Green Tips
2018
Jan. 8 - Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. For each person who builds this new habit, four gallons of water a minute is saved. That’s up to 50 gallons of water per person per week –or 200 gallons a week for a family of four! (Source: NC State Sustainability Blog://bit.ly/2yZowv2)
Jan. 15 - When your lightbulbs burn out this year, replace them with ENERGY STAR–qualified products. Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or lightbulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified products helps the environment and can save you up to $70 a year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75% less heat; uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer. (SOURCE: ENERGY STAR, //bit.ly/2aFzSGK)
Jan. 22 - When shopping, make all of your purchases intentional. Keep a running list going at home; it'll help you plan your shopping so you'll need fewer trips to the store, and you'll be able to resist impulse purchases while you're there. Purchasing only what's really needed produces benefits on several fronts - you'll consume less, create less waste, reduce auto emissions AND save money! (Source: Chartered Committee on Environmental Ministry)
Jan. 29 - Reduce food waste – leave the skins on potatoes, carrots and cucumbers, all of which are fine to eat with a good scrub. One-third of the food raised and prepared on the planet does not get consumed. By helping reduce food waste, you also help reduce landfill waste and the greenhouse gases it produces. (Source: Chartered Committee on Environmental Ministry)
Feb. 5 - Use a reusable water bottle. It’s great to stay hydrated, and reusable water bottles can help your health, the environment AND your bottom line. Even at a cost of $1 per disposable bottle, saving that dollar every time you refill your reusable version can easily add up to hundreds of dollars saved each year. Not to mention the hundreds (or thousands!) of disposable plastic bottles it will keep out of the landfills. (Source: NC State Sustainability Blog: //bit.ly/2FNqZrM; Penn State Sustainability Institute: //bit.ly/2sdfMz3)
Feb. 12 - Substitute vegetable protein for meat as often as you can.Vegetarians are said to save approximately 1.6 tons of annual carbon emissions compared to meat lovers! This estimate includes emissions from food that is eaten, wasted by consumers and lost in the supply chain. (Source: ERS/USDA, //shrinkthatfootprint.com/food-carbon-footprint-diet)
Feb. 19 - Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Waiting until the load is full makes the most efficient use of your dishwasher's energy and water consumption. It can also prevent 100 pounds of carbon pollution and save you $40 on your energy bill every year. (Source: The EPA Blog, //bit.ly/2EuKzgz)
Feb. 26 - Avoid soaps and toothpaste with microbeads. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic, and they aren’t filtered out by waste water treatment plants. This means they end up polluting the ocean and are a threat to marine life. Just one shower can contribute 100,000 plastic particles, leading to an estimated annual release of 95 tons of microbeads into the environment. Happily, a lot of companies are phasing them out, so you have help in avoiding them. (Source: Clean Bodies of Water,//bit.ly/2o1n6t0, //bit.ly/2bDBmVO)
Mar. 5 - Unplug gadgets not in use. Not only is powering off your gadgets great for the devices, it’s also great for the planet. Unplug chargers not in use instead of letting them dangle from the outlet. There’s more good news beyond helping the planet; the U.S. Department of Energy says that adopting these practices will save you up to $100 annually on your energy bill. (Source: greenne.com - //bit.ly/2Ff8DTZ)
Mar. 12 - If you're the last one out, turn off the lights when leaving the room. Make it your philosophy; not only will you save electricity (and money) when you turn off lights, it will serve as an example to others and remind you to be an energy saver in other ways. Added bonus: you can use some of the savings to replace old bulbs with new, more energy efficient options! (Source: //bit.ly/2Fvxd43)
Mar. 19 - Use "green" cleaning products to tackle your spring (and everyday) cleaning. Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthful conditions in the home and workplace. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthful indoor environment. For safer cleaning products, look for products that meet the EPA Safer Choice Standard. (Source: EPA, //bit.ly/1NDqs7H)
Mar. 26 - Add native plants to your garden or potted plants. (If you don't have a gardening space of your own, volunteer for your church's community garden or ask to start one!) Not only will they look beautiful, but they will help those with whom we share the environment, as birds and other wildlife need sources of native food to survive. (Source: EarthShare, //bit.ly/2HwCOn9) Sources to help you identify plants native to your region: NC Audubon Complete List of 400 Bird-Friendly Native Plants for North Carolina; U.S. Forest Service site Gardening with Wildflowers; National Wildlife Federation’s native plants database
Apr. 2 - Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe drinking bottle or pitcher. Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Keeping water in the fridge not only reduces waste, it saves time and makes staying hydrated easy as it's always ready to go! (Source: The Go Green Blog:https://bit.ly/2ur9AEL)
Apr. 9 - If possible, walk or ride a bicycle to get where you need to go. Not only is it good for your health, it's good for the planet, too. If you must drive, make fuel efficiency and care of your car a priority. For every gallon of gas you don't burn, you prevent 24 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. (Source: BrightHub.com, https://bit.ly/2ql83ui)
Apr. 16 - Plant a porch garden. Tomatoes will grow quite well in a (15 gal. or bigger) container, or you can grow them upside down. Herbs also grow in relatively little space and are a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. Basil, mint, thyme, oregano and parsely are all good bets and have a small footprint. (Source: ApartmentTherapy.com, https://bit.ly/2EPRg8d)
Apr. 23 - Open your windows! Unless allergies or pollution-related issues make it unhealthy to do so, opening your windows to air out your home is a better way to go than other air-freshening, odor-controlling options. Sure, cooking and other minor odors might need the help of a fan, but overall, outdoor air is the best freshener as it dilutes concentrations of odors and pollutants. Ideally, homes should be aired out daily all year round. Even 5 minutes a day makes a HUGE difference to the quality of air inside your home. (Source: EvolvingWellness.com, https://bit.ly/2nobPEb)
Apr. 30 - Want to get involved in gardening, but don’t have the space for it? Enjoy the outdoors and explore where your food comes from by volunteering at a local farm, urban or community garden, or farmers market. It is a great way to contribute to the local food movement and do something active and rewarding. If your church doesn't have a community garden and you want to find others in your area, check out North Carolina Community Garden Partners, a great resource to find local gardens across the state. (//www.nccgp.org/)
May 7 - Instead of flower bouquets this Mother's Day, opt for something plantable. While flowers are a great way to show how much we love our moms, bouquets don’t last very long. Try a flower or plant that can live in a pot. Another option: trees, shrubs or perennials can all be planted in the ground to thrive and bloom - and be enjoyed - for many Mother's Days to come. (Source: David Epstein/Boston.com: https://bit.ly/1WdBlGX)
May 14 - Purchase seasonal produce, and eat locally sourced food whenever possible. Local food is fresher and tastes better than food that has traveled thousands of miles. It also creates a smaller carbon footprint and helps maintain farmland and green space. Money spent with local farmers, growers, artisans and locally owned purveyors and restaurants also supports the local economy. (Source: The Spruce Eats: https://bit.ly/2IlfXMm)
May 21 - Hang laundry to dry instead of using a dryer. In the warm months, hang clothes outside. In the cold months, hang it inside to humidify your house when the heating is on. You'll breathe easier as well as save energy and wear on your clothes - both of which are great money savers! (Source: Grist.org; https://bit.ly/2KxYb9d)
May 28 - Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides can harm the very organisms (like toads, wasps, birds and more) that protect and enrich your vibrant garden. They can contaminate groundwater as well, which has been linked to serious illnesses. Learn organic gardening methods like - yes - organic fertilizer, composting and companion planting to eliminate the need for chemicals. (Source: Earthshare.org, https://bit.ly/2HwCOn9; SustainableBabySteps.com, https://bit.ly/1EIf2uI)
June 4 - Support a local farmer; join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a form of direct marketing in which a community of individuals pledges to support a farm. When CSA members pay for a subscription to the farm, farmers provide members with a weekly share of the harvest. Members receive a variety of fresh, local produce (and other products) and have the satisfaction of knowing where their food comes from. Farmers, in turn, benefit by receiving funds upfront to buy seeds and inputs. Subscriptions have a wide range in price, product availability and delivery/pickup options. In addition to speaking with vendors at your local farmers market, other great places to get started are the USDA CSA directory and NC Farm Fresh.
June 11 - When shaving, fill the sink with a few inches of warm water instead of letting the water run. Not only will this approach rinse your razor just as well as running water, you can save as much as 100 gallons of water a week (Source: https://bit.ly/2Hu7zsB)!
