The Little Things

Here are a few suggestions on how to live a GREENER life. We advise to try to accomplish one from each category. A little bit of effort can go a long way!

Utilities

· Get a home energy audit: In a way, your house needs to go on a diet. Cutting back with prevent a heart stopping PECO bill

·      Buy a solar charger for gadgets

·      Use power strips and unplug electronics not in use

·      Minimize A/C use this summer

·      Buy green energy – Wind energy is clean, fuel- and pollution-free. PECO works with residents and businesses to provide wind-, solar-, and hydro-powered energy

·      Cover old, drafty windows with plastic

Laundry

· Hang wash outside on nice days

·      Limit/Cut out dry cleaning

·      Wash loads in cold water

·      Use low-impact detergent

Kitchen

· Choose appliances that run on natural gas

·      Compost scraps

·      Limit disposable products like paper and plastic

Groceries and Meals

· Use to-go mugs

·      Take reusable bags to grocery store

·      Support local restaurants and growers

·      Purchase seasonal produce

·      Buy dried goods in bulk

·      NO BOTTLED WATER

·      Introduce more crockpot meals into the week

·      Use propane to power grill – Burns cleaner

Mail

· Stop junk mail

·      Pay bills online

·      Cancel magazine subscriptions that have online counterparts

·      Invites and memos online

Clothes

· Arcadia Boutique (arcadiaboutique.com) – Philly eco-friendly clothing hot spot

·      Embrace polyester

·      Wear hemp, wool, and bamboo

Childcare

· Cloth diapers at home, disposable on the go

·      Breast-feed

· Organic baby food

·      Organic bedding, sheets, blankets, toys, bath products

Pets

· Visit the shelters

·      Toys and accessories from recycled materials and sustainable fibers

Office

· Optimize energy settings on computer

·      Use recycled printer paper

·      Double-sided printing

·      Recycle old electronics

·      Reuse shipping boxes and packages

Commuting

· Hybrids/ Refurbished cars that run on biodiesel and vegetable oil

·      Carpool

·      Get tune ups

·      WALK, BIKE, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

In the Community

· Get involved in a community project

·      Recycling and hazardous waste events

Source: Green Guide ’08