subject: Trying To Lessen Your Impact On The Environment [print this page] For individuals who just want to make some subtle changes to their lifestyle, follow these simple steps.
Using a water bottle is a great place to start. Invest in a reusable water bottle that you can bring from home. This saves plastic and also saves you money. Most hiking stores will sell recycles water bottles now.
Use canvas grocery bags. These bags are great. You can fit many more groceries in them and you don't have plastic sitting around your house. They usually cost just a few dollars, and some stores even give you discounts for using them
Don't mow your lawn in the middle of the day. The heat of the days is the worst time because smog emission is high. Doing it when the sun isn't as strong allows for less intense smog emission. An added bonus is that it is less hot at these times as well, so there is no reason to disagree!
Get out your bike. If you live within a few miles of your destination, grab your bike and ride there. Carry a backpack for groceries or put a basket on your bike. It may seem trivial, but every time someone chooses to use a bike instead of a car, it makes a little difference.
Try ro make turning lights and electronics off a habit. Don't light an empty home. When you leave a room, turn off the lights and appliances. When your finished with the computer for the day, just shut it down. Even doing something as easy as turning the monitor off when you're not using the computer will save energy. You can invest in energy efficient light bulbs for your house as well.
Run your heat and air conditioner like a pro. Don't blast the AC if you don't need to. Use a fan when you can, or open the windows. If its ninety degrees outside, then air conditioning is understandable, but when it's eighty you probably don't need it quite as high. Same with the heat don't turn on it in October. Wear socks or sweatpants if it's a little chilly for your liking. Use your heater when its cold, not chilly. Just try not to be wasteful!
