Simple Tips

Save energy and create your own fun: Have a no TV day in your house. Instead play board games, share stories or pick-up a great book. If choosing prefab logs for your fire, try those made from recycled coffee grounds. Buy reusable batteries to save on energy use and $ . Make room for the lovely gifts to be received over the holiday season by donating some gently used items. If possible, choose products with less packaging when purchasing this holiday season. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge so you can avoid water waste while waiting for it to turn cold from the faucet. Take reusable and/or cloth bags when shopping. From the heart and the hands: Try making your holiday presents this year. Some like it hot: By using your toaster oven for smaller baking needs you use ½ the energy your conventional oven would. Make garland for your mantle or stairway out of all the lovely cards you are receiving. Cut down on waste: Use dishtowels for spills instead of paper towels. If your home is well insulated you should be able to turn the heat down before climbing under the covers without noticing a temperature drop. Recycle with efficiency: Crush your cans before putting them in the proper bins. Wrap it up! Purchase recycled wrapping paper and biodegradable tape for your wrapping this season. If you are in need of new computer, consider a laptop. Some models can consume up to 90% less energy than desktops. Motion sensor lights can save on energy and costs, not to mention are very convenient. Purchase a potted holiday tree. Keep the warm in, do a home draft audit: Hold a candle next to your door and window frames to see if there is a gap that needs to be plugged. Purchase your holiday greeting cards from a non-profit organization or a company that uses recycled paper goods. Soaking pots and pans with stubborn food remains will save on wash time, water waste and elbow grease. Simply be Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving! Conserve energy: When cooking, keep a lid on it. Many foods come in jars and containers that can be reused again for other storage needs. Think before you toss. Reduce waste and dress up your dinner table - use cloth napkins instead of paper. Put on a sweater, cover up with a soft blanket or cuddle up before you turn that heater up. proper air pressure in your car tires will increase gas milage! Give the gift of sight. Donate your old eye glasses. With the right solar energy system you could avoid ever paying another electrical bill. Check it out! CD’s require plastic and paper to produce, and take up space. Downloading music is economical and better for the environment. Installing sprinklers? Consider a drip irrigation system. Conserve water and save money. Renting a car? Try a hybrid. Save $ on gas and save time in the carpool lane. When you wash your car or boat, never let soaps or other cleaners enter your storm drains. Purchase your holiday greeting cards from a non profit organization or a company that uses recycled paper goods. For the person who has everything, consider making a charitable donation in that persons name this holiday season. Purchase recycled wrapping paper and biodegradable tape for your wrapping this season. Paying your bills online can save on time and paper waste. By dining in more often you’ll avoid to-go paper waste & travel time and save money. Setting your work equipment on sleep mode can save energy and money. Choose fair trade, organic and shade grown coffee and tea. Regular plastic bags can take eons to decompose. Choose biodegradable plastic options for sacking your trash. For the person who has everything, give the gift of an experience like a trip, tickets to a show or a special dinner. When choosing diapers, keep in mind that washable cloth and biodegradable are both options. Nuts are great for energy and your brain. Remember organic when choosing this healthy snack. Make your next party an eco-friendly bash. From recycled invites & biodegradable centerpieces to no waste tableware. Remember these 3 tips when choosing a good egg - pasture raised, free range, and organic. Consider an eco-friendly toothbrush made of recycled material or one that has a replaceable head. Candles are great for mood lighting. Try beeswax. They burn cleaner and longer. Naturally derived and natural sweetener options are plentiful. There´s honey, agave, stevia, xylitol, erythritol… Recycled cards aren´t just for the holidays. Choose recycled paper for all your card, invitation and announcement needs. Share time with a friend or pet while enjoying the outdoors. Try a walk, a hike or an oudoor workout. Don’t flush your trash. Using your toilet as a trash receptacle wastes water and can cause plumbing problems. Travel mugs and reusable water containers can replace dozens of disposable cups per week. Donate or recycle your old mobile phone rather than tossing it out. If you have to use disposable cups choose waxed paper. It can be recycled. Donate your old computer. Schools and non-profits are always in need of equipment. Cut down on waste. Use dishtowels for spills instead of paper towels. When possible wait for rain or dust your car off rather then wasting excessive water. Newspaper is one of the easiest materials to recycle. Please do. Install a timer on the exterior lights that you choose to leave on at night. Going on vacation? Unplug all of your home and office appliances while away to save $ and energy. If you own a boat protect the sea. Always use a funnel when fueling with a gas can. Share a magazine subscription with a friend and recycle issues when