Tree-Free Home: As much as possible, create a tree-free home:
replace paper napkins with cloth napkins
replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse
purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum)
if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it)
create and use note pads from once-used paper
leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board
make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper
if you will be doing construction on your house, search out alternatives to using newly cut wood (no endorsement of any company intended):
Eco-Friendly Flooring Guide
straw bale
bamboo -- two sites to check out: Plyboo and Teragren
true (natural) linoleum
previously used wood -- one site to check out: Vintage Timber Works
cob -- three sites to check out: Cob, Cob Cottage, and EcoBusiness-Cob Building Resources
composite decking -- The Latest Trend in Decking
Bulk Purchases: Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixings, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products. For additional ideas, read the Precycling information page.
Avoid Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. Learn about the dangers of plastic bags and what countries around world are doing about it ("The Dangers of Plastic Bags" slide show from Teacher Vishal Mody).
Junk Mail: For ideas on how to reduce junk mail, access:
Reduce Personal and Business Junk Mail
Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls
How to Get Rid of Junk Mail, Spam, and Telemarketers
Junkbusters
Opt-Out
Green Hotels: When staying at a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast let the management know that you like to support businesses that adopt environmentally responsible practices (including reducing waste). Print out and drop off the Sustainable Solutions for Green Hotels environmental tips list. To locate environmentally friendly hotels, search on the Internet under "ecotourism" and/or visit Green Hotels Association.
Waste-Free Lunches: Pack a Waste-Free Lunch whenever possible.
Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for take out beverages.
Protect Children: New American Dream offers tips for protecting your children from intrusive and harmful advertising that promotes mindless consumption.
Zero Waste: Zero Waste America and Zero Waste Alliance provide information on becoming a "Zero Waste" activist. "Waste is a resource in disguise." (quote from Zero Alliance)
