1.) Bike, Use Public Transit, Carpool To Work, Drive Slower, and Keep Your Tires Inflated
One-third of all traffic is from commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible. If you must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation...it saves both fuel and tires, as well as lowers emissions. It also saves lives!
2.) Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Compost
Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. By avoiding extra packaging, you save both energy and landfill space. Yard and kitchen waste (leaves, grass, vegetable scraps, etc.) make up 30% of trash. Reduce this amount by composting. Also, be sure to reuse plastic bags, or better yet...refuse plastic bags when you really don't need them.
3.) Conserve Water
Don't let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Take shorter showers. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Let grass grow longer. Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.
4.) Quit Smoking
Second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit, both you and your family will live longer and healthier lives.
5.) Don't Use Pesticides or Herbicides On Your Lawn
Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants!
6.) Keep Your Cat Indoors
Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year. On average, one outdoor cat kills 40 small animals per year. Outdoor cats upset natural predator and prey balances, thus eliminating ground nesting birds.
7.) Eat Less Meat and Eat More Local and Organic Foods Instead
Harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, thus, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution and furthermore ensures a safe world for future generations to live in. In addition, animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish. Organic meats come from happy, healthy animals that are not confined to a caged life.
8.) Lower Your Thermostat In The Winter and Raise It In The Summer
Wearing a sweater in the winter and a short sleeve shirt in the summer saves energy and reduces air pollution.
9.) Properly Dispose of Old Paint, Chemicals, and Oil
Don't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use proper toxic disposal sites. Many electronic and office stores such as Office Depot, Staples, Home Depot, Lowe's, Radio Shack, and Best Buy will recycle batteries for you for free.
10.) Consider Environmental Costs
When relocating or changing jobs, try to live close to work. Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances, and choose products with lower energy inputs.
11.) Volunteer for the Environment
Work locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollution and prevent the destruction of wilderness areas.
12.) Plant A Tree With A Child
Take a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store carbon dioxide. Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to ensure the future of our environment and humankind.
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