Living green doesn't have to require a complete change of lifestyle. Here are a few simple actions you can take to "green-ify" your everyday life.
When you receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters or magazines, request to be removed from the mailing list before you recycle the item.
Test your toilet for silent leaks, which can waste up to 150 gallons of water a day. Put a dozen drops of red food coloring into the tank. If the dye appears in the bowl...you may need to change the flapper or ball.
Americans throw away almost 100 billion plastic bags each year; only 1 to 3 percent are recycled. Bringing your own reusable bags to the supermarket is a simple solution and some stores actually give you a credit for using your own bags.
Each year, 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water are used to produce junk mail in the United States. Find out how to get off marketers' lists at newdream.org/junkmail.
Americans toss out more than 100 million cell phones every year. Recycle yours through CollectiveGood.com.
Use nontoxic cleaning products around the house. Some popular manufacturers include Seventh Generation, Planet, Ecover, Biokleen, Method and Mrs. Meyer's
Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year. Make it a habit to turn off your computer, and the power strip it's plugged into, when you leave for the day.
If possible, print and make copies double-sided. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.
Encourage your company to buy chlorine-free paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Also, consider switching to a lighter stock of paper or alternatives made from bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, or kenaf.
Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy re-manufactured ones. According to Office Depot, each re-manufactured toner cartridge "keeps approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills...and conserves about a half gallon of oil."
Invest in energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers and make sure that old equipment is properly recycled. Look for a recycler that has pledged not to export hazardous e-waste and to follow other safety guidelines. Old computers that still work, and are less than five years old, can be donated to organizations that will refurbish them and find them new homes. (You may even get a tax deduction.)
Even a small office can use tens of thousands of disposable cups a year. Bring a reusable mug/glass from home for your drinks during the day.
Using Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures can reduce energy consumption by at least two-thirds compared to regular lighting.
Post meeting minutes and similar materials online, rather than distributing printed copies. This ensures everyone is looking at the latest copy too!
Brighten up your hallways with plants, which absorb indoor pollution.
Choose ecofriendly paints with low or no volatile organic compounds. VOC-free paint manufacturers include Yolo Colorhouse, Green Planet Paints and Auro. For more tips, visit sierraclub.org/sierra/paint.
When possible, walk, ride a bike, take public transportation or carpool to your desitnation.
You can waste a lot of gas idling while everyone else is still packing up last-minute items for the trip. Wait until all your passengers are in your vehicle and then turn on the ignition.
Ensure your car's tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires wear faster and reduce fuel efficiency and safety.
Driving at high speeds with your windows down increases the drag on your car and results in higher fuel usage. Use the air vents to stay cool and only use the air conditioning when absolutely necessary.
Remove the unnecessary weight from your vehicle. For every 400 pounds that you carry in your car, you lose 3-4 miles per gallon of fuel.