Paper!

1. Paper that has printing on one side can be reused as scrap paper. For example: put together a small notebook and bind with staples for quick notes or messages.
2. Collect daily newspapers and try to find local firm or organization that can reuse them.
3. Reuse newspaper as fun and creative wrapping for presents or gifts. For example: the comics add a special and funny touch to whatever is inside.
4. PRINT DOUBLESIDED! All computers can be set up to do this automatically!
5. Be conscious of what you print out. If you don’t need to have a paper copy of the email, don’t print it!
6. Instead of disposing of old or unwanted books in the trash, find someone interested in having them.

Packaging!

1. Use a cloth or reusable shopping bag to carry groceries home. If you forget, request a paper bag from the shop!
2. When choosing products to buy, be aware of which ones have the most wasteful packaging involved. Choose items that are packaged as simple as possible. If you have the option, choose products whose packaging is recyclable!
3. Use appliance boxes as storage containers or be creative and use them for other purposes. For example: Painted refrigerator boxes make good forts to play in!
4. Use reusable plastic containers to pack lunches for school or work.

Plastic!

1. Choose beverages that come only in plastic bottles with the recyclable symbol on it.
2. Separate plastic bottles from the rest of the waste. If a separate container for plastic is available, dispose of it there. If not, put them next to the regular container, and informal collectors will pick them up. In this way, we are also supporting healthy alternate means of earning money.
3. Plastic bottles can be used creatively for art projects or practical items around the house! Some examples: 1. Half of a bottle is a great pencil holder. 2. Sand-filled bottles make great bookends. 3. Half a bottle can be filled with dirt and can be used as a flower pot! 4. Be creative! Bottles can make great toys, bowling balls, and other fun things!

Electricity!

1. Replace incandescent bulbs with florescent ones!
2. Don’t use electric lighting if natural lighting is sufficient.
3. ALWAYS turn off the light when you leave the room!
4. Actually… turn off everything if it’s not being used: TV, Computer, Radios, DVD player, Stereo, etc.
5. Unplug unused appliances- Most products use some energy, even when they are not turned on! Just unplug it!
6. Close the door of the refrigerator as soon as you can. And make sure you close it tightly.
7. Only boil as much water as you need- it’s wasteful of water and electricity to do more!
8. Turn off hot water heater when not in use!
9. Find ways to use alternate sources of energy. For example: Use sun energy to heat water, etc.

Heating!

1. Close the doors and windows when heating is on in the winter and when in the air conditioning is on in the summer.
2. If possible, instead of opening the door when it gets too warm, turn down the heat.
3. Wear warmer clothes inside and keep the heating down
4. Place foil behind the heater to keep heat from escaping through the outside wall.
5. Put blinds or curtains on windows to keep the inside temperature warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
6. Plant deciduous trees on the south side of the house to keep house in the shade in the summer and allow sunshine inside in the winter.
7. Plant evergreen trees on the north side of the house to keep house warmer in the winter.
8. If possible, use light-colored materials to roof the house. In summer, it reflects the sunshine to keep the house cool.

Water!

1. Turn off the faucet when not in use. For example: use as little water as possible when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, shaving, etc.
2. If possible, use non-potable water for watering plants.
3. Water the plants in the evening or early in the morning in the summer to decrease evaporation throughout the day.
4. Don’t play with the water during the summer. It’s a valuable resource- don’t waste it!
5. When taking a shower, use the bath as little as possible. Decrease shower time by 2-3 minutes, especially when more than one person has to use the hot water everyday.
6. Use dishwasher only when completely full. Otherwise, wash dishes by hand.
7. Only do full loads of laundry. Try to do no more than one load a week!
8. Use low flow showerheads, faucets and toilets.
9.  Fix everything that leaks. This is an easy way to conserve water!

Transportation!

1. For short distances walk or bike!
2. For long distances carpool or use public transportation.
3. When driving on the highway, drive no faster than 100 kph. Above that, wastes more gas.
4. If possible, use bio-diesel fuels.