Ways to reduce Consumption

Looking for some basic ways to reduce your consumption and footprint on this earth of ours? Have a look at this list of simple ideas (courtesy Ann Arbor Unitarian Universalist Green Sanctuary Project):

Use washable cloths and homemade cleansers for housecleaning.

Watch less commercially sponsored TV

Car pool use public transportation

Raise your own food or support locally grown community agriculture

Recycle whenever possible

Shop at thrift stores and buy used after I have worn out what I have

Cook at home as opposed to eating out

Use less water when bathing/showering

Do not buy paper plates, cups, Styrofoam, plastic table settings

Compost leaves and garden waste

Walk and bike when possible instead of driving

Use the library more often, share good books with friends

Give up Golf

Set aside time to recycle each week

Wear clothing that is made with natural fibers and doesn?t require excess pesticide use.

Spend more time outside

Bring mug from home to avoid using paper products

Consolidate errands and shopping trips by planning ahead and therefore needing to use the car less

Reuse bottles for water, don?t buy plastic water bottles

Use cloth bags at the grocery or reuse the bags they give you until they fall apart

Let the lawn go

Eat less meat especially beef

Get involved with environmental activism in the community

Get rid of the SUV

Fix it yourself

Use local products

Support local producers

Plant vegetables and flowers and trees

Always ask yourself (Do I really need this?) before you buy

Plan the most efficient driving route to any destination to conserve gas and reduce

emissions.

Turn the engine off, don?t let the car idle.

Avoid temptation, if you don?t go in the store you won?t buy anything.

Live closer to your place of work

Work less, live more!

Encourage your neighbors not to use pesticides on their lawns.

Donate directly instead of buying fundraiser items

Work in groups to support each other

Use energy efficient light bulbs, Flourescent

Avoid impulse purchases

Find a saner way to celebrate the holidays