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What You Can Do

Download the What You Can Do poster.

In Your Home

  • lightbulbsRecycle everything you can: newspapers, cans, glass bottles, aluminum foil, motor oil, etc.
  • Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand: opening cans
  • Make sure your attic is properly insulated and vented
  • Caulk windows and weatherstrip doors
  • Learn how rain barrels can save water and reduce runoff
  • Build a compost pile and use that dirt instead of fertilizer
  • Wash clothes in cold water when possible
  • Re-use brown paper bags to line your trash can instead of plastic bags
  • Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or foil
  • Take unwanted, re-usable items to a charitable organization
  • Wrap your water heater with an insulated "blanket"
  • Rake your leaves instead of using a gas-powered blower
  • Hang clothes outside to dry when possible
  • Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you leave a room
  • Turn down the heat and turn down the water heater before you leave for vacation

At Your Business

  • laptopRecycle office and computer paper, cardboard, etc. whenever possible
  • Use scrap paper for informal notes
  • Use both sides of the paper when possible
  • Re-use manila envelopes and file folders
  • Ask IMT how to reduce your computer's energy consumption
  • Train people to use washable coffee mugs and hide the throw-away cups
  • Don't print emails unless absolutely necessary
  • Keep lights off in your office and other areas when they aren't in use
  • Create a contest at work for ideas that help save the environment

Personal Efforts

  • kid in grassDrink filtered tap water instead of buying commercial water bottles
  • Take plastic grocery bags back to the store; better yet, buy several sturdy, reusable bags
  • Think twice about buying "disposable" products (they aren't really "disposable")
  • Participate in Earth Day cleanups and HazardousWaste Collection Days
  • Buy paper products instead of plastic
  • Bike, ride the bus or carpool to work
  • If you must drive, make sure your car's tires are properly inflated
  • Check the energy rating of major appliances and purchase the most energy-efficient models
  • Buy locally grown food and other local products when possible
  • Don't buy products made from endangered animals
  • Donate "old" clothes; buy "vintage" clothes
  • Don't buy Styrofoam or other products that are hazardous to the environment
  • Join a conservation organization
  • Convert by example and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to save resources, too
  • Teach children to respect nature and the environment
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