finished. Cooking and reheating with a microwave is up to 70% more efficient than using a stovetop or oven. Before discarding latex paint leave the tops to let it dry out completely. Latex is not hazardous if solidified. Consider community supported agriculture. Purchase share in a local farm and receive fresh produce weekly. In many states you can opt to purchase renewable energy from your local power company. Consider quality razors with refillable blades. Disposable razors are neither recyclable nor biodegradable. Plastic or paper? No thank you. Reusable bags are the answer. Conserve time, energy & money by removing yourself from mailing lists that send unsolicited CDs. Check out books from your local library. Purchase only books you’ll want to reference over time. Conserve water. Avoid running sprinklers on windy days. Conserve h20. Fill a bowl with cold water to rinse fruits and veggies. If you are heating your pool, cover it at night. Pool covers prevent evaporation and keep the pool warm. Install a strainer in kitchen and bathroom sinks to prevent hair, soap and food from clogging drains. Make a few new green goals for yourself at the start of every season. Inspect trees and bushes before you trim. They may be home to birds with nests and eggs. Never flush waste. Be sure to use your wastebasket for miscellaneous and trash items. Use a trigger nozzle on your hose. Targeting water where your garden needs it will reduce water waste. Keep storm drains clean. Water that flows into storm drains goes directly to oceans, rivers and canals. Make sure you recycle your motor oil. Disposing oil can cause serious damage to nature and wildlife. Paper and cardboard should always be recycled. Downloading your music is a greener choice. You´ll save on travel and avoid CD packaging waste. Fresh herbs are easy to grow in a window box or garden and nice to have readily available for cooking. If you have to use disposable cups, choose wax paper, which can be recycled and is biodegradable. Ask your child’s school to provide a safe, non-toxic environment. For cook prep and serving, purchase stainless steel bowls rather than plastic. They will last forever. Have your car oil checked regularly to prevent oil run off caused by leaky pipes or loose fittings. Why not give a tree for that next special occasion? If you buy water in plastic bottles, go large. Smaller bottles require more packaging and create more waste. For that special occasion send an e-card. It is less expensive and better for the environment. Be realistic about making green changes in your life and incorporate change gradually. Every little bit counts. Water your yard in the cool of the morning and evening, when the plants and grass will receive the most benefit. Choose solvent free bandages for your medical box or first aid kit. They are safer on your skin and for the environment. Using washable cotton handkerchiefs can reduce waste and the cotton is kinder to your nose. Store your leftovers in environmentally friendly containers. Try ceramic, stainless steel or tempered glass. Aloe Vera is a great natural remedy for sun burned or itchy skin. Purchase in quantity or bulk. You will cut down on trips to the store and packaging waste. Choose organic, free range eggs. Good for the chickens - good for you. Purchase seasonal fruits and veggies locally. It benefits the environment when they don´t have to be shipped in. When purchasing fruits and veggies at the market, put them in your cart loose rather than using plastic bags. Don’t toss your old mobile phone. Donate or recycle it with your phone company. Save $ and reduce waste. Use a refillable bottle or glass at the water dispenser rather than disposable cups. Discard diseased plants immediately to avoid spread. Turn your food waste such as fruits, veggies, coffee grounds and egg shells into compost - food for your garden. Summer flea problems? Make a rinse by steeping rosemary in hot water. Let cool and apply to your pet after bathing. Make sure your repellant is natural in its base so that it´s bad for the bugs but not your skin. Moisture can cause mold in your recycling. The best option is to keep your bin outside in a cool dry place with a lid on it. Natural sunscreens are not only a better choice for you. They are also better for the environment. Cover your pool to help keep it cleaner, reduce evaporation and retain heat. Keep heat-generating appliances away from AC units. They will fool your cooling unit into overdrive. Offer your unwanted items to someone who can use them. Host a tag sale, garage sale or donate them to an organization. Travel light - Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints. Try using a lighter and paper instead of lighter fluid. Lighter fluid can be harmful to you, your food and the environment. Repel flies and bugs naturally with essential oils such as citronella, mint, clove and eucalyptus. Consider switching to non-chlorine pool products. They are safer for you, your skin & hair and the environment. Save $ and reduce waste. Reuse your zip lock bags. Wash them out and dry them on your dish rack. Pull the blinds and open the windows at night and in the early morning to cool the house down for the hot day ahead. Help keep our beaches clean. Take a bag with you to the beach and have a trash scavenger hunt. Buy organic meats and veggies for your BBQ. Talk about your green decisions with friends, family and co-workers. Your good green choices can have a contagious effect. Purchase a washable shower curtain rather than the plastic type. Purchase from local farms. Enjoy fresh fruits & vegetables, help