Simple changes that make a difference

Do you break into a cold sweat when you think about all the things that you could be doing to be more green, but are not? Don’t worry, if we all take simple steps every day, together we’ll make a difference. Find some tips below to help you think and act green. Plus, if you have a tip of your own, please email it to us and it may appear here in the future!

Check the thermostat on your fridge. Optimum temperatures for energy efficiency are between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the main compartment, and between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. Freezer temps even five degrees colder than that can increase energy
consumption by nearly 20 percent.
Stop talking trash and do something about it. Convince your office manager (or spearhead this activity yourself) to replace desk-side trash cans with recycling cans. Strategically place community trash cans throughout the office for non-recyclable items. This will make each worker think twice before throwing something in the trash can. It also saves on having to replace trash liners in each individual trash can every night.
Share and share alike. If you love subscribing to different magazines and have a pile of read magazines just sitting at home, consider sharing. Take them to your office and let others read them. Start a club -- trade magazines with friends, neighbors and co-workers.
You don’t have to own a hybrid to help. Keeping your car tuned, following the maintenance guide, and changing the oil, air filter, and oxygen sensor when needed saves fuel. Out-of-whack engines reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Also, keeping your tires properly inflated will help with fuel economy.
Don’t be a wet blanket - think before you dry. Your clothes dryer is the second biggest energy-guzzling appliance in the house after the refrigerator. If the weather is conducive, consider hanging your clothes outside on a line to dry. Or in the winter, use a clothes drying rack indoors. And if you are using your dryer, check to see if you have a model with a moisture sensor so it turns off when the clothes are dry – it may be time for a new dryer!
Help the planet in two ways: reuse and donate. There are many schools and charitable organizations that raise needed funds every year by conducting penny or coin fund-raising drives. By donating to these organizations you’re helping a good cause and helping the planet. Every penny does count. Also, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in an activity that teaches them the value of giving, both to the planet and others.