Another 50 Ways to Be a Green Family
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- Wear a sweater or use an extra blanket and drop the thermostat a degree in the winter.
- Open the blinds during the day instead of turning on the lights.
- Use toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, and plastic bottles for crafts.
- Make rag rugs from old clothes with holes.
- Arrange an errand co-op - you take all the dry cleaning, while your neighbor returns library books.
- Read the newspaper online.
- Avoid using Styrofoam.
- Borrow books and magazines from the library, instead of buying them.
- Shred junk mail to create stuffing for gift bags and Easter baskets.
- Buy a solar charger for your cell phone.
- Recycle or refill your inkjet cartridges.
- Only wash your car when it really needs it.
- Only take as many napkins as you will use at restaurants.
- Reuse manila envelopes.
- If possible, use cloth diapers.
- Puree fresh veggies and fruits for baby food.
- Wash out spaghetti sauce jars and use them to store nuts, flour, and mixes.
- Use energy efficient appliances.
- Reuse restaurant crayons at home.
- Avoid using your oven in the summer.
- Change your furnace filter frequently.
- Use dish towels instead of paper towels.
- When cleaning your fish tank, siphon the water into a watering can to water your flowerbeds.
- Reuse gift bags and ribbons.
- Recommend a white elephant gift exchange instead of exchanging new gifts.
- Write, call or email your congressman about environmental concerns.
- Request that your children's teachers send newsletters through email instead of paper. (Here is link to more paper reducing tips.)
- Allow kids to choose from a bucket of old fast food toys, instead of giving goodie bags at parties.
- Don't bag grass clippings.
- Check the air in your car tires.
- Take your kids on a hike.
- Seek out eco-friendly businesses.
- Use old socks and tights with holes as dust clothes or to weave jump ropes.
- Wash your clothes in cold water.
- Avoid products with fragrances.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
- Don't over-chlorinate your pool or hot tub, and make sure you have good ventilation.
- Use or wear products made from bamboo.
- Keep plants that improve air quality instead of using air fresheners.
- Telecommute if possible.
- Use low-VOC paints and flooring in your home.
- Dispose of your broken electronics properly as they contain hazardous chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and lead.
- If you or a family member gets a flu shot, make sure it is thimerosal-free.
- Read books with an earth-friendly message to your kids.
- Choose wood furniture and flooring that are formaldehyde-free.
- Clean silver with toothpaste.
- Opt for swimming in outdoor pools, instead of indoor pools.
- Use cast iron pans instead of non-stick.
- Give old magazines to nursing homes.
- Stay informed about environmental news.