June 18 - Take it easy while driving. As temperatures and gas prices rise, bring your driving aggression and speed down. Driving habits like speeding and rapid acceleration/deceleration waste gas and cost you money. Leave as much space as you can between you and the cars around you for smooth and steady speed control, and avoid idling and heavy cargoes when you can. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. (Source: EPA, https://bit.ly/1kpDsEP)
June 25 - Use the library! There's no need to buy every book you want to read; libraries often have the book you want or they can get it for you. Check the internet for access to books, CDs and DVDs - you'll save money, paper and the energy it takes to transport books to stores. (Source: Metroactive.com, https://bit.ly/2Kery3Z)
July 2 - Water your lawn only when it needs it. A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil. Most lawns need only about 1" of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water (and you money). (Source: Eartheasy.com, https://bit.ly/2GMlw95)
July 9 - Set appliances and lights on a timer. Because most energy sources require burning fossil fuels, the less energy you use, the greener you are. Control is in your grasp; set your appliances and lights on a timer to turn off after a certain period of inactivity, and remember to unplug appliances when not in use. (Source: https://bit.ly/1hYq3OF)
July 16 - Keep up with what's in your refrigerator and make sure nothing spoils. Roughly one-third of food produced every year gets lost or wasted. So be mindful when you shop; planning ahead and shopping with lists are great ways to help you purchase only what you need, reducing the chance of waste. Keep an eye on expiration dates and make sure you use products before they go bad. And once a week, get creative to use up vegetables and other leftovers; soups and casseroles are great ways to do it. (Source: MotherEarthNews.com)
July 23 - Create a safe, non-toxic home. Gather up all products in your house or garage that contain unsafe chemicals, and drop them off at your local hazardous waste facility (or at least commit to not replacing them). Switch to alternatives containing non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients; be sure to check for "green" certification labels, as some products labeled green aren't really. (Source: GlobalStewards.com; https://bit.ly/1EedNmX)
July 30 - Fix leaky faucets. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year (that's more than 180 showers!). You can save water AND money by taking the time to repair leaks, many of which need simple and inexpensive fixes that take only a few minutes. (Source w/links to leak-repair tutorials: EPA.gov, https://bit.ly/2nsOkc0)
Aug. 6 - Buy in bulk whenever possible. Product packaging is responsible for a lot of energy expended and emissions released to produce it and creates waste when the product is opened and used. Reduce the amount of packaging you use by avoiding single-serving, pre-packaged products (drinks, snacks, candy, etc.) and buying in bulk whenever possible. Bring your own bags to market and transfer bulk purchases to reusable containers. Last but not least, recycle or reuse whatever packaging you can. (Source: GlobalStewards.org, https://bit.ly/1EedNmX)
Aug. 13 - Avoid fast food. Several factors harmful to the environment result from the fast-food business model, including the methane produced by factory farming, the clear cutting of forests for grazing pastures and long-distance shipping. In addition, fast food packaging counts for an estimated 40 percent of all litter with styrofoam being the most common food waste. (Source: Metroactive.com, https://bit.ly/2Kery3Z)
Aug. 20 - Check home supplies before buying school supplies. As kids prepare to head back to school, check what you have at home before buying back-to-school supplies. Do you have pens, pencils, rulers and more already? Is last year's backpack still in good shape? Reusing or using up what you already have significantly reduces the amount of waste produced by unneeded shopping, and it helps create financial savings. (Source: SmallFootprintFamily.com, https://bit.ly/2tEFIUs)
Aug. 27 - Pack a lunch. Whether heading for school or work, pack a lunch instead of planning to purchase. It's not only a money saver for adults, it saves literally tons of garbage in the form of food and product waste from being produced. Remember to use reusable components, including lunchboxes, containers and thermoses, and if you must use something disposable, make it compostable. (Source: Earth911.com, https://bit.ly/2MAqFno)
Sept. 3 - Expand the carpool. The carpool approach is not just for rides to work and school - use it to collaborate with others on errands, trips to the store, chores and more. Whether by car, bicycle, on foot or by other modes of transportation, by planning and pooling your resources, you'll save time, reduce your carbon footprint, and deepen your relationships with friends and neighbors as you work together. (Source: //MotherEarthNews.com, https://bit.ly/2BumlBY)
Sept. 10 - Use less paper (and recycle more!). The third largest industrial emitter of global warming pollution is the pulp and paper industry. Recycling paper reduces emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming in three important ways: 1) paper recycling prevents methane emissions from landfills; 2) paper recycling leaves more trees standing so they can absorb more CO2; and 3) paper recycling requires less energy than manufacturing new paper. (Source: Paper Recycling Coalition: https://bit.ly/2MiAimD)
Sept. 17 - Bring some green to hurricane relief. As you respond to your neighbors affected by Hurricane Florence, consider helping to provide green options. Offer recycling bins or pick-up services to organizations collecting bottled water; encourage those around you to donate eco-friendly products (cleaning products, soaps, toothpaste) if those options are available. Long-term, work with rebuilding efforts to provide energy-efficient and green options like ENERGY-STAR lightbulbs and appliances or native plants for gardens. Remember even immediate relief efforts can be eco-friendly.
Sept. 24 - Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Frost buildup can decrease the efficiency of a refrigerator or freezer. If yours doesn't self-defrost, regularly defrosting and keeping frost levels at less than one-quarter of an inch can keep your units running as efficiently as possible. (Source: Energy.gov, https://bit.ly/2vrQxKM)
Oct. 1 - Grab a bucket. Put a bucket under the faucet to capture cool water while your shower (or other water) heats up. You can use the water for flushing the toilet or watering your plants and lawn. (Source: Care2.com, https://bit.ly/2ni16K6)
Oct. 8 - Seal air leaks. Using weather-stripping to seal drafts around windows and doors will cut your heating and cooling expenses and reduce the burning of fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing an old and especially drafty house can save more than 20% on heating and cooling bills. (Source: Energy.gov, https://bit.ly/2MkBnv9)
Oct. 15 - Leave leaves on the ground. Fallen leaves have a lot of benefit to wildlife and your garden. Many wildlife species live in or rely on the leaf layer, both for food and habitat. If you must rake up your leaves, don’t throw them in the trash. Compost them or drop them off at a municipal recycling center so they can be turned into compost. (Source: National Wildlife Federation, https://bit.ly/2NGHcCL)
Oct. 22 - Take it to church. With all the great new green habits you're developing this year, make sure a healthier eco-mindset is happening at church, too. Encourage simple practices that make a difference, and set a goal that (in time) your church will become a Zero Waste Church. Get started: https://bit.ly/2EAubv6
Oct. 29 - Your pumpkin isn't done after Halloween. After Halloween is over this week, there are lots of uses for your pumpkins that are easy and ecological. Here are nine ideas to get started: https://bit.ly/2Q4BDAb What are your favorite post-Halloween pumpkin uses?
Nov. 5 - Wash your clothes in cold water. Talk about making a difference! Washing your clothes with cold water cuts laundry energy by up to 90%. (Source: GlobalStewards.org, http://bit.ly/2SR2qlp)
Nov. 12 - Put your computer to sleep. Computers use a great deal of energy, so put them into hibernate or sleep mode whenever they're not in use. (Source: MotherEarthNews.com, http://bit.ly/2QDY13I)
Nov. 19 - Change your holiday shopping strategy. As the holiday shopping season officially gets under way, change up your strategy and consider a gift card or donation to a cause that has meaning to the gift recipient. Not only will you reduce waste and save energy (of every kind), in the case of a donation, you'll contribute to an organization doing good work in the world.
(BONUS: Use this idea for gifts you don't really want to buy, and obligation turns into elation knowing you're making a difference in a couple of great ways!)
Nov. 26 - Replace old incandescent holiday lights with ENERGY STAR® qualified LED light strands. They're brighter, budget-friendly (they're similar in cost to old lights) and eco-friendly (they use 70% less energy than traditional bulbs). They're safer (they run cooler) and reduce waste by lasting 10 times longer and having no filaments or glass to break. There are lots of great reasons to be energy efficient when you deck those halls this year! (Source: Energy.gov, http://bit.ly/2P6fArk)
Dec. 3 - Consider alternatives to traditional holiday cards. Want to connect with loved ones and friends this holiday season? Instead of sending paper cards, consider e-cards or even making the connection with a phone call! It will save paper, reduce waste, save energy, and you'll have the joy of knowing you're making a difference when sharing holiday good wishes. Techradar.com has some great recommendations beyond the familiar e-card providers.
Dec. 10 - Reuse holiday gift wrap. Despite good intentions to be good earth stewards, not all gift wrap is recyclable. But it CAN be reused in a variety of fun and easy ways, so if you find yourself unwrapping a gift of paper than can't be sent to the recycle bin, save it anyway and put it to a good new use! (Sources: Green Living Guide, http://bit.ly/2zRFUAF; WUNC, http://bit.ly/2SHf0CN)
Dec. 17 - Share! Over the last year, you've accumulated easy-to-implement tips that have (hopefully) changed some habits and thought patterns. Share them! Let folks know what tips you've tried and what's worked for you. It's easy to do - the whole list is in one easy-to-share place: http://bit.ly/2DKWsNz
2019
Jan. 7 - Take an eco-sabbath. For 2019, make a resolution that for one day or afternoon or even one hour each week, you won't buy anything, use machines or anything electric, cook, answer your phone or use resources in any way. In other words, for this regular interval, give yourself and the planet a break. Every hour per week you live with no impact cuts your carbon emissions by 0.6 percent annually. Commit to four hours per week, that’s 2.4 percent; do it for a whole day each week to cut your impact by 14.4 percent a year. (Source: YesMagazine.org, http://bit.ly/2FcqH1u)
Jan. 14 - Use reusable shopping bags. If you don't have one already, start your collection of reusable shopping bags, and remember to take them with you when you head to the store. Plastic shopping bags are an incredible source of litter (and can be destructive to wildlife) and have a surprisingly high cost in terms of the nonrenewal resoures required to produce them. (Source: SmallFootprintFamily.com, http://bit.ly/2ANMIjg)
Jan. 21 - Use reusable filters in your Keurig. We all love the convenience of our single-cup coffee makers, but those little plastic cups add a lot of waste to our landfills each year. Happily, we can continue to enjoy our single-cup coffees without adding to the waste by choosing to use reusable coffee filters. Low cost and available at most retailers, this simple choice can save enough plastic pods that laid end-to-end would circle the Earth a dozen times. (Source: Bangor Daily News, http://bit.ly/2FGWCaK)
Jan. 28 - Reuse your coffee grounds. When you're done enjoying that cup of coffee, don't be quick to dispose of the grounds. In addition to composting them, there are lots of great ways you can reuse them that are both effective and great for the environment. (Source: HelloHomestead.com, http://bit.ly/2S6t4ZE).
