Earth Day Apr 22 & everyday

10 Actions to help the environment everyday:

1. Shop smart - buy what you need (not what you want); consider renting and borrowing things that are seldom needed; buy used items
2. Simple savers - replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; use water-saver faucets/shower heads; weatherstrip windows and doors
3. Transportation alternatives - walk or cycle (does the body good too), car-pool and use public transportation; when driving, reduce idling and maintain correct tire pressure
4. Food choices - choose local and organic foods that are in season and support local food producers; choose items with less packaging; use a compost for food waste
5. Washing and drying - wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to air dry
6. Heating and cooling - use a programmable thermostat; for summer air conditioning set at 24C or 25C; for winter heating set at 19C or 20C
7. Close to home - work and play as close to home as possible
8. Bathroom basics - take short showers (instead of baths); close water taps while brushing teeth
9. Careful cleaning - choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products; make simple, natural cleaners with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and water
10. Don't discard - donate, reuse and recycle items; take harmful materials like chemicals, batteries, electronics, etc to local hazardous waste depots or recyclers

- source Earth Day Canada website: http://www.earthday.ca/