| Not everything about protecting the environment | | | | instead. They do a good job when combined with |
| has to be a big step or expensive to get started, | | | | your preferred glass cleaner. |
| such as adding solar power to a house. Some of | | | | Get some good microfiber cleaning cloths for |
| the things you can do are relatively simple and | | | | other types of cleaning. Microfiber does a really |
| won't take a lot of your time. | | | | good job on many tasks. If you don't want to |
| 1. Switch to CFLs or LED lighting. | | | | spend the money, there's really nothing wrong |
| Both types of bulbs cost more than conventional | | | | with sticking to the towels and cleaning rags you |
| bulbs, but they last longer. CFLs have the problem | | | | already own, of course. |
| of containing mercury, while LED bulbs as yet are | | | | 4. Use reusable shopping bags. |
| quite expensive, take a bit more effort to find | | | | This one can actually be kind of challenging. |
| and not everyone likes the color of light. Either will | | | | Remembering to bring the bags after you buy |
| save you money on your power bill compared to | | | | them is tough for many people. |
| conventional bulbs, with LEDs using even less | | | | Cheap reusable shopping bags can be bought at |
| power than CFLs and having the potential for a | | | | many stores now, and you can buy better quality |
| longer life. | | | | ones online. More and more stores are getting |
| 2. Check your car's tire pressure. | | | | used to customers bringing in their own bags, and |
| Low tire pressure is a big drain on your mileage. | | | | some even give you a nickel or so off your total |
| The impact can be something you'll notice with | | | | purchase for each reusable bag you bring in. |
| each refuel of your car. That means you're saving | | | | 5. Eat vegetarian meals sometimes. |
| money and using less gas, not a bad deal at all for | | | | Meat production is really hard on the environment, |
| trying to be a little greener. | | | | especially meat that comes from factory farms. |
| 3. Stop using paper towels. | | | | You can save money and do a bit of good for |
| Yes, I know how wonderfully convenient paper | | | | the environment if you cut down on how much |
| towels are. But they're also a huge waste. People | | | | meat you eat. |
| cleaned in their homes just fine on a regular basis | | | | The simplest way is to just decide to have one |
| without them. | | | | vegetarian meal a day, week or month, whatever |
| Use newspapers to wipe windows and mirrors | | | | works for you. Try out some new recipes. |