Feb. 4 - Boil only what you need. When boiling water in a kettle for your cup of tea or other hot drink, measure out the amount of water you actually need and boil only that. Boiling a whole kettle of water uses a lot of power, which wastes energy and money. A study in the UK concluded that if everyone boiled only the water needed to make a cup of tea instead of filling the kettle every time, the country could save enough electricity in a year to run nearly half of all the street lighting. (Source: The Guardian, https://bit.ly/2MSZDpa)
Feb. 11 - Show your love with local flowers. If flowers are in the plan for your Valentine this week, make sure your blooms are local. Not only will your gift's carbon footprint be smaller,you'll be supporting local farmers and the blooms will be brighter, fresher and fuller because they will be harvested closer to Valentine's Day. (Source: NC State, https://bit.ly/2SgAAlS)
Feb. 18 - Keep an extra travel mug/refillable cup with you. Whether it's stashing it in your car, the side pocket of a backpack or in a drawer or locker at work, keeping an empty travel mug or refillable cup with you means when you stop in for the unexpected cup of coffee - or the scheduled meeting where you forgot to bring your mug - you can still enjoy your favorite beverage without creating disposable cup waste (single-use cups and lids are not recyclable or compostable). (Source: onyalife.com, https://bit.ly/2DFoTer)
Feb. 25 - Whenever possible, go paperless. It may be hard to believe, but the average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of paper a year. Opt not to print whenever possible, and when it can't be avoided, print on both sides of the paper or in draft mode. (Source: World Wildlife Foundation: https://wwf.to/2OF7lTm)
Mar. 4 - Make a change for Lent. If you haven't yet incorporated eco-friendly changes into your everyday life, make a commitment to do so for Lent. You'll be amazed at how easily the change becomes a new habit, one you won't want to give up when Easter arrives. Need some ideas? Ideas for an eco-friendly Lent: Diocesan Tips to Go Green: https://bit.ly/2IPIxdu
Mar. 11 - Know the signs. With conversation turning "greener" every day, there are a lot of eco-friendly claims being made that aren't as friendly as you think. Get to know the signs, labels and certifications you can trust so you know your decisions are making the difference you want to make.
Mar. 18 - Plant a tree. National Arbor Day is April 26, but did you know every state has its own Arbor Day? North Carolina's is this Friday, March 22, so celebrate by learning more about the trees that grow best in our beloved state, the crucial role they all play in keeping our air breathable, and how you can help replenish the tree populations in communities close to home and around the world. (Source: Arbor Day Foundation: https://bit.ly/2XW2T8r)
Mar. 25 - Ditch disposable dust rags. With spring officially here, answer the annual urge to purge and clean with reusable rags instead of disposable dust rags and paper towels. Cloth diapers, cut-up t-shirts and old towels and washcloths all make excellent reusable options. (Source: TheGoodTrade.com, https://bit.ly/2HftwzL)
Apr. 1 - Get fit. It's no joke! While fitness is a common item on many lists, did you know it applies to green efforts as well? Physically active individuals, on average, spend less on medical costs than those who are more inactive. Making fewer trips to the doctor also means helping to reduce the 6600 tons of waste generated by U.S. hospitals every day in the form of food waste, paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastics. It's a win-win situation; take care of you AND your environment! (Source: Earth911.com, https://bit.ly/2piVv6l)
Apr. 8 - Use natural air fresheners. While there's no better air freshener than fresh air itself (open those windows!), if you want a more fragrant option, use common kitchen spices to make a delightful stovetop (and chemical-free) potpourri. Source: TheGoodTrade.com, https://bit.ly/2HftwzL)
Apr. 15 - Use real eggs. There's no denying Easter egg hunts are likely to be part of the upcoming weekend, so this year, consider using real eggs instead of the ever-popular plastic eggs. Kids can have a great time decorating AND finding their Easter treasures! (Source: Earth911.com; https://bit.ly/2pjUjj7)
Apr. 22 - Give thanks. In observance of Earth Day, take a moment and give thanks for the world and beauty around us, and join us in praying for guidance in the work we need to do to help our world heal:Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Apr. 29 - Choose your wash setting. If your washing machine allows you to do it, be sure to choose the size load you're actually washing. Using the minimum amount of water necessary will save water, money, and your clothes will get just as clean. (Source: World Wildlife Foundation: https://wwf.to/2OF7lTm)
May 6 - Bulk shop. With bulk shopping, you can save money and buy just the amount you need without worrying what you’ll do with the extra. It is a great way to cut down on food waste. Also, by using your own glass or stainless steel containers you can avoid single-use packaging materials and keep millions of pounds of them out of landfills. Search for stores in your area that allow you to purchase in bulk. (Source: ProgressiveGrocer.com, https://bit.ly/2GQETgm)
May 13 - Put a lid on the pot. Putting a lid on the stovetop pot can reduce energy use by up to two-thirds. Your food will also heat faster, so energy is not the only thing you will save! (Source: GreenGlobalTravel.com, https://bit.ly/2U0rMRX)
May 20 - Close the blinds. Closing (or opening) your blinds at different times of the day can have a great effect on energy savings. Close the blinds against summer sun and the heat it generates, and open them wide to the winter sun to capture all it has to offer. (Source: Hunker.com, https://bit.ly/30wNr3S)
May 27 - Check your HVAC unit. With the summer officially kicked off but the serious heat still to come, be sure your HVAC unit has the right amount of refrigerant. You will save electricity, carbon/fossil fuels and possibly your HVAC unit by maintaining proper refrigerant levels. Low levels cause your unit will work overtime to maintain your home's temperature. This includes the fan or blower on your unit which can double your summer energy bills, even when the unit is only maintaining your home’s temperature. (Source: https://bit.ly/2X4Mygw)
June 3 - Talk the talk. One of the best things you can do when communicating a message is to make sure everyone is on the same page. Take a minute and learn the lingo of environmental ministry to ensure your message is heard and understood. (Source: OprahMag.com, https://bit.ly/2O6nLVN)
June 10 - Plan to reuse hotel towels. When making your plans for summer vacation, be sure to make thinking green part of them. Check to see the hotel where you plan to stay includes towel reuse in their efforts to save water, and take them up on the offer. Laundry accounts for some of hotels' biggest water expenditures, and reusing your towels can reduce laundry loads (and the water used for them) by about 17 percent. (Source: Smithsonian.com, http://bit.ly/2I4Tjdl)
June 17 - Cancel the catalogs. Opt-out of any catalogs or subscriptions you don’t read or could read electronically instead. If you want to take it a step further, you can also opt out of receiving unsolicited junk mail by calling toll-free 1-888-567-8688 or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com (both are operated by the major consumer reporting companies). (Source: GreenGlobalTravel.com, https://bit.ly/2U0rMRX)
June 24 - Add a bird bath. Birds not only need water to drink, but they also love to clean their feathers. If you want to attract birds to the garden, your yard, your patio or balcony, all you need is just an inch or two of water depth. Birds prefer a bath where the water is no deeper than their legs. Bowls, shallow plates and platters can make a great water source for birds. (Source: GardenDesign.com, https://bit.ly/2wEpkFp)
July 1 - Forgo the (at-home) fireworks. Celebrate the 4th of July this year by foregoing the personal fireworks. Skip the safety risk and bad-news chemicals contained in home-version fireworks and attend a community event instead. Reduce your footprint a little bit more by carpooling (and enjoying the show) with friends and neighbors! (Source: SierraClub.org, https://bit.ly/2JVSUJ5)
July 8 - Use eco-friendly sunscreen. Protect yourself and the planet with sunscreen that's easy on the environment AND safe for you. Recent research suggests all sunscreens are not necessarily created equal, and some contain ingredients that fail to do the job they claim to do. Be sure to know the ingredients that are both effective and safe. (Source: USA Today, https://bit.ly/2VFPnmU)
July 15 - Give your appliances a vacation. Appliances can create a lot of heat in your home, so if you can avoid using appliances like stoves, dishwashers and dryers, you'll be surprised at the difference it makes. If they must be used, try using them early in the morning or in the evening when it's cooler - your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to bring the temperature back down. Last but not least, unplug any appliances not in use - believe it or not, they generate heat, too! (Source: GreenerIdeal.com, https://bit.ly/2WcR23A)
July 22 - Turn up the thermostat. It may seem like insanity to suggest it during a heat wave, but turning your thermostat up even just a little can go a long way toward saving energy. If you have one, take advantage of programmable thermostats to do the adjusting for you. (Source: DirectEnergy.com, https://bit.ly/2GpOwlz)
July 29 - Grab a broom instead of the hose to clean off your patio, sidewalk or driveway. It's a great way to save water. (Source: WaterUseItWisely.com, https://bit.ly/2Dqv1ZN)
Aug. 5 - Consider your microwave. In certain situations and at certain times of year, using your microwave instead of a stove or oven can save energy. According to the federal government’s Energy Star program, cooking or re-heating small portions of food in the microwave can save as much as 80 percent of the energy used to cook or warm them up in the oven. And when the differences in energy use are negligible, remember that refraining from stove or oven use can help keep your home cooler, which saves energy in another way in the summer months. (Source: ScientificAmerican.com, https://bit.ly/2HG96fl)
