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1. Try eco-friendly cleaning products – or make your own. Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and salt each fight grime without taking a toll on the environment. |
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7. Set your washing machine to “cold” instead of “hot” for wash and rinse cycles, and you could cut your energy use by 90%. |
2. Reusable shopping bags are more earth friendly than paper or plastic. Stow them in your trunk so they’re ready for even unexpected shopping trips. |
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8. In the market for a new car? Consider a hybrid, which can go three times as far as a standard sedan on a single tank of gas. |
3. Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. Many devices draw power, even when turned off. This includes energy-leaking power strips. |
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9. Invest in reusable mugs and bottles for beverages on the go. Disposable, single-use containers are more expensive per serving, and often end up in landfills. |
4. Is your home too warm? Reach for your blinds, not your thermostat. Keeping window coverings closed can help block the heat on bright days. |
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10. Swap your incandescent bulbs for CFLs. They last for several years and are 75% more efficient. |
5. Reuse household items once their initial purpose has been served. For example, old toothbrushes are great for cleaning sneakers, or grout lines. |
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11. Every gallon of gasoline you burn produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide. To conserve fuel and boost your vehicle’s efficiency, obey the speed limit; avoid rapid, unnecessary acceleration; keep your tires properly inflated; and get regular tune-ups. |
6. To maximize energy efficiency, don’t overload your clothes dryer, and be sure to clean your lint screen. Better yet, use a clothesline. |
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12. Shop at your local green market. You’ll be supporting local farmers and decreasing your food miles – meaning less fuel will be used to provide your daily meals. |
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