With just a few simple changes in daily routines, individuals and businesses can lessen their impact on the environment and save money at the same time.
At Home
- Look for recycled versions of the products you use regularly, including home paper products, computer ink cartridges, plastics, glass, computer paper
- Check your insulation because older homes tend to have less insulation, making the homes less energy efficient
- Replace light bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs that use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs
- Recycle as much as you can including newspapers, magazines, plastics and glass
- Turn off the lights when you're not in the room
- Stop junk mail deliveries
- Purchase energy efficient appliances
- Take shorter showers and turn off the water while shaving and brushing your teeth
- Drive slower to save gas
- Use as much natural light as possible
- Buy local and find area markets that grow produce on-site to reduce shipping emissions
At Work
- Use recycled paper
- Print on both sides
- Carpool, use public transportation or ride a bike to work
- Turn down the thermostat
- Purchase energy efficient appliances
- Use sleep mode for your copiers and fax machines
- Turn off the lights in offices or conference rooms if they will be unoccupied for more than 10 minutes
- Consider LEED certification standards for new company construction
- Work from home by telecommuting