30 MORE Things to do Everyday for the Environment

A well known ancient Proverb says “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” What better way is there to be respectful our responsibility to our one home and our children by safeguarding their futures with our actions today? Here are 30 everyday actions that can help. 

1. Use motion sensor attachments on your lights to make sure they are off when not in use.

2. Start a compost bin for kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, and paper. Here are some instructions on how to start a compost pile.

3. Take showers instead of baths.

4. Put an egg timer next to your shower and limit your time to only 4-5 minutes.

5. Use vinegar and baking soda to clean your house.

6. Make sure your next appliance purchase is Energy Star approved to conserve energy.

7. Use a natural liquid soap like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds to wash your car.

8. Wash your car on the lawn in the summer to water the grass.

9. Politely refuse flyers that are being handed out on the street. Do the same for receipts you don't need to save and money envelopes at the bank.

10. Send online greeting cards and invitations to save paper.

11. When hosting a party with gift giving, request donations to a charity close to your heart, or in the case of a child, to their savings or college fund.

12. Collect rainwater to water indoor plants.

13. Collect and use gray water from your shower and washing machine too.

14. Buy rechargeable batteries and dispose of non-rechargeable batteries appropriately.

15. Save paper and do not print emails. If you need to save an email take a screen shot and save it to your computer as a picture file.

16. Reconsider having the newspaper delivered to your home everyday. Read it online instead.

17. Subscribe to magazines that offer digital subscriptions and read your favorite magazines online.

18. Ditch the dryer sheets and use homemade pouches of dried lavender.

19. Check the air pressure in your car tires frequently to make sure your car is running as efficiently as possible.

20. Fill an empty plastic milk jug (the half gallon size) with water and put them in your toilet’s reservoir to save water.

21. Use glass jars, food storage containers, baby bottles, and beverage containers to reduce the amount of plastic in your home.

22. When looking for new clothes try hosting swap party with friends and neighbors to see if you can exchange clothing instead of buying new.

23. Color your hair with natural colorants such as coffee grounds, lemons, beets, cinnamon, and tea.

24. Buy dental care products that do not contain fluoride.

25. When making your grocery list use a piece of scrap paper, the back of a junk mail flyer, or the back of a used envelope.

26. Grow your own garden and enjoy healthier, free food.

27. Invest in sturdy canvas or nylon reusable shopping bags.

28. Wear T-shirts with environmental slogans and promote social consciousness.

29. Make your own baby food. This saves money and eliminates packaging waste.

30. Ride a bike or walk to do errands if you can.

Every little bit counts!