| Becoming eco-friendly is a matter of taking small | | | | windows, doors and insulation. |
| steps. Making little changes in your daily lifestyle is | | | | If you live in a newer home, you can save by |
| easier than making big changes all at once. | | | | installing CFLs, compact fluorescent light bulbs. They |
| Here are some small steps you can start taking right | | | | use less electricity and last longer. |
| away. | | | | In some localities, the utility provider offers free |
| Recycle | | | | samples. |
| If you already recycle, that's good. If not, it's easy. | | | | Becoming eco-friendly could be as simple as turning |
| You need an extra trashcan specifically for recyclable | | | | off the lights when you leave a room or setting the |
| materials. If your trash service does not provide | | | | thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer, a |
| separate pickup for recyclables, you should be able to | | | | few degrees lower in the winter. |
| find a recycling location in your area. | | | | Anything that you do to reduce your electrically |
| All aluminum products are recyclable. Most plastics are | | | | usage will reduce your electricity bills. |
| too. | | | | Conserve Water |
| You can tell by the embossed insignia on the bottom | | | | Water conservation is a very important step. |
| of the container. Plastic bottles labeled HDPE are one | | | | Scientists have known for decades that water usage |
| of the biggest sources of trash in our landfills. | | | | would eventually exceed freshwater stores. If that |
| Soda, milk, detergent, shampoo and other bottles are | | | | happens, there will be no water for people to drink. |
| HDPE. Glass, newspapers and cardboard can be | | | | Reducing water usage in your home is an important |
| recycled as well. | | | | part of becoming eco-friendly. You can take shorter |
| Recycling reduces the need for new landfills, saves | | | | showers. Check for leaky faucets. Buy a low-flush |
| trees and conserves other natural resources. Just be | | | | toilet and water your lawn less often. |
| recycling your aluminum cans, you can help reduce | | | | The easiest first step might be to buy a water |
| CO2 emissions. | | | | purifier for your kitchen sink, especially if you |
| Take a Day Off from Driving | | | | currently buy bottled brands. |
| With just a little planning, you can designate one of | | | | Bottling companies waste a great deal of our |
| your days off as a no-driving day. Do the grocery | | | | freshwater. Many companies use the local public |
| shopping after work and schedule errands around | | | | water supply as their source. |
| your normal work hours. | | | | It may be hard to believe, but you could be buying |
| Driving less is one way of becoming eco-friendly. | | | | your own tap water in a plastic bottle. |
| You'll find out that you save money and actually | | | | There is no doubt that bottled water is essential for |
| enjoy your day off more. | | | | emergency situations. But, you can actually bottle |
| Make Your Home More Energy Efficient | | | | your own at home for less. |
| If you live in an older home, there may be lots of | | | | It's one of the best steps you can take towards |
| things you can do to reduce the amount of electricity | | | | becoming eco-friendly. |
| that you use in your home. You could upgrade | | | | |