50 Ways to Save the Environment

Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. Help protect our environment by making these everyday changes at home, at work and in the world around you. This list is brought to you by Aveda, who strives to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility around the world.

1. Recycle!
2. Don’t use electrical appliances if you can do it by hand.
3. Use cold water in the washer.
4. Re-use brown paper bags to line your trash can.
5. Re-use bread bags and produce bags.
6. Store food in re-usable containers.
7. Return hangers to the dry cleaners.
8. Donate unwanted goods.
9. Don’t leave water running needlessly.
10. Turn your heat down and wear a sweater.
11. Turn off the lights and electrical appliances.
12. Flush the toilet less often.
13. Turn down the heat before you go on vacation.
14. Recycle your Christmas tree.
15. Start a compost pile.
16. Put up birdfeeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths.
17. Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.
18. Use only organic fertilizers.
19. Take extra plastic and rubber pots back to the nursery.
20. Plant short, dense shrubs close to your home’s foundation for insulation.
21. Use mulch to conserve water in your garden.
22. Keep your car tuned.
23. Carpool.
24. Use public transit.
25. Ride your bike or walk.
26. Buy a more fuel-efficient car (such as a hybrid or bio-diesel).
27. Recycle your engine oil.
28. Keep your tires properly inflated to save gas.
29. Keep your wheels properly aligned to save your tires.
30. Don’t litter our roads and highways.
31. Recycle office and computer paper, cardboard, etc.
32. Use scrap paper for informal notes to yourself and others.
33. Print or copy on both sides of the paper.
34. Use smaller paper for smaller memos.
35. Re-use manila envelopes and file folders.
36. Use washable dishes and glassware at the office.
37. Avoid buying products in plastic or styrofoam containers.
38. Think twice about buying “disposable” products.
39. Buy disposable paper products instead of plastic ones.
40. Buy only energy-efficient appliances.
41. Bring your own bags.
42. Buy locally grown food and locally made products.
43. Don’t buy products made from endangered animals.
44. Join a conservation organization.
45. Volunteer your time to conservation projects.
46. Donate to conservation projects.
47. Switch to a vegetarian diet.
48. Encourage your family and friends to conserve.
49. Write your legislators about conservation issues in your community or state.
50. Teach children to respect nature and the environment.