Little things you can do at home that make big impacts on the environment There are 50 eco-friendly choices you can make in this category.

Use 100% post consumer recycled printer paper

... you'll save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper!

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Strip it good!

By using caulk and weather strips on your doorways and windows could save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year.

Load it up!

By running your dishwasher with full load only will save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.

Clean/replace your air filters

Check your air filters on your ventilation system every month. If you clean them regularly, you won't have to replace them often.

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Turn off your monitors

If your computers are on a network or need to be left on for remote access and can't be shut down at night, turn off the monitors.

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Choose a computer maufacturer with a recycling policy

According to a recent study by the National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center, approximately 20.6 million personal computers became obsolete in the U.S. in 1998. Of that number, only 11 percent, or about 2.3 million units, were recycled.

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Buy unbleached brown coffee filters

They are going to turn brown anyway, right?

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Close drapes or blinds in warmer months

This will keep the sunshine from overheating your house. Do the opposite in the colder months to give your thermostat a break.

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Don't overheat or overcool

You'll save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 and $20 each year per 2 degrees!

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Wash your clothes in cold or warm water

Avoiding the hot cycles will save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 per year and will save you money on your energy bills!

Install low-flow aerators to your faucets and shower heads

Aerators are inexpensive, easy to install and reduce the amount of water wasted. Low-flow shower heads can save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 per year!

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Add air-cleaning plants

Plants not only brighten up a room, they help keep the air clean! Shoot for at least one 4-5 ft plant per 100 square feet.

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Recycle/refill printer cartridges

If you use inkjet printers, buy replacement ink and refill them when they are empty. There are also several programs that will allow you to send in your empty ink and laserjet printer cartrdiges for recycling.

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Turn your trash into crafts!

Okay, so that doesn't really rhyme- but use popsicle sticks, newspapers, used office paper, etc. for craft projects.

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Never flush “flushable” applicators, wipes

While the manufacturers may say it's flushable, what they mean is that it won't clog your toilet - but every year, tens of thousands of applicators wind up on the shores of our beaches.

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Use a water filter and refillable water bottle

Americans spend millions of dollars a year on bottled water, which adds to the amount of plastic containers thrown away every day. By purchasing a refillable water bottle and using fiiltered water, you can greatly reduce waste and save yourself a bundle!

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If it isn't dirty, don't wash it

Wear certain articles of clothing a second time if they are not dirty. You'll reduce the amount of laundry you need to do, which cuts down on water usage, and the use of chemicals in your laundry detergent.

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Never litter, even when peers do it

Teach your children never to litter, even if they see their friends littering. Encourage them to be proud of keeping the environment clean!

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Avoid running dishwasher if its not full

You'll save water and electricity, and an estimated 100 lbs of CO2 per year. Letting your dishes air dry instead of using heat will save an additional 700 lbs of CO2 per year!

Cut your vampire power!

Vampire Power: Not Dracula, but the home electronics we leave on standby: TV, printer, DC re-chargers and converters… they cost you and the country almost $100 million worth of WASTED electricity each year.

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Pick up trash

If you see trash on the street or neighborhood, pick it up! Even if it's not your garbage, its still your planet!

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Reduce water waste

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and when “making bubbles” while washing your hands.

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Donate unused clothing and other items

Rather than throwing away unused clothing and items that are in good shape, consider donating them to your local church, Goodwill, or other charity. Many charities will even work with you to schedule a pick-up time.

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Primitive? Nah - Energy saving!

Avoid using electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, such as opening cans.

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Ride your bike or walk

When you don't have far to go, try riding your bike or walking instead of getting a ride in a car. You'll help save energy, lessen the amount of air pollution, and you'll keep healthy and fit, too!

You can also try this: at school and at work

Consider cloth diapers over disposable

18 billion disposable diapers are thrown in landfills each year, taking as many as 500 years to decompose. Disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills, after newspapers and food and beverage containers.

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Use eco-friendly laundry detergents

Look for phosphate-, petroleum-, and chlorine-free products, and use only as much as needed for a given load. If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent than the packaging suggests.

Recycle everything you can!

You benefit either directly or when local taxes are kept lower by reduced disposal costs.

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Buy fish that are caught in an environmentally responsible manner

If you choose to eat fish, you can help keep the marine ecosystem healthy, without compromising freshness and taste by making smart buying choices.

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Check the numbers on the bottom of plastic products

On the bottom of every plastic product, (including body lotion bottles, soda and water bottles, contact lenses, etc.), there is a number printed that corresponds to the kind of plastic used. If there is no number, the item isn't recyclable.

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Insulate your walls

Insulating your walls and ceilings can save an estimated 2000 lbs of CO2 per year, and up to 25% of your monthly bills!

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Replace your windows with energy-saving models

New, energy efficient windows can save an estimated 1000 lbs of CO2 per year!

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Caulk and weather-strip

Poor insulation leads to huge amounts of energy - and money - going out the window (and through the walls, etc.) Caulking and weather-stripping can save an estimated 650 lbs of CO2 per year!

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Sponsor a child in a developing country

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Shop green! Buy shade-grown, organic coffee

Shade coffee provides habitat for birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife in tropical countries.

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Install energy efficient A/C and heating

Look for heating and cooling units and systems with a high Energy Star rating. You'll prevent wasted electricity and benefit from big decreases in your monthly energy bills.

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Be pro-active in hunting down energy problems

Perform an “energy inventory” on the house. Identify areas where energy is being wasted and work on correcting them. The energy savings will pay off in your monthly bills! A home energy audit can save 1000 lbs of CO2 per year!

Sponsor an endangered species

Ask that your holiday or birthday present be the adoption of an endangered species.

Use phosphate-free soap for car washes

Whether you're just washing your car at home, or doing a full-scale group fundraising car wash event, be sure to use phosphate free soap. At your fundraising car washes, be sure to advertise that your car wash is eco-friendly to spread awareness.

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Volunteer instead of watching TV

Instead of watching TV, spend an hour or two a week volunteering for your favorite cause.

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Plan a community event

Coordinate an event at work, at your school or within your community that helps raise awareness about environmental issues such as recycling, waste reduction and conservation.

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Get trendy with home décor

Natural fibers and flooring are in fashion! Look for interior design items made from recycled and natural materials.

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Use rechargeable batteries

Disposable batteries are expensive and wasteful. Although rechargable battery sets can be slightly more expensive up-front, you'll save a lot of money in the long-term. You can save up to $1200 a year!

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Join the Road Hog Reduction Campaign

Personal vehicles presently account for nearly one-quarter of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Visit SUV.org for important information about SUVs and light trucks.

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Small adjustments to your water heater add up to big savings

Set your water heater to 115° and use an insulating blanket on older water heaters.

Install low-flow toilets

You'll use 1.6 gallons per flush compared to a standard toilet which used 3.5 gallons. For an investment of about $145-$165, you'll see big long-term savings on your water bill.

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Steer away from disposable cups - and B.Y.O.C./M.

Hide the throw-away cups, and train people to use their washable coffee mugs. Use washable mugs for meetings too. Be sure to Bring Your Own Cup/Mug and set a good example!

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Put your money where your mouth is

Donate to charities that have positive impacts on the environment. Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation to make your money go even further.

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Unleash the power of the pen

Write to your legislators about issues that affect the environment and our health

Go Solar!

For an investment of about $10,000, you can convert your home to solar energy. That seems like a lot, but think about your electric bill every month, and you can see how quickly the savings can add up.

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