Aug. 12 - If you're planning a last-minute summer getaway, consider reducing the carbon emissions of your flights by avoiding layovers and redeyes. More takeoffs and landings use more fuel, and the pollution emitted on night flights has a magnified effect. In addition, packing light reduces the airplane's overall weight and increases fuel efficiency - plus you have less to carry through the airport! (Source: EarthShare.com, http://bit.ly/31sINmW)
Aug. 19 - If your toilet flapper doesn’t close properly, replace it. A leaky flapper can cost less than $5, but save more than 200 gallons per day. Source: City of Raleigh, http://bit.ly/31LiJDK)
Aug. 26 - Wash your dark-colored clothes in cold water. Doing so saves water and energy, plus it helps your clothes retain their color. It also protects the fibers in dark fabric while helping to preserve the fit of the clothes by preventing shrinkage, particularly along the seams. (SOURCE: wash.com, http://bit.ly/2U6CIu2)
Sept. 2 - Use natural cleaners that are not toxic to the environment. For example, use sodium bicarbonate to remove odors from refrigerators, carpets, and upholstery, use distilled white vinegar to clean windows, and use lemon juice to remove rust stains from materials and other stains from marble countertops, sinks, or clothes. (SOURCE: msn.com, http://bit.ly/2kseqx1)
Sept. 9 - Wrap it naturally. Instead of plastic wrap for saving or packaging food, use beeswax wrap. It is a natural alternative made from cotton coated in all natural beeswax, and it is completely food safe. The wrap can be washed and reused for about a year and then composted. (Source: MarthaStewart.com, https://bit.ly/2kcDng2)
Sept. 16 - Install a high-efficiency shower head. / Approximately 17% of indoor water usage can come from showering. Most shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) - that's 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower! Some cities like Raleigh offer a free 1.5 gpm high-efficiency shower head when you bring in an old one. Contact your city’s Public Works Department to find out if they are available. (Source: RaleighNC.gov, https://bit.ly/2kCJj2c)
Sept. 23 - Use the proper tools to reduce waste. According to the EPA, Americans disposed 37.6 million tons of food waste in 2015. The agency has designed a Food: Too Good to Waste (FTGTW) toolkit to assist households in implementing strategies to reduce food waste, keep food out of landfills and save money. Download the toolkit: https://bit.ly/1PI3HQQ (Source: EPA.gov, https://bit.ly/233TZFC)
Sept. 30 - Buy organic. Organic agriculture for both crops and animals is much more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. The approach uses crop rotations, manages pests naturally, diversifies crops and livestock, and improves soil health by using compost and other organic supplements. Organic approaches produce equally or more nutritious and healthier foods. (Source: agroecologia.net, https://bit.ly/2nbRPGm)
Oct. 7 - Spot the leak. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that most leaks within homes go undetected; however, 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Your water bill and meter are tools that can help you discover leaks. SmartWaterGuide.org has some great resources on how to discover, track and fix leaks (and more!): https://bit.ly/2he1W9D (Source: RaleighNC.gov, https://bit.ly/2kCJj2c)
Oct. 14 - Clean your coils. Cleaning your refrigerator coils is easy and should be done about once a year to save energy and maintain optimal efficiency. In newer refrigerators, the coils are generally located under the unit behind the toe plate. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source, and clean the coils with a vacuum or coil brush. (Source: WikiHow, https://bit.ly/31fdLi7)
Oct. 21 - Produce the produce bags. There are many alternatives to single-use plastic produce bags. They can be made from a variety of materials like muslin or mesh, which makes them durable, washable and a much better choice for eco-shoppers than the plastic bags pulled from your grocery store’s produce section. (Source: TreadingMyOwnPath.com, http://bit.ly/2p0QumP)
Oct. 28 - Put your pumpkin to good use. When Halloween is over, there are many ways you can extend your pumpkin's contributions far beyond being the coolest jack-o-lantern on the block. Whether they become compost or snacks for you or your forest friends, don't just throw them away. Doing so actually contributes to environmental issues, but there are ways you can turn them into a treat for the environment instead of a trick. (Source: emagazine.com, https://bit.ly/2JsZ056)
Nov. 4 - Switch from paper billing to online bill pay. There are many benefits to using electronic billing. In addition to saving time and money, payment reminders can be set so you will never miss a payment due date. By going paperless, according to PayItGreen.org, “if just 20% of American households switched to paperless billing, each year we would reduce gasoline consumption by 102,945,600 gallons, avoid 1,960,402 tons of greenhouse gases, and save 1,811,275 trees.” (Source: AutomaticFinance.com, https://bit.ly/2Ngg2FS)
Nov. 11 - Give your car a change-of-season checkup. Well-maintained vehicles are more fuel efficient and emit fewer emissions, so check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance and ways to maximize efficiency in cold weather. (Source: EarthEclipse.com, https://bit.ly/33uOOkl)
Nov. 18 - Plan ahead for Thanksgiving leftovers. One relatively easy way to reduce plastic use is to switch to glass storage containers. Large (pint and quart) wide-mouthed jars are useful for storing salad vegetables, while quart and half-gallon sizes work great for storing soups, sauces, broth and even leftover casseroles. Non-plastic options come in all shapes and sizes - find what works for you! NOTE: This tip is not to suggest you throw away any plastic storage you already have - no need to create waste - but if new containers are on your upcoming holiday shopping list, explore the myriad non-plastic options available. (Source: WellnessMama.com, https://bit.ly/36Phbfd)
Nov. 25 - Enjoy nine bonus green tips! This week we offer the Top 10 Tips for a green Thanksgiving. They're simple, easy and ideas we can use everyday. Which one will you employ? (Source: BigGreenPurse.com, https://bit.ly/2NvmdWI)
Dec. 2 - Feed the birds. A recent study published in the journal Science found North America has lost 30% of its bird population over the last 50 years, or about three billion birds. More than a hundred bird species supplement their natural diets with foods offered at feeders. They often rely most heavily on feeders in winter, when food is scarce. Offer high-fat seeds and nuts, such as black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts, as well as suet. (Source: Cornell University, https://bit.ly/2KTyS3R via TriStateBird.org)
Dec. 9 - Let nature be your decorator. Make some of your outdoor Christmas decorations as a family activity. The wildlife will benefit when you use natural edible materials. Make popcorn streamers that contain fruit like cranberries and also seeds, use bacon grease to make suet for the birds, and cover pine cones with a mixture of peanut butter and birdseed. Using natural materials will lower your carbon footprint and provide habitat and nourishment for wildlife during the cold winter weather. Using some of those same materials for indoor decor (perhaps not the bacon grease) can also help cut down on plastic use! (Source: U.S. Green Technology, https://bit.ly/2RmoS7l)
Dec. 16 - Make "a helping hand" your gift. If you're still looking for last-minute gift ideas, consider a helping hand as your gift. Give a donation to a good cause instead of a "thing" that will never be used. Or help someone get started on their own path to going green by getting them the first of their "reusables" - water bottles, produce bags, shopping bags or beeswax wrap. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll be thought of every time your gift recipient reuses their "green gift" and knows they, too, are helping!
Dec. 23 - Wrap it up (the green way). The Christmas gifts have been purchased and now it is time to wrap them. Gift wrap is at the top of the list of wasteful holiday traditions, but there are plenty of ways to be environmentally more responsible. Try wrapping your presents in brown or recycled paper, recycled foil or newspaper, fabric giftwrap, and use string or raffia instead of ribbon to secure or decorate them. Better yet, skip the wrapping and use gift bags that can be reused again and again. Be creative! (Source: NYPost.com, http://bit.ly/36R8kJt)
Dec. 30 - Commit to making "going green" your New Year's resolution. One New Year’s resolution becoming more common is to find ways to be friendlier to the environment. Going green may seem like a big goal. After all, how much can any one person do to slow climate change, reduce waste or reverse biodiversity loss? You'll be surprised. Use these weekly green tips to take small steps and turn them into meaningful habits. Share the list with friends and implement them together. You may be surprised how easy some of them are, and how quickly you'll want to take on the next one. Happy New Year!
2020
Jan. 6 - Share and borrow. Want to implement a new habit in 2020 that will make a difference? Commit to purchasing less and sharing more. Reacquaint yourself with your local library for books and music, or share purchased copies with friends. No need for everyone to buy every lawn tool - make a plan with your neighbors and pool your resources! Carpool on your shopping trips, or pick up needed items for one another so save driving time. Not only will sharing reduce waste, it will save you money and deepen relationships with friends, family and neighbors as you'll have great excuses to get together and catch up. Happy New Year! (Source: Lifehack.org, https://bit.ly/36hrdoR)
Jan. 20 - Do a self-audit. As you contemplate making "green" changes in your life, take a moment to do an audit of your habits to help find a starting point. What kind of water bottles are you using? What power switches do you leave on or unused appliances do you leave plugged in? Is there any evidence of leaks from faucets or pipes? Do you purchase when you could borrow? By taking a look at your habits as they stand now, it'll be easier to identify what changes you can make. And be kind to yourself - you don't have to change everything at once! Pick just one small change a week (or month), give it a chance to become an ingrained habit, and then choose another. Success with one change will make you want to make another, and you'll be surprised how fast and easy they become new habits!
