Eco-Friendly Tips
Yearly
- Turn off lights, use energy-efficient bulbs, and unplug electronics or unused appliances
- Purchase efficient appliances with an Energy Star rating
- Wash clothing in cold water and hang it to dry
- Prolong clothing life by reducing fabric wear caused by dryers
- Walk, bike, use public transit, or carpool
- Increase your car’s fuel economy by avoiding rapid acceleration or excessive braking
- Conserve water to reduce energy requirements and carbon emissions
- Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving
- Switch to green power and research your power company (wind, water, coal, or solar)
- Review renewable resources through PApowerswitch.org
- Recycle packaging and consumer goods
- Purchase items with minimal and recyclable packaging
- Call 800-RECYCLE or visit Ecology’s recycling site
- Dispose of electronics in an environmentally responsible manner
- Recycle or re-purpose clothing and household goods
- Recycle newspaper, plastic, glass, and metal
- Use a chipper to grind up branches and yard waste for mulch or compost
- Compost kitchen waste
- Be aware of tick season
– According to the CDC, 2017 has been the worst in several years
– A milder winter in 2016 has caused a surge in the mouse population
– Mice carry Lyme and ticks feed on mice - Use low-phosphate liquid and washing powders
– Phosphates stimulate algal growth when discharged into the water supply
– Phosphates lower oxygen levels, as well as kills plants and fish - Buy local, or better still, grow your own food
- Buy from companies with eco-friendly policies
- Eat no meat or animal products at least once a week
– Studies estimate that production of a 1/4 lb. of beef requires 460 gallons of water
– There are also effects from methane - Reduce reliance on plastic, especially avoid plastic straws
- Refuse plastic bags or reuse/recycle the bags
- Reuse cloth bags (in the U.S., nearly 14,000 trees are cut each year for paper bags)
- Carry a mug to avoid disposable cups in landfills
- Save files electronically – think twice before printing
- Make gifts of experience or service to create a more meaningful (less stressful) holiday
Seasonal
SPRING
- Plant a tree for shade and removal of carbon from the atmosphere
- Select plants that are suited to your climate and require minimal watering
- Start a compost heap to reduce waste to landfill sites
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Eliminate or reduce chemical fertilizers
- Use an efficient irrigation system
- Mulch around plants to conserve water
- Participate in Earth Day activities
- Become informed about your local watershed
- Collect rainwater for watering plants
SUMMER
- Use fans to circulate air
- Set air conditioners to make your home comfortable (not icy cold)
- Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use non-chemical sunscreen
– Sunscreen chemicals kill coral reefs
– These chemicals have led to lymphoma in humans and dogs - Use solar panels – they are effective even in areas without extreme sunshine
FALL
- Don’t sweep leaves and clippings into the street
– Clippings in storm drains causes algae growth in local water sources
– Pesticides in the grass can harm fish - Compost yard waste
- Burn dry wood – wet wood releases pollutants into the air
- Never burn treated wood, magazines, color newsprint, plastics, or garbage
- Purchase reusable stainless steel containers for packed lunches
WINTER
- Wrap gifts in fabric and tie with ribbon – both are reusable
- Insulate your home and pipes
- Purchase window coverings to keep in warmth and seal any existing cracks
- Reduce your thermostat by 3.5° F and lower water heater temps to 120° F
- Decorate with earth-friendly trees
- Prevent pollution when camping or skiing
- Reduce fuel in gasoline-powered lawn mowers or garden equipment