What You Can Do

Reducing Use of Plastics

Reducing your Carbon Footprint

Reducing Use of Plastics

Reducing Use of Plastics
​
​Every item of plastic that has ever been created is still with us on the planet today. Plastic is polluting our environment, and by the year 2050, scientists believe that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Plastic designed to be used once then thrown away is a big part of this pollution problem.  We need to stop using single-use plastic wherever that is possible. Here are some ways do that:

​Refuse: plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic water bottles, and styrofoam cups
Reduce: purchasing goods packaged in plastic
Reuse: plastic containers whenever possible
​Recycle: what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse
​

• STOP USING PLASTIC STRAWS
  
• SKIP THE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. 
  
• Bring your own REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS
• Bring your own reusable mesh produce bags
• Use reusable beeswax food wraps
• Ditch the disposable razor
• Give up gum.  It's made from synthetic rubber, which is plastic
  
• Get the plastic off your face.  Face scrub is full of plastic beads.​
• Don’t buy body scrubs - those tiny beads are usually made of plastic
• Use cloth diapers
• Choose fruit and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic
• Use matches instead of ‘disposable’ lighters or use a re-fillable one
• Don’t use ‘single-use’ plates, knives, forks etc. Wash up after you eat.
• Wherever you can, choose liquid products that can be re-filled rather than bought new.​
• Don’t celebrate with balloon releases. The chances are the balloons will land in the ocean, choking seabirds, turtles and marine mammals
• Use crystal deodorants – they last far longer, are more effective and some even come with no plastic packaging at all
• Use good old-fashioned soap bars – it works as well as liquid soap and lasts longer
• Buy butter wrapped in paper instead of in a plastic tub ​
• Buy powdered laundry and dishwasher detergent in a box
• Buy toilet paper wrapped in paper, not plastic

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Reducing your Carbon Footprint

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

(adapted from globalstewards.org)
​Global warming is threatening the survival of life on our planet.  Warming temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent and severe storms are frequent reminders that we approaching a dangerous tipping point. Want to help slow the rate of global warming?  Here are some suggestions:

• ​Switch to a renewable energy option through your utility or a certified renewable energy provider (U.S. and Canada).
• Minimize driving by setting concrete reduction goals and walking, biking, carpooling and using public transit as much as possible. Set a goal of walking or biking anywhere within 2 miles of your home. Learn more​  ​

• Research the energy efficiency of large purchases as these offer the biggest opportunities to reduce your ongoing impact:
  1. ​Home (size, proximity to work/stores (check the walk score) and energy efficiency)
  2. Equipment and appliances (energy star)
  3. Autos (buy used, electric/hybrid, lowest emissions or choose a car-free lifestyle)
• Minimize purchases of new products, especially resource-intensive, heavy or heavily-packaged products.
• Embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Declutter your home and donate unneeded items to charity. Buy, borrow or rent used clothing, electronics, house decorations and furniture, cars and other products whenever possible.
• Reduce energy use. Quick steps:
  1. Buy efficient space heating/cooling and water heating
  2. Seal your heating and cooling ducts
  3. Keep up on regular equipment maintenance
  4. Add insulation and weatherstripping - especially for doors, windows, attic and attic door
  5. Buy energy efficient office equipment
  6. Get an energy audit
  7. Switch to LED lightbulbs
  8. Minimize use of fireplaces or wood stoves
  9. Unplug unused electronics to minimize standby power consumption
  10. Wash clothes in cold water and hang them to dry
  11. Check lights, appliances, and curtains every morning and night and anytime you leave home
  12. Install a programmable thermostat and don't set it too high or low​

• Buy locally sourced, organic, plant-based, unprocessed foods from local farmers (Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)), farmers markets, green restaurants and health food stores. Minimize food waste by planning out meals ahead of time and freezing as much as possible.​

• Reduce water use (buy low flow shower and faucet heads, water efficient toilets/washing machines/dishwashers, check for leaks, buy native drought-tolerant plants, etc.).
• Recycle as much as possible, even when travelling, and buy products with recycle-able/minimal packaging. Search online for ways to recycle hard-to-recycle items in your local community.
• Compost your food waste.
• Fly less and, when you do fly, purchase carbon offsets (select "Individual" then click on the airplane icon to view the airplane carbon calculator).
• Consider installing solar panels on your home.
• Choose low energy-intensive activities (i.e., hiking vs. sky diving, kayaking vs. powerboats, electric vs. gasoline-powered yard equipment).
• Choose green hotels and encourage hotels you visit to green their practices.