Jan. 27 - Create a carpool. Public transportation is often encouraged as a green alternative, but sometimes it's just not available. If that's the case, create your own! Talk to your coworkers to see who lives in proximity to you and plan to ride to work together. Alternatively, talk to your neighbors to see if your work places are close enough to develop a route that will get you all to work on time while sharing energy and reducing emissions. (Source: ThePersonal.com, https://bit.ly/2rRIwxT)
Feb. 3 - Make the planet your Valentine, by celebrating Valentine's Day in an eco-friendly way. Go with edible valentines over cards, or give a potted plant instead of cut flowers. You can even take it to the next level by ensuring your chocolate is fair trade and rain-forest friendly. By showing some planetary love this Valentine's Day, you'll be showing your love for all. (Source: TreeHugger.com, https://bit.ly/37PGq1b)
Feb. 10 - Clean or replace your HVAC filters. The air filters in your HVAC can get dirty, so every three months, be sure to clean or replace them to ensure maximum HVAC efficiency. Some filters can be cleaned by vacuuming or rinsing with warm soapy water. Be sure to install your air filter correctly by aligning the filter label so that the arrows point to the furnace. (Source: Energystar.gov, https://bit.ly/2tNO0e4)
2018
Jan. 8 - Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. For each person who builds this new habit, four gallons of water a minute is saved. That’s up to 50 gallons of water per person per week –or 200 gallons a week for a family of four! (Source: NC State Sustainability Blog://bit.ly/2yZowv2)
Jan. 15 - When your lightbulbs burn out this year, replace them with ENERGY STAR–qualified products. Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or lightbulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified products helps the environment and can save you up to $70 a year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75% less heat; uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer. (SOURCE: ENERGY STAR, //bit.ly/2aFzSGK)
Jan. 22 - When shopping, make all of your purchases intentional. Keep a running list going at home; it'll help you plan your shopping so you'll need fewer trips to the store, and you'll be able to resist impulse purchases while you're there. Purchasing only what's really needed produces benefits on several fronts - you'll consume less, create less waste, reduce auto emissions AND save money! (Source: Chartered Committee on Environmental Ministry)
Jan. 29 - Reduce food waste – leave the skins on potatoes, carrots and cucumbers, all of which are fine to eat with a good scrub. One-third of the food raised and prepared on the planet does not get consumed. By helping reduce food waste, you also help reduce landfill waste and the greenhouse gases it produces. (Source: Chartered Committee on Environmental Ministry)
Feb. 5 - Use a reusable water bottle. It’s great to stay hydrated, and reusable water bottles can help your health, the environment AND your bottom line. Even at a cost of $1 per disposable bottle, saving that dollar every time you refill your reusable version can easily add up to hundreds of dollars saved each year. Not to mention the hundreds (or thousands!) of disposable plastic bottles it will keep out of the landfills. (Source: NC State Sustainability Blog: //bit.ly/2FNqZrM; Penn State Sustainability Institute: //bit.ly/2sdfMz3)
Feb. 12 - Substitute vegetable protein for meat as often as you can.Vegetarians are said to save approximately 1.6 tons of annual carbon emissions compared to meat lovers! This estimate includes emissions from food that is eaten, wasted by consumers and lost in the supply chain. (Source: ERS/USDA, //shrinkthatfootprint.com/food-carbon-footprint-diet)
Feb. 19 - Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Waiting until the load is full makes the most efficient use of your dishwasher's energy and water consumption. It can also prevent 100 pounds of carbon pollution and save you $40 on your energy bill every year. (Source: The EPA Blog, //bit.ly/2EuKzgz)
Feb. 26 - Avoid soaps and toothpaste with microbeads. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic, and they aren’t filtered out by waste water treatment plants. This means they end up polluting the ocean and are a threat to marine life. Just one shower can contribute 100,000 plastic particles, leading to an estimated annual release of 95 tons of microbeads into the environment. Happily, a lot of companies are phasing them out, so you have help in avoiding them. (Source: Clean Bodies of Water,//bit.ly/2o1n6t0, //bit.ly/2bDBmVO)
Mar. 5 - Unplug gadgets not in use. Not only is powering off your gadgets great for the devices, it’s also great for the planet. Unplug chargers not in use instead of letting them dangle from the outlet. There’s more good news beyond helping the planet; the U.S. Department of Energy says that adopting these practices will save you up to $100 annually on your energy bill. (Source: greenne.com - //bit.ly/2Ff8DTZ)
Mar. 12 - If you're the last one out, turn off the lights when leaving the room. Make it your philosophy; not only will you save electricity (and money) when you turn off lights, it will serve as an example to others and remind you to be an energy saver in other ways. Added bonus: you can use some of the savings to replace old bulbs with new, more energy efficient options! (Source: //bit.ly/2Fvxd43)
Mar. 19 - Use "green" cleaning products to tackle your spring (and everyday) cleaning. Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthful conditions in the home and workplace. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthful indoor environment. For safer cleaning products, look for products that meet the EPA Safer Choice Standard. (Source: EPA, //bit.ly/1NDqs7H)
Mar. 26 - Add native plants to your garden or potted plants. (If you don't have a gardening space of your own, volunteer for your church's community garden or ask to start one!) Not only will they look beautiful, but they will help those with whom we share the environment, as birds and other wildlife need sources of native food to survive. (Source: EarthShare, //bit.ly/2HwCOn9) Sources to help you identify plants native to your region: NC Audubon Complete List of 400 Bird-Friendly Native Plants for North Carolina; U.S. Forest Service site Gardening with Wildflowers; National Wildlife Federation’s native plants database
Apr. 2 - Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe drinking bottle or pitcher. Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Keeping water in the fridge not only reduces waste, it saves time and makes staying hydrated easy as it's always ready to go! (Source: The Go Green Blog:https://bit.ly/2ur9AEL)
Apr. 9 - If possible, walk or ride a bicycle to get where you need to go. Not only is it good for your health, it's good for the planet, too. If you must drive, make fuel efficiency and care of your car a priority. For every gallon of gas you don't burn, you prevent 24 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. (Source: BrightHub.com, https://bit.ly/2ql83ui)
Apr. 16 - Plant a porch garden. Tomatoes will grow quite well in a (15 gal. or bigger) container, or you can grow them upside down. Herbs also grow in relatively little space and are a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. Basil, mint, thyme, oregano and parsely are all good bets and have a small footprint. (Source: ApartmentTherapy.com, https://bit.ly/2EPRg8d)
Apr. 23 - Open your windows! Unless allergies or pollution-related issues make it unhealthy to do so, opening your windows to air out your home is a better way to go than other air-freshening, odor-controlling options. Sure, cooking and other minor odors might need the help of a fan, but overall, outdoor air is the best freshener as it dilutes concentrations of odors and pollutants. Ideally, homes should be aired out daily all year round. Even 5 minutes a day makes a HUGE difference to the quality of air inside your home. (Source: EvolvingWellness.com, https://bit.ly/2nobPEb)
Apr. 30 - Want to get involved in gardening, but don’t have the space for it? Enjoy the outdoors and explore where your food comes from by volunteering at a local farm, urban or community garden, or farmers market. It is a great way to contribute to the local food movement and do something active and rewarding. If your church doesn't have a community garden and you want to find others in your area, check out North Carolina Community Garden Partners, a great resource to find local gardens across the state. (//www.nccgp.org/)
May 7 - Instead of flower bouquets this Mother's Day, opt for something plantable. While flowers are a great way to show how much we love our moms, bouquets don’t last very long. Try a flower or plant that can live in a pot. Another option: trees, shrubs or perennials can all be planted in the ground to thrive and bloom - and be enjoyed - for many Mother's Days to come. (Source: David Epstein/Boston.com: https://bit.ly/1WdBlGX)
May 14 - Purchase seasonal produce, and eat locally sourced food whenever possible. Local food is fresher and tastes better than food that has traveled thousands of miles. It also creates a smaller carbon footprint and helps maintain farmland and green space. Money spent with local farmers, growers, artisans and locally owned purveyors and restaurants also supports the local economy. (Source: The Spruce Eats: https://bit.ly/2IlfXMm)
May 21 - Hang laundry to dry instead of using a dryer. In the warm months, hang clothes outside. In the cold months, hang it inside to humidify your house when the heating is on. You'll breathe easier as well as save energy and wear on your clothes - both of which are great money savers! (Source: Grist.org; https://bit.ly/2KxYb9d)
May 28 - Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides can harm the very organisms (like toads, wasps, birds and more) that protect and enrich your vibrant garden. They can contaminate groundwater as well, which has been linked to serious illnesses. Learn organic gardening methods like - yes - organic fertilizer, composting and companion planting to eliminate the need for chemicals. (Source: Earthshare.org, https://bit.ly/2HwCOn9; SustainableBabySteps.com, https://bit.ly/1EIf2uI)
June 4 - Support a local farmer; join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a form of direct marketing in which a community of individuals pledges to support a farm. When CSA members pay for a subscription to the farm, farmers provide members with a weekly share of the harvest. Members receive a variety of fresh, local produce (and other products) and have the satisfaction of knowing where their food comes from. Farmers, in turn, benefit by receiving funds upfront to buy seeds and inputs. Subscriptions have a wide range in price, product availability and delivery/pickup options. In addition to speaking with vendors at your local farmers market, other great places to get started are the USDA CSA directory and NC Farm Fresh.
June 11 - When shaving, fill the sink with a few inches of warm water instead of letting the water run. Not only will this approach rinse your razor just as well as running water, you can save as much as 100 gallons of water a week (Source: https://bit.ly/2Hu7zsB)!
