As an individual you can help make a difference to preserve the environment by making small changes to the way you do things… and if more people adopted an eco-friendly lifestyle, the environment would really appreciate it! You can also save on costs and improve your health at the same time!

 

Recycle, recycle, recycle!

• Plant native species. They need less watering, are stronger and they attract the local wildlife.


• Avoid chemicals to clean your house and office. Use a mixture of water and vinegar as an alternative.


• Do not dispose of chemicals, paints, oils down the drain - the residues end up in our waterways. Ask your local council how to dispose of them safely.


• Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use. Turn electric appliances off at the main power board.


• Use natural soaps and detergents and avoid those that contain phosphates.


• Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month.


• Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.


• Turn off unneeded lights and fans even when leaving a room for a short time.


• Do not set your refrigerator and freezer at the coldest option. Increase the temperature slightly.


• Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.


• Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label; old refrigerators, for example, use up to 50 more electricity than newer models.


• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.


• Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.


• Plant trees to shade your home. Trees absorb carbon dioxide.


• Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.


• Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.


• Review labels of household cleaners you use for chemical ingredients. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, water or a little more elbow grease.


• Use cedar chips or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs.


• Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.


• Use recycled wood chips as mulch to keep weeds down, retain moisture and prevent erosion.


• Say no to pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers.


• Create a wildlife habitat in your yard.


• Take actions that use non hazardous components (e.g., to ward off pests, plant marigolds in a garden instead of using pesticide).


• Copy and print on both sides of paper.


• Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.


• Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.


• Use recycled paper.


• Use discarded paper for scrap paper.


• Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with soy-based inks, which are less toxic.


• Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.


• Use water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.


• Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible.


• Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.


• Check and fix any water leaks.


• Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.


• Don't wash dishes with the water running continuously.


• Install a low-flow shower head.


• Replace old toilets with new ones that use a lot less water


• Check your car for oil or other leaks, and recycle motor oil.


• Never dump anything down a storm drain.


• Do not wash your car near a water body (lake, river).


• Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient.


• Buy products that you can reuse.


• Maintain and repair durable products instead of buying new ones.


• Check reports for products that are easily repaired and have low breakdown rates.


• Reuse items like bags and containers when possible.


• Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.


• Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.


• Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminium foil and cling wrap.


• Shop with an eco-friendly canvas bag, instead of using the bags at the supermarket.


• Only use rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.


• Buy used furniture - there is a surplus of it, and it is much cheaper than new furniture.