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.