June 18 - Take it easy while driving. As temperatures and gas prices rise, bring your driving aggression and speed down. Driving habits like speeding and rapid acceleration/deceleration waste gas and cost you money. Leave as much space as you can between you and the cars around you for smooth and steady speed control, and avoid idling and heavy cargoes when you can. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. (Source: EPA, https://bit.ly/1kpDsEP)
June 25 - Use the library! There's no need to buy every book you want to read; libraries often have the book you want or they can get it for you. Check the internet for access to books, CDs and DVDs - you'll save money, paper and the energy it takes to transport books to stores. (Source: Metroactive.com, https://bit.ly/2Kery3Z)
July 2 - Water your lawn only when it needs it. A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil. Most lawns need only about 1" of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water (and you money). (Source: Eartheasy.com, https://bit.ly/2GMlw95)
July 9 - Set appliances and lights on a timer. Because most energy sources require burning fossil fuels, the less energy you use, the greener you are. Control is in your grasp; set your appliances and lights on a timer to turn off after a certain period of inactivity, and remember to unplug appliances when not in use. (Source: https://bit.ly/1hYq3OF)
July 16 - Keep up with what's in your refrigerator and make sure nothing spoils. Roughly one-third of food produced every year gets lost or wasted. So be mindful when you shop; planning ahead and shopping with lists are great ways to help you purchase only what you need, reducing the chance of waste. Keep an eye on expiration dates and make sure you use products before they go bad. And once a week, get creative to use up vegetables and other leftovers; soups and casseroles are great ways to do it. (Source: MotherEarthNews.com)
July 23 - Create a safe, non-toxic home. Gather up all products in your house or garage that contain unsafe chemicals, and drop them off at your local hazardous waste facility (or at least commit to not replacing them). Switch to alternatives containing non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients; be sure to check for "green" certification labels, as some products labeled green aren't really. (Source: GlobalStewards.com; https://bit.ly/1EedNmX)
July 30 - Fix leaky faucets. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year (that's more than 180 showers!). You can save water AND money by taking the time to repair leaks, many of which need simple and inexpensive fixes that take only a few minutes. (Source w/links to leak-repair tutorials: EPA.gov, https://bit.ly/2nsOkc0)
Aug. 6 - Buy in bulk whenever possible. Product packaging is responsible for a lot of energy expended and emissions released to produce it and creates waste when the product is opened and used. Reduce the amount of packaging you use by avoiding single-serving, pre-packaged products (drinks, snacks, candy, etc.) and buying in bulk whenever possible. Bring your own bags to market and transfer bulk purchases to reusable containers. Last but not least, recycle or reuse whatever packaging you can. (Source: GlobalStewards.org, https://bit.ly/1EedNmX)
Aug. 13 - Avoid fast food. Several factors harmful to the environment result from the fast-food business model, including the methane produced by factory farming, the clear cutting of forests for grazing pastures and long-distance shipping. In addition, fast food packaging counts for an estimated 40 percent of all litter with styrofoam being the most common food waste. (Source: Metroactive.com, https://bit.ly/2Kery3Z)
Aug. 20 - Check home supplies before buying school supplies. As kids prepare to head back to school, check what you have at home before buying back-to-school supplies. Do you have pens, pencils, rulers and more already? Is last year's backpack still in good shape? Reusing or using up what you already have significantly reduces the amount of waste produced by unneeded shopping, and it helps create financial savings. (Source: SmallFootprintFamily.com, https://bit.ly/2tEFIUs)
Aug. 27 - Pack a lunch. Whether heading for school or work, pack a lunch instead of planning to purchase. It's not only a money saver for adults, it saves literally tons of garbage in the form of food and product waste from being produced. Remember to use reusable components, including lunchboxes, containers and thermoses, and if you must use something disposable, make it compostable. (Source: Earth911.com, https://bit.ly/2MAqFno)
Sept. 3 - Expand the carpool. The carpool approach is not just for rides to work and school - use it to collaborate with others on errands, trips to the store, chores and more. Whether by car, bicycle, on foot or by other modes of transportation, by planning and pooling your resources, you'll save time, reduce your carbon footprint, and deepen your relationships with friends and neighbors as you work together. (Source: //MotherEarthNews.com, https://bit.ly/2BumlBY)
Sept. 10 - Use less paper (and recycle more!). The third largest industrial emitter of global warming pollution is the pulp and paper industry. Recycling paper reduces emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming in three important ways: 1) paper recycling prevents methane emissions from landfills; 2) paper recycling leaves more trees standing so they can absorb more CO2; and 3) paper recycling requires less energy than manufacturing new paper. (Source: Paper Recycling Coalition: https://bit.ly/2MiAimD)
Sept. 17 - Bring some green to hurricane relief. As you respond to your neighbors affected by Hurricane Florence, consider helping to provide green options. Offer recycling bins or pick-up services to organizations collecting bottled water; encourage those around you to donate eco-friendly products (cleaning products, soaps, toothpaste) if those options are available. Long-term, work with rebuilding efforts to provide energy-efficient and green options like ENERGY-STAR lightbulbs and appliances or native plants for gardens. Remember even immediate relief efforts can be eco-friendly.
Sept. 24 - Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Frost buildup can decrease the efficiency of a refrigerator or freezer. If yours doesn't self-defrost, regularly defrosting and keeping frost levels at less than one-quarter of an inch can keep your units running as efficiently as possible. (Source: Energy.gov, https://bit.ly/2vrQxKM)
Oct. 1 - Grab a bucket. Put a bucket under the faucet to capture cool water while your shower (or other water) heats up. You can use the water for flushing the toilet or watering your plants and lawn. (Source: Care2.com, https://bit.ly/2ni16K6)
Oct. 8 - Seal air leaks. Using weather-stripping to seal drafts around windows and doors will cut your heating and cooling expenses and reduce the burning of fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing an old and especially drafty house can save more than 20% on heating and cooling bills. (Source: Energy.gov, https://bit.ly/2MkBnv9)
Oct. 15 - Leave leaves on the ground. Fallen leaves have a lot of benefit to wildlife and your garden. Many wildlife species live in or rely on the leaf layer, both for food and habitat. If you must rake up your leaves, don’t throw them in the trash. Compost them or drop them off at a municipal recycling center so they can be turned into compost. (Source: National Wildlife Federation, https://bit.ly/2NGHcCL)
Oct. 22 - Take it to church. With all the great new green habits you're developing this year, make sure a healthier eco-mindset is happening at church, too. Encourage simple practices that make a difference, and set a goal that (in time) your church will become a Zero Waste Church. Get started: https://bit.ly/2EAubv6
Oct. 29 - Your pumpkin isn't done after Halloween. After Halloween is over this week, there are lots of uses for your pumpkins that are easy and ecological. Here are nine ideas to get started: https://bit.ly/2Q4BDAb What are your favorite post-Halloween pumpkin uses?
Nov. 5 - Wash your clothes in cold water. Talk about making a difference! Washing your clothes with cold water cuts laundry energy by up to 90%. (Source: GlobalStewards.org, http://bit.ly/2SR2qlp)
Nov. 12 - Put your computer to sleep. Computers use a great deal of energy, so put them into hibernate or sleep mode whenever they're not in use. (Source: MotherEarthNews.com, http://bit.ly/2QDY13I)
Nov. 19 - Change your holiday shopping strategy. As the holiday shopping season officially gets under way, change up your strategy and consider a gift card or donation to a cause that has meaning to the gift recipient. Not only will you reduce waste and save energy (of every kind), in the case of a donation, you'll contribute to an organization doing good work in the world.
(BONUS: Use this idea for gifts you don't really want to buy, and obligation turns into elation knowing you're making a difference in a couple of great ways!)
Nov. 26 - Replace old incandescent holiday lights with ENERGY STAR® qualified LED light strands. They're brighter, budget-friendly (they're similar in cost to old lights) and eco-friendly (they use 70% less energy than traditional bulbs). They're safer (they run cooler) and reduce waste by lasting 10 times longer and having no filaments or glass to break. There are lots of great reasons to be energy efficient when you deck those halls this year! (Source: Energy.gov, http://bit.ly/2P6fArk)
Dec. 3 - Consider alternatives to traditional holiday cards. Want to connect with loved ones and friends this holiday season? Instead of sending paper cards, consider e-cards or even making the connection with a phone call! It will save paper, reduce waste, save energy, and you'll have the joy of knowing you're making a difference when sharing holiday good wishes. Techradar.com (http://bit.ly/FreeECards) has some great recommendations beyond the familiar e-card providers.
Dec. 10 - Reuse holiday gift wrap. Despite good intentions to be good earth stewards, not all gift wrap is recyclable. But it CAN be reused in a variety of fun and easy ways, so if you find yourself unwrapping a gift of paper than can't be sent to the recycle bin, save it anyway and put it to a good new use! (Sources: Green Living Guide, http://bit.ly/2zRFUAF; WUNC, http://bit.ly/2SHf0CN)
Dec. 17 - Share! Over the last year, you've accumulated easy-to-implement tips that have (hopefully) changed some habits and thought patterns. Share them! Let folks know what tips you've tried and what's worked for you. It's easy to do - the whole list is in one easy-to-share place: http://bit.ly/2DKWsNz
2019
Jan. 7 - Take an eco-sabbath. For 2019, make a resolution that for one day or afternoon or even one hour each week, you won't buy anything, use machines or anything electric, cook, answer your phone or use resources in any way. In other words, for this regular interval, give yourself and the planet a break. Every hour per week you live with no impact cuts your carbon emissions by 0.6 percent annually. Commit to four hours per week, that’s 2.4 percent; do it for a whole day each week to cut your impact by 14.4 percent a year. (Source: YesMagazine.org, http://bit.ly/2FcqH1u)
Jan. 14 - Use reusable shopping bags. If you don't have one already, start your collection of reusable shopping bags, and remember to take them with you when you head to the store. Plastic shopping bags are an incredible source of litter (and can be destructive to wildlife) and have a surprisingly high cost in terms of the nonrenewal resoures required to produce them. (Source: SmallFootprintFamily.com, http://bit.ly/2ANMIjg)
Jan. 21 - Use reusable filters in your Keurig. We all love the convenience of our single-cup coffee makers, but those little plastic cups add a lot of waste to our landfills each year. Happily, we can continue to enjoy our single-cup coffees without adding to the waste by choosing to use reusable coffee filters. Low cost and available at most retailers, this simple choice can save enough plastic pods that laid end-to-end would circle the Earth a dozen times. (Source: Bangor Daily News, http://bit.ly/2FGWCaK)
Jan. 28 - Reuse your coffee grounds. When you're done enjoying that cup of coffee, don't be quick to dispose of the grounds. In addition to composting them, there are lots of great ways you can reuse them that are both effective and great for the environment. (Source: HelloHomestead.com, http://bit.ly/2S6t4ZE).
