Here are a few ideas for work and home to help reduce your carbon footprint on Earth Day and every day:
- Reduce! Print on both sides of paper when you can, and avoid printing altogether when you don't have to.
- Reuse! Printed documents that are printed only on one side and are no longer needed can be used for scrap paper - perhaps in place of a writing tablet.
- Recycle! Cans, plastic bottles, paperboard, etc. can be collected and taken to a recycling center.
- Bring your lunch in reusable lunch containers and carry in a reusable lunch bag.
- Stop buying bottled water...filter it at home and bring it in a reusable bottle!
- Have a "swap meet," bring clothes and toys that kids have outgrown or items around the house that you don't use, and swap them for something someone else brings in. Take whatever is left to a local charity.
- Organize a carpool, take a bus, bike, or walk to work.
- Replace your light bulbs with CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs.
- Plant a tree!
- Clean up litter...if you see it, pick it up!
- Check your computer setting for "energy-saving mode" and turn off lights throughout your home or office when you can.
Earth Day provides us with a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and change our lifestyle so that we can live in harmony with nature. Take some time to determine how you can Think Green!