -- it makes a huge difference on the planet and helps our electricity bills too! It's also extremely effective to switch to compact fluorescent bulbs as your old ones burn out.
Turn down the heat a couple degrees -- use a sweater instead. Saves money while saving natural resources!
Wash your clothes in cold water -- this is actually better for your clothes!
Use the lowest heat setting on the dryer too -- or better yet, hang your clothes to dry! After the refrigerator, the dryer is the second biggest user of energy in most households. And if you do your laundry at the laundromat, think how much money you'll save by bringing your clothes home to air-dry! Your clothes will last longer too, dryers are hard on fabrics.
Visit our local library instead of buying books or renting or buying videos.
Keep your car well-tuned, with inflated tires, oil changes, etc., to make sure it runs efficiently.
Don’t print hardcopy or sheets when you can read them on your screen.