Feb. 4 - Boil only what you need. When boiling water in a kettle for your cup of tea or other hot drink, measure out the amount of water you actually need and boil only that. Boiling a whole kettle of water uses a lot of power, which wastes energy and money. A study in the UK concluded that if everyone boiled only the water needed to make a cup of tea instead of filling the kettle every time, the country could save enough electricity in a year to run nearly half of all the street lighting. (Source: The Guardian, https://bit.ly/2MSZDpa)
Feb. 11 - Show your love with local flowers. If flowers are in the plan for your Valentine this week, make sure your blooms are local. Not only will your gift's carbon footprint be smaller,you'll be supporting local farmers and the blooms will be brighter, fresher and fuller because they will be harvested closer to Valentine's Day. (Source: NC State, https://bit.ly/2SgAAlS)
Feb. 18 - Keep an extra travel mug/refillable cup with you. Whether it's stashing it in your car, the side pocket of a backpack or in a drawer or locker at work, keeping an empty travel mug or refillable cup with you means when you stop in for the unexpected cup of coffee - or the scheduled meeting where you forgot to bring your mug - you can still enjoy your favorite beverage without creating disposable cup waste (single-use cups and lids are not recyclable or compostable). (Source: onyalife.com, https://bit.ly/2DFoTer)
Feb. 25 - Whenever possible, go paperless. It may be hard to believe, but the average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of paper a year. Opt not to print whenever possible, and when it can't be avoided, print on both sides of the paper or in draft mode. (Source: World Wildlife Foundation: https://wwf.to/2OF7lTm)
Mar. 4 - Make a change for Lent. If you haven't yet incorporated eco-friendly changes into your everyday life, make a commitment to do so for Lent. You'll be amazed at how easily the change becomes a new habit, one you won't want to give up when Easter arrives. Need some ideas? Ideas for an eco-friendly Lent: https://bit.ly/2VudgOu, Diocesan Tips to Go Green: https://bit.ly/2IPIxdu
Mar. 11 - Know the signs. With conversation turning "greener" every day, there are a lot of eco-friendly claims being made that aren't as friendly as you think. Get to know the signs, labels and certifications you can trust so you know your decisions are making the difference you want to make. (Source: Real Simple, https://bit.ly/2HaDh2c)
Mar. 18 - Plant a tree. National Arbor Day is April 26, but did you know every state has its own Arbor Day? North Carolina's is this Friday, March 22, so celebrate by learning more about the trees that grow best in our beloved state, the crucial role they all play in keeping our air breathable, and how you can help replenish the tree populations in communities close to home and around the world. (Source: Arbor Day Foundation: https://bit.ly/2XW2T8r)
Mar. 25 - Ditch disposable dust rags. With spring officially here, answer the annual urge to purge and clean with reusable rags instead of disposable dust rags and paper towels. Cloth diapers, cut-up t-shirts and old towels and washcloths all make excellent reusable options. (Source: TheGoodTrade.com, https://bit.ly/2HftwzL)
Apr. 1 - Get fit. It's no joke! While fitness is a common item on many lists, did you know it applies to green efforts as well? Physically active individuals, on average, spend less on medical costs than those who are more inactive. Making fewer trips to the doctor also means helping to reduce the 6600 tons of waste generated by U.S. hospitals every day in the form of food waste, paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastics. It's a win-win situation; take care of you AND your environment! (Source: Earth911.com, https://bit.ly/2piVv6l)
Apr. 8 - Use natural air fresheners. While there's no better air freshener than fresh air itself (open those windows!), if you want a more fragrant option, use common kitchen spices to make a delightful stovetop (and chemical-free) potpourri. Source: TheGoodTrade.com, https://bit.ly/2HftwzL)
Apr. 15 - Use real eggs. There's no denying Easter egg hunts are likely to be part of the upcoming weekend, so this year, consider using real eggs instead of the ever-popular plastic eggs. Kids can have a great time decorating AND finding their Easter treasures! (Source: Earth911.com; https://bit.ly/2pjUjj7)
Apr. 22 - Give thanks. In observance of Earth Day, take a moment and give thanks for the world and beauty around us, and join us in praying for guidance in the work we need to do to help our world heal:Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Apr. 29 - Choose your wash setting. If your washing machine allows you to do it, be sure to choose the size load you're actually washing. Using the minimum amount of water necessary will save water, money, and your clothes will get just as clean. (Source: World Wildlife Foundation: https://wwf.to/2OF7lTm)
May 6 - Bulk shop. With bulk shopping, you can save money and buy just the amount you need without worrying what you’ll do with the extra. It is a great way to cut down on food waste. Also, by using your own glass or stainless steel containers you can avoid single-use packaging materials and keep millions of pounds of them out of landfills. Search for stores in your area that allow you to purchase in bulk. (Source: ProgressiveGrocer.com, https://bit.ly/2GQETgm)
May 13 - Put a lid on the pot. Putting a lid on the stovetop pot can reduce energy use by up to two-thirds. Your food will also heat faster, so energy is not the only thing you will save! (Source: GreenGlobalTravel.com, https://bit.ly/2U0rMRX)
May 20 - Close the blinds. Closing (or opening) your blinds at different times of the day can have a great effect on energy savings. Close the blinds against summer sun and the heat it generates, and open them wide to the winter sun to capture all it has to offer. (Source: Hunker.com, https://bit.ly/30wNr3S)
May 27 - Check your HVAC unit. With the summer officially kicked off but the serious heat still to come, be sure your HVAC unit has the right amount of refrigerant. You will save electricity, carbon/fossil fuels and possibly your HVAC unit by maintaining proper refrigerant levels. Low levels cause your unit will work overtime to maintain your home's temperature. This includes the fan or blower on your unit which can double your summer energy bills, even when the unit is only maintaining your home’s temperature. (Source: https://bit.ly/2X4Mygw)
June 3 - Talk the talk. One of the best things you can do when communicating a message is to make sure everyone is on the same page. Take a minute and learn the lingo of environmental ministry to ensure your message is heard and understood. (Source: OprahMag.com, https://bit.ly/2O6nLVN)
June 10 - Plan to reuse hotel towels. When making your plans for summer vacation, be sure to make thinking green part of them. Check to see the hotel where you plan to stay includes towel reuse in their efforts to save water, and take them up on the offer. Laundry accounts for some of hotels' biggest water expenditures, and reusing your towels can reduce laundry loads (and the water used for them) by about 17 percent. (Source: Smithsonian.com, http://bit.ly/2I4Tjdl)
June 17 - Cancel the catalogs. Opt-out of any catalogs or subscriptions you don’t read or could read electronically instead. If you want to take it a step further, you can also opt out of receiving unsolicited junk mail by calling toll-free 1-888-567-8688 or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com (both are operated by the major consumer reporting companies). (Source: GreenGlobalTravel.com, https://bit.ly/2U0rMRX)
June 24 - Add a bird bath. Birds not only need water to drink, but they also love to clean their feathers. If you want to attract birds to the garden, your yard, your patio or balcony, all you need is just an inch or two of water depth. Birds prefer a bath where the water is no deeper than their legs. Bowls, shallow plates and platters can make a great water source for birds. (Source: GardenDesign.com, https://bit.ly/2wEpkFp)
July 1 - Forgo the (at-home) fireworks. Celebrate the 4th of July this year by foregoing the personal fireworks. Skip the safety risk and bad-news chemicals contained in home-version fireworks and attend a community event instead. Reduce your footprint a little bit more by carpooling (and enjoying the show) with friends and neighbors! (Source: SierraClub.org, https://bit.ly/2JVSUJ5)
July 8 - Use eco-friendly sunscreen. Protect yourself and the planet with sunscreen that's easy on the environment AND safe for you. Recent research suggests all sunscreens are not necessarily created equal, and some contain ingredients that fail to do the job they claim to do. Be sure to know the ingredients that are both effective and safe. (Source: USA Today, https://bit.ly/2VFPnmU)
July 15 - Give your appliances a vacation. Appliances can create a lot of heat in your home, so if you can avoid using appliances like stoves, dishwashers and dryers, you'll be surprised at the difference it makes. If they must be used, try using them early in the morning or in the evening when it's cooler - your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to bring the temperature back down. Last but not least, unplug any appliances not in use - believe it or not, they generate heat, too! (Source: GreenerIdeal.com, https://bit.ly/2WcR23A)
July 22 - Turn up the thermostat. It may seem like insanity to suggest it during a heat wave, but turning your thermostat up even just a little can go a long way toward saving energy. If you have one, take advantage of programmable thermostats to do the adjusting for you. (Source: DirectEnergy.com, https://bit.ly/2GpOwlz)
July 29 - Grab a broom instead of the hose to clean off your patio, sidewalk or driveway. It's a great way to save water. (Source: WaterUseItWisely.com, https://bit.ly/2Dqv1ZN)
Aug. 5 - Consider your microwave. In certain situations and at certain times of year, using your microwave instead of a stove or oven can save energy. According to the federal government’s Energy Star program, cooking or re-heating small portions of food in the microwave can save as much as 80 percent of the energy used to cook or warm them up in the oven. And when the differences in energy use are negligible, remember that refraining from stove or oven use can help keep your home cooler, which saves energy in another way in the summer months. (Source: ScientificAmerican.com, https://bit.ly/2HG96fl)
Aug. 12 - If you're planning a last-minute summer getaway, consider reducing the carbon emissions of your flights by avoiding layovers and redeyes. More takeoffs and landings use more fuel, and the pollution emitted on night flights has a magnified effect. In addition, packing light reduces the airplane's overall weight and increases fuel efficiency - plus you have less to carry through the airport! (Source: EarthShare.com, http://bit.ly/31sINmW)
Aug. 19 - If your toilet flapper doesn’t close properly, replace it. A leaky flapper can cost less than $5, but save more than 200 gallons per day. Source: City of Raleigh, http://bit.ly/31LiJDK)
