Free Mulch

Leave grass clippings on the yard after mowing.

How it helps
Grass clippings will decompose where they are, enriching the soil as a natural mulch. Not only will that improve the health of your lawn, but will also cut energy usage by keeping the garbage truck from having to process and transport something that really isn't waste.

Make the change
This works best if the grass hasn’t stuck together in clumps like it does on a damp day. If your grass clumps, give it a day to dry out and then rake or spread it over the lawn manually.

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Packaging’s Second Life

Buy products that use recycled packaging instead of packaging made from virgin resources.

How it helps
Packaging is mostly a waste in general, but at least recycled packaging utilizes less energy to produce than packaging produced for the first time.

Make the change
Look for a symbol on your packaging that denotes that it was made from recycled paper or plastic. Many cereal boxes have been recycled.

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Free Tupperware

Use washable plastic packaging (such as yogurt containers) for storing leftover food in the refrigerator.

How it helps
Not only will you be giving new life to packaging that would otherwise be tossed out, you are avoiding having to use disposable boxes, plastic wraps, or aluminum foil to store your food.

Make the change
Once you start using these nice plastic containers, you won’t go back. It is a mystery how Tupperware has been able to stay in business after the invention of the yogurt container.

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Bags go Back

Take grocery bags back to stores that offer bag recycling programs.

How it helps
If you have no other ways to use the bags that you accumulate from grocery shopping, take them back to turn in at stores that accept bags for recycling. At least making bags from old bags takes less energy than making entirely new bags.

Make the change
Keep an eye peeled for bag recycling collection containers when you enter your favorite grocery store. If they don’t have them, ask if they plan on starting.

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Other Men’s Treasure

Have a garage sale to give a new life to items that you no longer use.

How it helps
Just like any technique that reuses items that have already been made and introduced into society, garage sales help people get what they need without contributing as much carbon to the atmosphere.

Make the change
Clean out your house. Most likely you will be surprised at the many useful yet unused items you find there to sell at your garage sale.

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Rentals Rule

Rent tools that you use infrequently instead of purchasing them.

How it helps
It is not worth the energy investment to buy tools or machinery that you do not have to use on a very frequent basis.

Make the change
You can rent anything these days. Major hardware and home improvement stores can rent you all but the most specialized equipment. Renting also frees up storage space in your garage and basement, which is another nice advantage.

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Lend Literature

Lend books, newspapers, and magazines to friends and family when you are finished reading them.

How it helps
If we all pass around reading material, everyone won’t feel the need to have his or her own individual copies of each work. Printing books uses energy and paper, giving off wastes that contribute to global climate change.

Make the change
Take notice of who in your social circle reads what and then bring appropriate materials with you when you happen to be seeing that person.

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Buy Recycled Paper

Buy recycled paper products.

How it helps
From notebooks to stationary to gift wrap, buy paper products made from recycled paper. Recycling paper saves trees that help to keep our atmosphere healthy and reduces the overall amount of energy required to produce these products.

Make the change
Look at the label. At first you may have to spend a few minutes reading, but soon you will become familiar with the brands that make recycled products.

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Patch it Up

Mend clothing instead of throwing it away.

How it helps
A missing button or a fallen out hem can be mended for a much lower energy cost than producing an entirely new article of clothing.

Make the change
If you are not skilled in the art of mending, don’t worry. A poorly sewn on button looks virtually the same to an outside observer as an expertly sewn on button. The only cure for this is time and practice.

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Cloth Napkins

Use cloth napkins and rags around the house.

How it helps
Disposable paper napkins and paper towels must be produced over and over, consuming energy and giving off carbon emissions each time. Cloth napkins and rags will only need the energy required to wash them between uses.

Make the change
Buy a package of cloth napkins or make them from leftover fabric scraps.

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Potting Plants

Keep potted plants in your house, on your desk at work, or on your patio.

How it helps
Plants naturally filter the air. They may also serve as a good reminder of why you have bothered to implement all of your efforts to reduce global warming.

Make the change
Look for plants that thrive indoors. If you won't remember to water them, get varieties that require less care.

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Not Just on Arbor Day

Plant trees and shrubbery in your yard.

How it helps
Plants of all kinds naturally recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is good news for Earth and us.

Make the change
Ask a nursery specialist to point you toward hardy varieties that are appropriate for your area.

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Compost

Compost leftover food scraps and other biodegradable waste like grass clippings.

How it helps
Composting makes more fertile soil so earth-friendly plants can grow and help to offset carbon emissions.

Make the change
Find an area of your yard where you can compost and get to it.
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Double Dip

Use the back side of paper for scrap paper rather than throwing it out.

How it helps
Making full use of paper before you recycle it uses less energy and less trees, therefore reducing your carbon footprint.

Make the change
Designate a location for scrap paper and label it so that you will have it handy when you want to make a note or list.

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