the environment and strengthen the local economy. Don’t throw away old clothing. Donate or pass it on to a non-profit organization, shelter or charity. Unbleached organic cotton is healthier and more environmentally friendly choice than conventional cotton. Bamboo is a great fabric choice. It is sustainable, practical and comfortable. Green tea is a natural remedy for dry, sensitive scalp and dandruff. Skin absorbs 60% of product ingredients. Look into purchasing natural and environmentally friendly cosmetics. Recycle by donating your old eye glasses. Give the gift of sight to someone in need. Choose recyclable, refillable or refurbished printer cartridges if possible. Dining at home saves on waste, money and transportation cost. By spending time in nature we become more aware and motivated to be better stewards of the earth. Invest in a reusable coffee mug and keep it with you when you get coffee at your local shop or at the office. When preparing food, place a dish of water in the sink for cleaning hands rather than running the faucet numerous times. Make a sign in your office that states "last one out, please turn off the lights." Encourage your office or facility to implement green cleaning practices. Planting a fruit tree in your yard will provide food for your family and a home for wildlife. Consider planting ground cover. A more natural option than grass. Digging is very important for your garden. Turning your soil will oxygenate it so your plants can root. Choose native plants for your garden. They´re well adjusted to local weather, requiring less water and maintenance. Plant a tree. Trees soak up carbon dioxide and help keep the atmosphere clean. Sprinkling salt near your pet’s outdoor bed can help keep fleas away. Choosing a hose or watering can over a sprinkler system can reduce water waste and save money. Push mowers are a greener choice for the environment over those that run on petrol or electricity. Place a bucket or barrel under the output pipe of your rain gutter. You can use the water in your yard. Choose manual alternatives in the kitchen over electric whenever possible for juicing, chopping and hand mixing. Choose wood cutting boards. Research shows that they are actually safer than the plastic or so-called antibacterial type. Don’t cook from frozen. Defrosting items first will save energy. If you´re shopping for a new cook top, keep in mind that gas models are more efficient than electric. Avoid plastic-wrap whenever possible. A lid or a cloth can provide a perfect cover. Choose a string mop over a sponge type. The head can be reused by removing it and tossing it into your washer. Whenever possible use reclaimed materials for your home improvement projects. Installing a low-flow showerhead helps save h20, $ and energy. Occasionally, run your dishwasher and washing machine empty. You´ll flush the system and save water. Take your wire hangers and reusable suit covers back to the dry cleaner to save on unnecessary waste. Want suggestions for an energy efficient home? Contact your local utilities provider for a free home energy audit. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room, no matter how long you’re leaving it for. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent for rodents. Sprinkle inside your cupboards to help keep unwanted critters away. Avoid energy overload by limiting the amount of electrical equipment you have in each room of your home. If you don´t read the local papers, don´t have them delivered. If you read them, be sure to recycle. When working with solvents, paints or cleaning supplies, always have an open window or door for fresh air. Home improvement? Choose natural paints over synthetic. Vegetable and mineral based paints are your greenest choice. Try a new look and feel. How about giving up your Saturday shave? Save H20, $ and product. When you support eco-friendly companies more eco-friendly pioneers come forward. Your good choice=more choices. Consider a gift that keeps giving, like potted flowers or plants, instead of bouquets. To save on energy, empty out and turn down your fridge while away on vacation. Look into community based tourism projects for your next family vacation. See a new country & experience a new culture. Save on fertilizer. After you mow, leave your grass clippings on the lawn to provide a healthy nitrogen boost. When staying in hotels help minimize water and energy use by reusing towels and sheets. Start a garden (even if only in pots). Enjoy watching something grow and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Spraying soapy water on your plants will get rid of aphid problems without harming the environment, wildlife, pets, or children. Consider the benefits of solar powered camping gear. When camping and picnicking, use reusable tableware to save on cost and waste. Consider a house swap for your next vacation. Save $ and natural resources. Save money and energy by line drying some of your clothes instead of using the dryer. Switch your incandescent bulbs to florescent and save $ and energy. Replace the can and frozen habit by purchasing fresh, organic fruits and veggies. Spring is in the air. Go for a walk, a hike or a bike ride. Choosing a battery type alarm clock over an electrical model can help save energy. Do more than your part. Give recyclable containers a quick rinse and air dry before putting them in the recycling bin. Carpool or take public transportation to work, school or just to run errands one day per week. With the right solar energy system you could avoid ever paying another electrical bill. Investigate