UNPLUG APPLIANCES when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.

WASH CLOTHES IN COLD WATER, whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

 

Use a DRYING RACK or CLOTHESLINE to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

 

BUY LOCALLY, when purchasing meats,dairy, eggs and cheese products. It is far more like;y to be organic and raised safely.

 

INSTALL compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

 

RECYCLE/REUSE! Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.Use consignment shops for your own used, unwanted clothing.

 

BORROW. DON"T BUY, when you can.Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

 

DONATE or recycle your used cell phone or computer responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

 

MAKE YOUR OWN MEALS, and avoid fast-food eateries, that consume paper, plastic, and styrofoam in enormous amounts, that consumers discard in landfills.

 

RATHER than puchasing PLASTIC CONTAINERS to store summer clothes, check out your local grocery, pharmacy or liquor store for their discarded shipping boxes.