The 3 R's:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Last Updated on:  06/27/2008 09:10 AM

Change your Habits or Routine

• If you must have something new, then give something old away

• Use reusable cups or containers for coffee or water instead of the paper or plastic ones supplied by the store

• Remember your childhood training and turn off lights and water when not in use

• Forget about paper towels and use cotton dish towels, just like your grandma

• I use a reusable coffee filter instead of buying paper one

• Make your own cleaning products

• Take the bus or ride a bike - leave the car in the garage

• If you've got babies then use washable diapers instead of putting dirty diapers in the landfill

• Lower your thermometer in the summer and raise it in the winter

• Bring your own bag to the store instead of using plastic or paper bags

• Recycle — paper, plastic, metal and glass.  Also see:  Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

• Save energy by keeping the fridge door open only for as long as you need to

• Wash full loads of dishes and/or clothes instead of half loads.  This habit will save both water and energy

• Start a garden and grow your own food

• Send an eCard instead of a paper one

• Stop receiving junk mail.  Follow the procedures outlined here  Eco-Cycle - Stop Junk Mail

• Compost your garden and kitchen waste  Food and garden waste like vegetable peelings, grass and plant cuttings can be turned into compost

• Select items that aren't over-packaged
• Buy fresh food instead of processed foods which are often over-packaged
• Buy bulk and then package at home in smaller reusable containers
• Repair electrical goods.  It will probably cost you less than buying a replacement.  It will certainly reduce the landfill.
• Reuse or re-purpose stuff
• Buy bulk and share with your friends or neighbors
• Buy locally grown produce - saves on transportation costs
• Buy the best that you can afford, hopefully it will last longer
• Shop the thrift stores
• Buy recycled products whenever possible.  You can ask your local authority about recycling in your area.
• Use refill packs like washing powders, liquids, fabric softeners and dishwasher products.  You buy one original large bottle, then simply refill when empty

• Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth 
• Take a shower instead of a bath because showering uses 2 to 3 times less water
• Take the time to fix dripping faucets

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent tube [CFT]) ones
• An easy thing to do is to turn the lights off when you leave a room
• Turn your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer.  I keep mine set at 68°F in the winter and 78°F in the summer
• Turn of  electronics when not in use because leaving them on stand-by uses large amounts of unnecessary energy
• Make sure the damper on the fireplace fits tightly to conserve heat and reduce energy loss
• Insulate properly - sealing off drafts and unnecessary air vents will help to keep warm air in and cold air out
• Check the pressure in you tires and keep your care properly tuned to save fuel, money and energy
• If you're stuck in traffic for more than a couple of minutes, turn off your engine to save fuel
• Use a park & ride whenever possible
• Find more ways to conserve energy

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