what is offered in your area. A broom and dustpan is a low energy, environmentally friendly alternative to a vacuum. Avoid aerosol room fresheners. Salt can serve as a natural odor neutralizer. Keeping your light bulbs dust free can help save energy. Increasing their output will make them more efficient. Keep a healthy snack with you. By avoiding the fast food chain you reduce waste from disposable containers. Besides buying locally, the next best choice is online. You´ll save gas, $ and time. The world is at your fingertips. Try to avoid using more detergent than you need to get your clothes clean. Overdosing can cause your washer to work harder. Support your local stores. You’ll save time, energy and $ by purchasing your needs closer to home. The more your car has to carry around the more fuel it uses. Make sure your trunk is free of extra weighty items. Ask yourself before each purchase if the item is a need or luxury. Simply living lighter can be a real luxury. Clean out your fridge regularly to reduce the amount of food and drink it has to keep cold and therefore save energy. Unplug your microwave when not in use to eliminate the constant energy draw. Rinse your razor in a few inches of warm water in the basin instead of running water. If you’re shopping for a new computer, consider a laptop. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than desktops. Volunteer at a local Earth Day function. Learn more at: www.simplegreen.com/community_social.php Try to plan your outings for times when there is less traffic. It will be more enjoyable and you will save time and fuel. Read labels. Check to see if your purchases are the best choice for you and the safe choice for the environment. Clogged air filters can reduce your car´s efficiency and cause it to use up to 10% more fuel. Thinking about a second vehicle? Consider a scooter, motorbike or motorized bicycle. Spend less money and use less gas. Save paper and ink by using smaller fonts, thinner margins and single spaced lines. Make a game of recycling & help your children understand the importance by separating recyclables into categories. Soaking pots and pans with stubborn food remains will save on wash time, water waste and elbow grease. Try to buy your cleaning products in concentrated form whenever possible. Rake up dead leaves instead of using a blower or hose. Turn off your engine if you are going to be sitting for five minutes or more. Reduce waste. Use your computer to send and receive faxes. Save energy and create your own fun. Have a no TV week at home. Instead, play board games, share stories or pick-up a great book. Using a handkerchief for that runny nose is kinder to your nose and helps reduce waste. Reversing the blade direction of your ceiling fan during the winter can help circulate warm air. By using your toaster oven for smaller baking needs you use ½ the energy your conventional oven would. Heavy load: Wash only when you have a full load to save on h20, energy and products. Drive less. When you can, consolidate errands, carpool or use public transportation. By covering your TV & stereo when not in use, you prevent them from taking in dust, which can affect their efficiency. Reuse your envelopes whenever possible by opening them carefully and re-labeling them. Setting your work equipment on sleep mode can save you energy and money. Invest in a battery charger and choose rechargeable alkaline manganese batteries. Do a home draft audit. Hold a candle next to your door and window frames to see if there may be a gap that should be plugged. Nothing but water - Eliminate washer fluid during tune-ups & oil changes. Save on cost and help protect the environment. If your home is well insulated you should be able to turn the heat down before climbing under the covers. Just say no to nuke. Think ahead, avoid the microwave and defrost overnight in the fridge. Boiling over! Only boiling as much water as you really need saves on H2O and energy. Check your refrigerator door regularly to insure your seal is tight. This will reduce energy waste. Empty your lint filter after every dry cycle to reduce energy used for the next load. Avoid to-go containers. Save on waste, relax and enjoy more meals in, instead of on the go. Have your home heating system serviced regularly to insure safety and efficiency. CDs require plastic and paper to produce and take up space. Downloading music is the environmental choice. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge so you can avoid water waste while waiting for it to turn cold from the faucet. Conserve energy. When cooking, keep a lid on it. Motion sensored lights can save on energy and costs. They are also very convenient. Opting to not receive your receipt when at the ATM or gas pump saves on paper and helps eliminate waste. To eliminate the possibility of water contamination, bring your meds back to the pharmacy; never flush or trash them. Enjoy a breath of fresh air. Walking short distances saves on gas and pollution. Don’t be a drip. Fix those leaks and dripping faucets to help conserve H2O. Get fresh - Eat only fresh fruits and veggies today. Save energy and help your appliance efficiency: Set the refrigerator to 37° F - 40° F and freezer to 0° F - 5° F. Switch your credit card bills to receive e- statements. Remember to use the timer on your TV or stereo if you are in the habit of falling asleep to entertainment. Be careful not to leave a trail. Careless littering can cause harm to the environment. Keep a box near your office printer to recycle documents that can be printed on again. Save money and cut down on