Aug. 26 - Wash your dark-colored clothes in cold water. Doing so saves water and energy, plus it helps your clothes retain their color. It also protects the fibers in dark fabric while helping to preserve the fit of the clothes by preventing shrinkage, particularly along the seams. (SOURCE: wash.com, http://bit.ly/2U6CIu2)
Sept. 2 - Use natural cleaners that are not toxic to the environment. For example, use sodium bicarbonate to remove odors from refrigerators, carpets, and upholstery, use distilled white vinegar to clean windows, and use lemon juice to remove rust stains from materials and other stains from marble countertops, sinks, or clothes. (SOURCE: msn.com, http://bit.ly/2kseqx1)
Sept. 9 - Wrap it naturally. Instead of plastic wrap for saving or packaging food, use beeswax wrap. It is a natural alternative made from cotton coated in all natural beeswax, and it is completely food safe. The wrap can be washed and reused for about a year and then composted. (Source: MarthaStewart.com, https://bit.ly/2kcDng2)
Sept. 16 - Install a high-efficiency shower head. / Approximately 17% of indoor water usage can come from showering. Most shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) - that's 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower! Some cities like Raleigh offer a free 1.5 gpm high-efficiency shower head when you bring in an old one. Contact your city’s Public Works Department to find out if they are available. (Source: RaleighNC.gov, https://bit.ly/2kCJj2c)
Sept. 23 - Use the proper tools to reduce waste. According to the EPA, Americans disposed 37.6 million tons of food waste in 2015. The agency has designed a Food: Too Good to Waste (FTGTW) toolkit to assist households in implementing strategies to reduce food waste, keep food out of landfills and save money. Download the toolkit: https://bit.ly/1PI3HQQ (Source: EPA.gov, https://bit.ly/233TZFC)
Sept. 30 - Buy organic. Organic agriculture for both crops and animals is much more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. The approach uses crop rotations, manages pests naturally, diversifies crops and livestock, and improves soil health by using compost and other organic supplements. Organic approaches produce equally or more nutritious and healthier foods. (Source: agroecologia.net, https://bit.ly/2nbRPGm)
Oct. 7 - Spot the leak. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that most leaks within homes go undetected; however, 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Your water bill and meter are tools that can help you discover leaks. SmartWaterGuide.org has some great resources on how to discover, track and fix leaks (and more!): https://bit.ly/2he1W9D (Source: RaleighNC.gov, https://bit.ly/2kCJj2c)
Oct. 14 - Clean your coils. Cleaning your refrigerator coils is easy and should be done about once a year to save energy and maintain optimal efficiency. In newer refrigerators, the coils are generally located under the unit behind the toe plate. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source, and clean the coils with a vacuum or coil brush. (Source: WikiHow, https://bit.ly/31fdLi7)
Oct. 21 - Produce the produce bags. There are many alternatives to single-use plastic produce bags. They can be made from a variety of materials like muslin or mesh, which makes them durable, washable and a much better choice for eco-shoppers than the plastic bags pulled from your grocery store’s produce section. (Source: TreadingMyOwnPath.com, http://bit.ly/2p0QumP)
Oct. 28 - Put your pumpkin to good use. When Halloween is over, there are many ways you can extend your pumpkin's contributions far beyond being the coolest jack-o-lantern on the block. Whether they become compost or snacks for you or your forest friends, don't just throw them away. Doing so actually contributes to environmental issues, but there are ways you can turn them into a treat for the environment instead of a trick. (Source: emagazine.com, https://bit.ly/2JsZ056)
Nov. 4 - Switch from paper billing to online bill pay. There are many benefits to using electronic billing. In addition to saving time and money, payment reminders can be set so you will never miss a payment due date. By going paperless, according to PayItGreen.org, “if just 20% of American households switched to paperless billing, each year we would reduce gasoline consumption by 102,945,600 gallons, avoid 1,960,402 tons of greenhouse gases, and save 1,811,275 trees.” (Source: AutomaticFinance.com, https://bit.ly/2Ngg2FS)
Nov. 11 - Give your car a change-of-season checkup. Well-maintained vehicles are more fuel efficient and emit fewer emissions, so check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance and ways to maximize efficiency in cold weather. (Source: EarthEclipse.com, https://bit.ly/33uOOkl)
Nov. 18 - Plan ahead for Thanksgiving leftovers. One relatively easy way to reduce plastic use is to switch to glass storage containers. Large (pint and quart) wide-mouthed jars are useful for storing salad vegetables, while quart and half-gallon sizes work great for storing soups, sauces, broth and even leftover casseroles. Non-plastic options come in all shapes and sizes - find what works for you! NOTE: This tip is not to suggest you throw away any plastic storage you already have - no need to create waste - but if new containers are on your upcoming holiday shopping list, explore the myriad non-plastic options available. (Source: WellnessMama.com, https://bit.ly/36Phbfd)
Nov. 25 - Enjoy nine bonus green tips! This week we offer the Top 10 Tips for a green Thanksgiving. They're simple, easy and ideas we can use everyday. Which one will you employ? (Source: BigGreenPurse.com, https://bit.ly/2NvmdWI)
Dec. 2 - Feed the birds. A recent study published in the journal Science found North America has lost 30% of its bird population over the last 50 years, or about three billion birds. More than a hundred bird species supplement their natural diets with foods offered at feeders. They often rely most heavily on feeders in winter, when food is scarce. Offer high-fat seeds and nuts, such as black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts, as well as suet. (Source: Cornell University, https://bit.ly/2KTyS3R via TriStateBird.org)
Dec. 9 - Let nature be your decorator. Make some of your outdoor Christmas decorations as a family activity. The wildlife will benefit when you use natural edible materials. Make popcorn streamers that contain fruit like cranberries and also seeds, use bacon grease to make suet for the birds, and cover pine cones with a mixture of peanut butter and birdseed. Using natural materials will lower your carbon footprint and provide habitat and nourishment for wildlife during the cold winter weather. Using some of those same materials for indoor decor (perhaps not the bacon grease) can also help cut down on plastic use! (Source: U.S. Green Technology, https://bit.ly/2RmoS7l)
Dec. 16 - Make "a helping hand" your gift. If you're still looking for last-minute gift ideas, consider a helping hand as your gift. Give a donation to a good cause instead of a "thing" that will never be used. Or help someone get started on their own path to going green by getting them the first of their "reusables" - water bottles, produce bags, shopping bags or beeswax wrap. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll be thought of every time your gift recipient reuses their "green gift" and knows they, too, are helping!
Dec. 23 - Wrap it up (the green way). The Christmas gifts have been purchased and now it is time to wrap them. Gift wrap is at the top of the list of wasteful holiday traditions, but there are plenty of ways to be environmentally more responsible. Try wrapping your presents in brown or recycled paper, recycled foil or newspaper, fabric giftwrap, and use string or raffia instead of ribbon to secure or decorate them. Better yet, skip the wrapping and use gift bags that can be reused again and again. Be creative! (Source: NYPost.com, http://bit.ly/36R8kJt)
Dec. 30 - Commit to making "going green" your New Year's resolution. One New Year’s resolution becoming more common is to find ways to be friendlier to the environment. Going green may seem like a big goal. After all, how much can any one person do to slow climate change, reduce waste or reverse biodiversity loss? You'll be surprised. Use these weekly green tips to take small steps and turn them into meaningful habits. Share the list with friends and implement them together. You may be surprised how easy some of them are, and how quickly you'll want to take on the next one. Happy New Year!
2020
Jan. 6 - Share and borrow. Want to implement a new habit in 2020 that will make a difference? Commit to purchasing less and sharing more. Reacquaint yourself with your local library for books and music, or share purchased copies with friends. No need for everyone to buy every lawn tool - make a plan with your neighbors and pool your resources! Carpool on your shopping trips, or pick up needed items for one another so save driving time. Not only will sharing reduce waste, it will save you money and deepen relationships with friends, family and neighbors as you'll have great excuses to get together and catch up. Happy New Year! (Source: Lifehack.org, https://bit.ly/36hrdoR)
Jan. 20 - Do a self-audit. As you contemplate making "green" changes in your life, take a moment to do an audit of your habits to help find a starting point. What kind of water bottles are you using? What power switches do you leave on or unused appliances do you leave plugged in? Is there any evidence of leaks from faucets or pipes? Do you purchase when you could borrow? By taking a look at your habits as they stand now, it'll be easier to identify what changes you can make. And be kind to yourself - you don't have to change everything at once! Pick just one small change a week (or month), give it a chance to become an ingrained habit, and then choose another. Success with one change will make you want to make another, and you'll be surprised how fast and easy they become new habits!
Jan. 27 - Create a carpool. Public transportation is often encouraged as a green alternative, but sometimes it's just not available. If that's the case, create your own! Talk to your coworkers to see who lives in proximity to you and plan to ride to work together. Alternatively, talk to your neighbors to see if your work places are close enough to develop a route that will get you all to work on time while sharing energy and reducing emissions. (Source: ThePersonal.com, https://bit.ly/2rRIwxT)
Feb. 3 - Make the planet your Valentine, by celebrating Valentine's Day in an eco-friendly way. Go with edible valentines over cards, or give a potted plant instead of cut flowers. You can even take it to the next level by ensuring your chocolate is fair trade and rain-forest friendly. By showing some planetary love this Valentine's Day, you'll be showing your love for all. (Source: TreeHugger.com, https://bit.ly/37PGq1b)
Feb. 10 - Clean or replace your HVAC filters. The air filters in your HVAC can get dirty, so every three months, be sure to clean or replace them to ensure maximum HVAC efficiency. Some filters can be cleaned by vacuuming or rinsing with warm soapy water. Be sure to install your air filter correctly by aligning the filter label so that the arrows point to the furnace. (Source: Energystar.gov, https://bit.ly/2tNO0e4)
Assistant Bishop
Mission Strategy Coordinator
