Grober Green

What?
Prevent toxic runoff by using eco-friendly laundry detergent.

How?
Make every load count – for the planet. Only buy plant-based detergents that are free of phosphates, chlorine and surfactants.

Why?
Many conventional detergents contain harmful substances that do not readily biodegrade and can build up in lakes and streams.

Did You Know?
Laundry runoff is a suspected inciter of some cancer-causing substances such as dioxin.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as reading a few labels in the detergent aisle.

What?
Reduce waste from school lunches and other packed meals.

How?
Start with a reusable lunch box or bag. Add reusable stainless steel utensils and cloth napkins. Insert food and drinks in reusable containers and bottles. And get that kiddo out the door!

Why?
The average American student produces up to 67 pounds of waste from school lunches each year. Plastic bags, individually packaged items and juice boxes are all big-time contributors.

Did You Know?
You could save $246.60 per student per year with a waste-free lunch approach. Learn more at www.wastefreelunches.org.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as putting a few more things in your dishwasher at the end of the day – instead of in the trash can.

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• Waste Free School Lunch: Yet Another Kit to Help us Reuse (treehugger.com)

Use 100% post consumer recycled printer paper
… you’ll save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper!

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.
You can also try this: for companies

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.
You can also try this: for teachers, for companies, at school and for kids

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.
You can also try this: for companies But wait, there’s more!

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.
You can also try this: at work

Don’t overheat or overcool
You’ll save an estimated 350 lbs of CO2 and $20 each year per 2 degrees!
You can also try this: for companies

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.
You can also try this: for companies, at school and at work

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.
You can also try this: for companies, at work and for teachers But wait, there’s more!

Turn your trash into crafts!
Okay, so that doesn’t really rhyme- but use popsicle sticks, newspapers, used office paper, etc. for craft projects.
You can also try this: at school, for teachers, for kids and for parents

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.
You can also try this: at work and at school

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!
You can also try this: at work, at school and while shopping

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.
You can also try this: for kids

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!
You can also try this: for parents and at school

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.
You can also try this: for kids, for teachers, for companies, at school, at work and for parents

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!
You can also try this: at work, at school and while shopping

Reduce water waste
Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and when �making bubbles� while washing your hands.
You can also try this: at school and at work

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.
You can also try this: for parents, for kids, for companies, at school and at work

Primitive? Nah – Energy saving!
Avoid using electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, such as opening cans.
You can also try this: at work

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.
But wait, there’s more!

Use eco-friendly laundry detergents Takes some effort!
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.
You can also try this: at work, at school, in the yard, for companies, for teachers, for kids and for parents

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.
You can also try this: at work and while shopping

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.
You can also try this: for kids, for companies, while shopping, at school and at work But wait, there’s more!

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!
You can also try this: for companies

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!
You can also try this: for companies But wait, there’s more!

Sponsor a child in a developing country
You can also try this: for companies and for teachers

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.
You can also try this: for companies

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.
You can also try this: at school, at work and for teachers

Volunteer instead of watching TV
Instead of watching TV, spend an hour or two a week volunteering for your favorite cause.
You can also try this: at school and for kids

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.
You can also try this: at school, at work, for companies and for teachers

Get trendy with home decor
Natural fibers and flooring are in fashion! Look for interior design items made from recycled and natural materials.
You can also try this: while shopping

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!
You can also try this: while shopping, at school and at work

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.
You can also try this: while shopping

Small adjustments to your water heater add up to big savings
Set your water heater to 115 degree 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.
You can also try this: for companies But wait, there’s more!

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!
You can also try this: at work and at school But wait, there’s more!

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.
You can also try this: at work

Unleash the power of the pen
Write to your legislators about issues that affect the environment and our health

Go Solar! Money Saver!
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.

What?
Prevent toxic waste by recycling your old cell phone.

How?
Think before you toss. Most cellular carriers have in-store recycling, while some even offer buyback credits.

Why?
Cell phones contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and arsenic, which can leach into the earth or water from landfills.

Did You Know?
There are over 500 million old cell phones in our homes and landfills that could be recycled or donated.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as dropping off your old phone when you buy your new one.

What?
Reduce your “farm to fork” time – and support your local economy – by shopping at Farmers’ Markets.

How?
Visit www.localharvest.org to find farmers’ markets in your area. Then bring your own bags to cart home your uber-fresh produce.

Why?
Locally-grown food is better for your health and better for the planet. It’s usually cultivated with organic methods, and it reduces both transportation and packaging waste.

Did You Know?
Over 3,000 acres of farmland are lost to development every year. Help slow this trend by keeping local farmers in business.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as getting to know your food – both where it came from, and how it was grown.

What?
Save time – and improve your health – by incorporating raw food into your diet.

How?
Try to consume more fruit, veggies, nuts and salads every day. As a result, you’ll eat healthier, and spend less time cooking.

Why?
Processed food takes more fossil fuel energy to manufacture and oftentimes more human energy to prepare.

Did You Know?
You can soak legumes and beans in water overnight to soften them without cooking.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as rinsing and eating!

Greens = good sources of nitrogen

Browns = good sources of carbon

WHAT TO AVOID & WHY

• Bottled water is virtually unregulated, industry lobbyists fight against Federal Purity Regulations every year in Washington… Why?
• Bottled water is over priced, over 95% of cost is bottle, label, lid and transportation.
• Bottled water is bad for the environment, Millions of plastic bottles pollute our landfills daily.
• Any time water is stored for a prolonged period of time in a plastic bottle, it will take on traces of the chemicals used in the plastic such as Pthylate.
•  According to the FDA, “Companies that market bottled water as being safer than tap water are defrauding the American public…”
• Home water filtration offers significantly higher quality water, at a fraction of the cost and far more convenient than bottled water.

What?
Reduce landfill waste – and make your garden bloom – by composting applicable trash.

How?
Don’t put food scraps, clippings and leaves into the trash can. Instead, compost them so that they become nutrients for the soil.

Why?
You’re reducing the amount of trash headed to the landfill while fertilizing your garden for free.

Did You Know?
Landfills are the largest source of methane emissions in the US, and methane is actually worse for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as creating a separate bin for compost items.

What?
Reduce carbon emissions – and enjoy optimal freshness – by seeking out locally-grown, in-season food.

How?
Make your diet more sustainable. Only buy local, seasonal, organic produce. The good news? They often go hand-in-hand!

Why?
It is estimated that most produce sold in the US travels 1,500 miles before reaching your dinner table.

Did You Know?
Imported foods can contain more pesticides than Canadian grown food. That’s because other countries may have more lenient regulations on chemicals such as DDT, which is banned in the Canada and the USA.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?

As easy as seeing what’s in season at the local farmers‘ market.