Taking steps toward a greener lifestyle isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about doing the best you can.

1. Need to stock your kitchen? Buy groceries at the Farmer’s market.
2. Buying water instead of drinking tap? Recycle the bottle. Or, better yet, purchase a reusable water bottle and fill it with filtered tap water.
3. Eat in or take out? It’s best to eat in. Not only do you help your local restaurant but you also cut down on material waste involved with packing your food.
4. Paper or plastic? Neither! Carry your goods out of the store or bring a reusable bag with you when shopping.
5. ATM receipts? Say no to ATM receipts and do your banking online.
6. Does your food have miles? Reduce the miles your food has to travel. Purchase seasonal produce and buy locally.
7. Taking a trip to the coffee shop? Bring your own mug and cut down on waste.
8. Buying new software? Opt for a download versus a tangible purchase. You’ll cut down on wasteful packaging and a trip to the store.
9. Burning the midnight oil? Light a candle instead of using electricity. Also look for all-natural candles, usually made of soy or beeswax.
10. Are you an electronics geek? Unplug all unused adapters and chargers.
11. Frequent traveler? Travel lightly. When flying, each additional ten pounds per traveler adds 350 million gallons of jet fuel per year. More baggage also means more energy is required to scan and move your luggage.
12. Recycling? Remember, you’re not really recycling unless you’re buying recycled.
13. Look for a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content when shopping.

A simple way you can start consuming responsibly is examining your actions.

1. Buy local food
2. Support your local economy
3. Buy organic
4. Buy fair trade products,
5. Purchase vintage products
6. Think of your dollar as a vote (cash in, make change!)
7. Use energy efficient light bulbs
8. Use fewer household chemicals
9. Turn off unnecessary lights
10. Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree
11. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
12. Use energy efficient appliances
13. Reuse and recycle all that you can
14. Use a mug instead of a coffee cup
15. Use both sides of every sheet of paper
16. Buy things with less packaging
17. Choose a fuel efficient car
18. Use public transportation
19. Give a neighbor a ride to work
20. Spread the word and be a good example
21. Spend less time consuming

Also, don’t forget to be a part of the Rainmaker Network—help us get closer to our goal of reducing the carbon footprints of college students and employers all across the USA.

Whew.

Also called downshifting, many people opt for a simpler lifestyle for good reasons: wanting to live a more fulfilling lifestyle; clashes between their values and their current environment; or wanting to live in harmony. Considering the current economic climate it doesn’t take a genius to understand that consuming less can definitely lead you to a deeper appreciation of the things you currently have. The timeless adage, “Less is more” definitely applies to the environmental cause.

You don’t have to replace all of your current wares with the most green items on the market. However, you should consider eco-friendly purchases when it comes time to buy new items. For example, when replacing paper towels for the kitchen, why not purchase recycled
towels or hand towels instead?