Start a Carpool! To counterattack the smog and acid rain caused by our cars' exhaust, the best thing to do is carpool or use mass transit. Less cars on the road means less exhaust. And it's more fun to ride with a friend!

Get Involved! It's up to us to save our planet, so get involved in an environmental organization. Check with your local zoo, chamber of commerce, or an environmental publication to find one that's right for you.

Be an Environmentally Conscious Consumer! You can cast your vote to save the environment each time you open your wallet. Buy products that use recycled materials and less packaging. Buy products in bulk. And try never to buy single use/disposable items.

Check Your Bulbs! Don't waste energy by using a light bulb that has higher wattage than needed. You can also save energy and money by installing more efficient, compact fluorescent bulbs and turning them off when you're not in the room.

Get Rid of Hazardous Waste Safely! Batteries, antifreeze, pesticides, paint, paint thinners, drain cleaners, mothballs, and many other household products are considered hazardous waste, so don't pour them down the drain or throw them in the trash. Contact your municipal waste facility or local government information center to find out how to dispose of hazardous substances properly.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle! From newspaper, to egg cartons, to organic materials such as leaves and yard clippings, lots of things can be recycled. Even coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer for some plants. So don't throw away what you can use again!

Supermarket Tip! Buy food in bulk and store it in resealable containers. And of course, bring your own reusable bag to carry home your groceries.

Camp Safely! If you're planning a camping or hiking trip into the wilderness, pay attention to how you clean up. Try washing with soapless hot water and sand -- even the mildest soap puts a strain on the environment. If you do use soap, use a biodegradable one. Since there are no bathrooms, be sure to dig your latrine as far as possible from water sources to avoid contamination.

Non-toxic Alternative! Instead of using a commercial drain cleaner, which is highly toxic, you can use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to take care of a drain clog. Simply pour a handful of baking soda down the drain followed by a half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a heavy pot or stopper, as this will force the pressure down and clear the clog instead of allowing the mixture to fizz up out of the drain.

 

For more enviro-tips, send an e-mail to CapPlanet@aol.com, or call (555) 42-ENVIRO

 

 

Source: http://www.turner.com/planet/top-ten.html

Forrest K
Seabreeze High
Updated: 5/5/2010