Earth Friendly Water Tips
Water is a precious resource. Use it with reverence & respect on your earthly journey. |
1. |
Before pouring water down the drain, think of other uses for it like watering plants. bottled water or running the faucet until water is cold. |
2. |
Store cold water in the refrigerator instead of buying. |
3. |
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. |
4. |
Wash only full loads of laundry or use the correct setting and water level for the load size. |
5. |
Scrape dishes rather than rinse before loading the dishwasher and wait to wash until it’s full. |
6. |
Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation. |
7. |
Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down. |
8. |
Water your lawn and garden early or late to minimize evaporation. |
9. |
Take shorter showers (3-5 minutes) instead of tub baths. |
10. |
Mulch trees, bushes, and gardens to retain moisture in the soil and reduce weeds.
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11. |
Plant native or drought-tolerant grasses, ground cover, shrubs, and trees. |
12. |
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. |
13. |
Consider the purchase and use of rain barrels. (Gertens or www.gardeners.com/Shopping) |
14. |
When washing your car, park it on the grass, and use a trigger nozzle to conserve water. |
15. |
Water your garden and lawn less often but more thoroughly. |
16. |
Check your house for leaking pipes, toilets, and faucets and save on your water bill. |
17. |
Wash fruits and vegetables and rinse dishes in a half-filled sink rather than running water constantly. |
18. |
Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low flow model. |
19. |
When buying new utilities or fixtures, purchase water efficient models. |
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Earth Friendly Actions
Walk reverently and respectfully wherever you are on your earthly journey. |
1. |
Use reusable bags when shopping. |
2. |
Put on a sweater rather than turning up the thermostat. |
3. |
Avoid purchasing over-packaged items. |
4. |
Avoid unnecessary use of the car and combine errands into a single trip. |
5. |
Learn your ecological footprint at www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp |
6. |
Turn off the lights when rooms are not in use. |
7. |
Install a programmable thermostat in your home. |
8. |
Support wind energy and sign up for the Windsource program offered by
Xcel Energy (1-800-895-4999). |
9. |
Use a “green dry cleaner” (go to www.greenearthcleaning.com). |
10. |
For your next auto purchase, consider a fuel-efficient or hybrid car. |
11. |
Schedule an energy audit with your utility company. |
12. |
Install a saver switch on your air conditioner to reduce your energy consumption and monthly bill. |
13. |
For your next small-engine purchase (snow blower, lawn mower, etc.), consider electric or battery powered. |
14. |
Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat. |
15. |
Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop. |
16. |
Buy foods locally. Check out Eat Local Challenge and FoodRoutes to get started. Buy locally made products and locally produced services. Buy in season. |
17. |
Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star. |
18. |
Turn off electronics, unplug your cell phone charger from the wall, turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not using them. |
19. |
Recycle your newspapers. |
20. |
Car pool. Connect with other commuters at eRideShare. |
21. |
Consider a car sharing service like Zipcar. |
22. |
Ride a bike, walk, jog, or run. |
23. |
Go to your local library instead of buying new books. |
24. |
At holidays and birthdays, give your family and friends the gift of saving the earth. Donate to their favorite environmental group, foundation, or organization. |
25. |
Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you! |
26. |
Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible. |
27. |
If you use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners. |
28. |
Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper. |
29. |
Consider organic cleaning products like vinegar, borax, and baking soda. |
30. |
If you have a baby, consider using cloth diapers. To sign up for a diaper service to do the dirty work, check out the National Association of Diaper Services. |
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| Earth Friendly Actions for Kids |
1. |
Recycle bottles and cans. |
2. |
Turn off the lights in empty rooms. |
3. |
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. |
4. |
Help plant a tree or garden. |
5. |
Think of at least three more ways to save on water and electricity. |
