50 Ways to take care for CreationNovember 22, 2019 Vinnie's Green Team
- Avoid single use products such as plastic or Styrofoam cups, bottles, cutlery, straws.
- Use reusable bags for shopping. Recycle plastic ones at most grocery stores.
- Refill a reusable water container instead of buying bottled water.
- Ride a bike or walk instead of driving.
- Buy fair trade products that are ethically and sustainably sourced.
- Turn off the car engine if sitting idle for more than 10 seconds.
- Use washable napkins at meal times.
- Bring your own coffee mug to the local café. Some even give discounts.
- Take part in a community garden. Save unused water for plants.
- Carpool with a group to an event.
- Buy only what you need. Buy local. Buy ethical. Buy organic.
- Organize a neighborhood clean-up on your street or community park.
- Choose energy-certified appliances and products.
- Go to the library instead of buying books, DVDs and CDs.
- Start a compost bin in your backyard. It’s easier than you think.
- Buy produce/goods with little or no packaging.
- Rent a boat without a motor: a kayak, row boat, canoe and get some exercise.
- Reduce junk mail by opting out. Go paperless and subscribe online.
- Pick up litter when you see it.
- Donate unwanted blankets, towels, pillows or stuffed toys to an animal shelter.
- Water your grass at cooler times of the day, such as morning or evening.
- Minimize water use when brushing teeth, cleaning and washing dishes.
- Be mindful of animals and their habitats when exploring the outdoors. Do not touch or remove them.
- Ban Styrofoam. It contains a known carcinogen. Use plant-based products.
- Plan a volunteer or ecologically-focused vacation.
- Buy wood products, cards and paper FSC certified or responsibly sourced.
- Buy fresh, local, unpackaged food with real ingredients and no chemicals.
- Take unwanted clothing and other items to a donation center.
- Recycle used electronics and video games at Best Buy. Bestbuy.com/recycle.
- Have a picnic with reusable plateware and utensils and cloth napkins.
- If you can’t recycle it, don’t buy it.
- Avoid gas spills, yard chemicals and other street run off that goes into storm drains and ultimately into lakes and rivers.
- Donate unwanted furniture to a refugee center or Restore. Habitat.org/restores.
- Dispose of hazardous cleaning agents, oils and paint at Hazardous Drop Off or Recycle Center.
- Repurpose used hand wipes for house cleaning chores.
- Buy from companies with eco-friendly, sustainable and ethical practices.
- Buy free-range eggs or local farm eggs, meat and even milk. Check out local delivery options from local farms.
- Donate unused paint to a school or charity project. Dispose of properly, not in sinks or drains.
- For Halloween and costume parties, make your own with vintage or borrowed items.
- Supply a recycle bin at your next community event.
- Use natural wrap, reusable fabric or recycled material for wrapping gifts. Avoid metallic décor paper; it’s not recyclable.
- Frequent restaurants that offer fresh foods from local farms. Visit Eatwell-guide.org.
- Try a mixture of vinegar and water with lemon for a fresh biodegradable cleaning agent.
- Subscribe to Earth911.com for the latest news on recycling.
- Recycle or dispose of batteries properly; they may have toxic contents.
- Buy plates, cups and utensils made from earth-friendly, sustainable or plant-based materials.
- Recycle old appliances, vacuum cleaners, answering machines and more at your electric retailer.
- Take baths less frequently and shorten your shower time.
- Calculate your ecological footprint on the planet at earthday.org/footprint-calculator.
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