Buying or making reusable bags. Leave a couple in your car/on your bike for shopping. Tuck a small one into your purse for unplanned trips to the grocery store. Asking your local grocery store to replace plastic bags with recycled paper bags or cardboard boxes. Even “biodegradable” plastic bags can end up in landfills, where they don’t break down properly. This makes them just as dangerous as regular plastic. [2] X Research source
If your plastic is not considered to be food-safe, you can recycle it or reuse it for arts and crafts. For example, plastic tubs are great for storing water to rinse paintbrushes with.
If you have a choice between paper or plastic bags, stick with paper. Of course, it would be even better if you brought your own bags. Some restaurants and take-out places will allow you to bring your own food containers. Ask ahead of time if this is possible.
Buying food from your local farmer’s market. Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Growing your own food.
For example, most recycling plants won’t recycle tissues, wax paper, or polystyrene. Unless they offer single-stream recycling, you’ll likely have to separate paper, plastics, glass, and metals. [7] X Research source In some cities, recycling plants pay money for aluminum cans. Search online to see if your city offers this service. If it does, look for what kinds of aluminum cans are accepted. For example, some centers accept beverage cans but not pet food cans. [8] X Research source
LEDs are brighter than incandescent bulbs. If you’re sensitive to bright lights, look into fitting your lamps with darker lamp shades. For ceiling fixtures, consider installing LED-compatible dimmers. [9] X Research source
Keep the lights off in rooms that you are not currently using. On sunny days, open the curtains for some free solar lighting. Consider switching to timers or motion sensors if you need lights on in unused areas for security or safety reasons. This is great for garden pathways. Use dimmers and less lighting later at night to help your body get ready for sleep. Switch to smaller, energy-efficient lights. If you’re reading or sewing, use a desk lamp rather than a ceiling lamp.
If you have multiple electronics in, consider using a power strip. This way, you can simply turn the strip off to cut the power.
Insulate your home with weather stripping, caulk, and eco-friendly insulation. This will prevent cold winter air and hot summer air from making your home uncomfortable.
Clothes dryers can be rough on clothing. By switching to air drying, you may find that your clothes last longer.
Don’t worry about germs surviving in cool water. As long as you’re using soap, you’ll still kill germs. [13] X Research source
Solar panels come in a variety of sizes for rooftops and yards. [16] X Research source If you prefer wind power, you can build or buy a turbine small enough for your backyard. [17] X Research source If you’re an apartment/condo dweller or if you rent your home, look into buying offsets. Check online for power companies that match your energy consumption with clean power. You can stay with your current utility company, and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. [18] X Research source
If your community doesn’t have bike lanes/cycleways, contact your city council and campaign for them to be added. Remember to practice good safety habits. If you are traveling in a dark area, have a reflector on you so that cars and other vehicles can see you. Wear a helmet when you bike.
If your city doesn’t have mass transit, try to organize a carpool or vanpool in your neighborhood. This can reduce fossil fuel consumption by taking up to 15 vehicles off the road. [21] X Research source
If you live in a location that relies on coal-based electricity, you’ll still be using fossil fuels when you charge your car. However, you can reduce your impact by charging overnight when the grid is under less pressure. [24] X Research source
For business trips, ask your employer if you can telecommute instead of flying. The company will save money on airfare, and you’ll cut back on your carbon footprint. If you have family members who live thousands of miles away, download video chat software like Skype. If your relatives also have it installed on their computers, you can talk for hours “face-to-face” without spending money or burning fossil fuels. [26] X Research source
A great way to spread information is by going door-to-door. If you want to hand out pamphlets, make sure that you use recycled paper. Consider hosting a meeting or presentation at a community center so that you can educate a bunch of people at once.
If you are still a kid, consider talking to your school principal or student council. They may find solutions for saving energy and paper.
For example, if your bank or credit card company funds these projects, tell them you will do business with more responsible companies if they don’t divest.