packaging waste. Choose concentrated or bulk powdered dishwashing soap over tablets. Many foods come in jars and containers that can be reused again for other storage needs. Think before you toss. Make your own note pads out of scrap paper. Reduce waste by replacing your disposable coffee filters with a reusable wire mesh type. Odd shaped fruits and veggies generally taste the same. By choosing them you can save them from being tossed away. Allowing your hair to dry naturally is not only better for your hair, but saves $ time & energy. Whenever possible use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway, patio and paths. Some solvents used in dry-cleaning are toxic. Many dry cleanable items can be hand washed. Thoroughly check your computer document before you print to prevent waste of paper and ink. Eat before you shop. You’ll buy less if you’re not hungry, which will cut down on costs and food waste. Take reusable and/or cloth bags when shopping. Only run the dishwasher when full. Save water and energy by filling space in your toilet tank with a jug full of pebbles. Fill your sink to wash dishes instead of running the water. Wipe down the rings of your electric cook top with a damp cloth (when cool) to insure heating efficiency. Create a home shut down routine - lights, appliances, electronics & chargers. (Don’t forget a kiss goodnight). If you need to leave lights on while you´re away, be sure to use timers and energy efficient bulbs. While at work, use a reusable cup at the coffee maker and the water cooler to cut down waste and product cost. Installing sprinklers? For greener grass and more green for you, consider drip irrigation instead. Be safe. Driving at 55 instead of 70 is safer and provides 25% more fuel efficiency. Make room for the lovely gifts received over the holiday season by donating some gently used items. By using a bucket and sponge when washing your car, instead of the hose, you can save up to 20 gallons of H2O. Wipe down your aluminum foil and reuse it if possible, or recycle it. Car rental need? Rent a hybrid. Less gas saves $ and the carpool lane saves time. Modern engines don’t need time to warm up. Get going and avoid air pollution. Unplug. Some electrical appliances can use the same amount of energy in standby as when being used. Purchase your holiday greeting cards from a non-profit organization or a company that uses recycled paper goods. If choosing prefab logs, try the ones made from recycled coffee grounds. Make garland for your mantle or stairway out of all the lovely cards you are receiving. Purchase a potted holiday tree. From the heart and the hands - Try making your holiday presents this year. When possible, choose products with less packaging when purchasing this holiday season. Get every last bit. Squeeze, cut, turn upside-down and water down your beauty products before deeming them empty. Put on a sweater, cover up with a soft blanket or cuddle up before you turn that heater up. Paying bills online can save on time and paper waste. Recycle with efficiency by crushing your cans before putting them in their proper bins. Cut up your old towels, sheets and T"s to use for cleaning and car wash rags. When recycling your glass bottles and containers, be sure to remove lids, caps and corks. Remember the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Replace your aerosol products by choosing a reusable pump container option of the same product. Whenever possible sweep down your driveway rather than using the hose. Save on water and run off effects. Take a weekend field-trip to a favorite park and bring along a bag for a trash scavenger hunt. Schools are hungry for free art supplies. See what can be recycled for their use - bottles, cans, paper, magazines, boxes etc. Save time, energy and transportation costs by consolidating your errand running into a weekly trip. To ward-off hand delivered advertisements & junk mail, place a no junk mail sticker or sign on your box. Squash your trash and minimize landfill space and bag waste. Not to mention the number of walks to the can. Simply be Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving! Choose organic. The benefits to your body and the environment far out weight the slight cost increase. Let nature get rid of ants, by sprinkling red pepper or coffee grounds at their source. Opt to shower. Showering conserves 1/3 more water and energy than bathing. Stop junk mail waste. Call your credit card companies and ask them to stop sharing your mailing information. Switch to florescent bulbs. They last 10 times longer than regular bulbs. Buy reusable batteries. You´ll save $ and energy use. Use a home H20 filter to get that bottled water taste right from your tap. Save $ and plastic bottle waste. A low-flow showerhead can help cut down on water waste. To insure safety and economy, check tire pressure and adjust, as needed, on a regular basis. Cut on waste and fancy up your table. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Look to purchase more recycled everyday items, such as paper towels and copy paper. Purchase a washable lunch tote for the kids. Conserve by turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving. Switch off the dry cycle on your dishwasher to save energy. Don’t let jack-o-lanterns go to waste. Compost your pumpkins. Whenever possible run your clothes washer on the cold or warm settings instead of hot. Read your daily newspaper on line today. Save some energy and have some fun. Enjoy a candle lit dinner. Save printer ink, paper and $ by setting your printer to draft mode and printing your docs double-sided.