Reduce. Reuse.

Making a new product requires a lot of materials and energy. By reducing cosumption and reusing what you already have, you'll not only help protect the environment, but you'll also save money. Here are a few simple tips to help reduce waste.

Water

• TURN OFF FAUCETS. Don't let faucet water run needlessly as you wash or rinse dishes, wash your hands or face, brush your teeth or shave. Fix leaks as soon as possible.
• WATER WISE. Shorten your showers, invest in high efficiency washers and low-flow showerheads and toilets, and cover your pool.
• REPURPOSE WATER. Capture the potable water you use to rinse produce and deposit it in the garden. Use a rain barrel for use in the garden.

Energy

• SLAY ENERGY VAMPIRES. Unplug cords when your devices are not being used and put appliances in energy saving mode.
• FIGHT THE LIGHT. Shut off the lights, TV, computer, and other electronics when you leave the room.
• CHOOSE ENERGY EFFICIENT. When replacing light bulbs, appliances, and cars, choose more energy efficinet options.

Paper

• GO DIGITAL. Sign up for paperless statements, ask for emailed receipts, take digital notes, and use your phone for e-tickets instead of printing.
• PICKY PAPER. Use 100% recycled paper, write/print copy on both sides of the paper, and use reusable lunchboxes instead of paper bags.
• CANCEL THE CLUTTER. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and opt out of junk mail.

Plastic

• SKIP SINGLE-USE. Invest in reusable grocery bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and straws.
• PACKAGING PROWESS. Look for products and food items that use less packaging and choose bulk items instead of products that come in single servings.
• DITCH MICROBEADS. Don't use face wash or toothpaste with microbeads. (If the ingredients label lists polyethylene or polypropylene, the item likely contains microbeads.)