Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 but don't forget about the other 364 days a year that you can make a difference! Every day provides new opportunities to protect the environment, save money, and have fun with Environmentality. Need some help getting started? Check out a few ideas listed below:

Waste Minimization

1. Recycle. Call community officials, the local recycling center, or a nearby recycling business to find out if and how materials should be separated for recycling.
2. Find alternative uses for products at their end of life. Donate or resell items to thrift stores or other organizations in need.
3. Recycle old electronics. Many retailers and manufacturers now offer take-back programs.
   • To find an electronics recycling center near you check out: www.Earth911.org
4. Buy products in bulk, which creates less packaging.
5. Look for items in packages and containers made of recycled materials such as bottles, cans, paper wrappings, bags, cereal boxes, and plastic milk cartons.

Water Conservation

1. Turn off faucet when brushing teeth.
2. Take shorter showers. A typical shower lasts about 8 minutes and uses about 17 gallons of water. An efficient shower lasts 3 or 4 minutes and uses 7.5 gallons.
3. Install a low flow shower head in bathrooms.
4. Use water from leaky faucets to water plants or garden.
5. Water the yard when the sun is going down. Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.
   • Check out www.wateruseitwisely.com for 100 ways to conserve water!

Climate Protection

1. Carpool. Carpooling with just two other people can cut your fuel costs by two-thirds. You can also get preferred reduced parking fees; and save wear-and-tear on your car.
2. Take the train, bus, walk or ride your bike when possible.
3. Turn off electronics and appliances when not in use.
4. Replace standard light bulbs with longer-lasting, economical compressed fluorescent bulbs.
5. Consider long term purchases, like ENERGYSTAR® appliances or hybrid vehicles.

Nature Conservation

1. Plant a tree.
   • Check out some resources at: www.arborday.org
2. Learn more about animal habitats.
3. Organize a beach or park clean up with your family, friends, and community.
4. Donate to nature conservation funds.
5. Buy shade grown coffee. Shade grown coffee requires little or no chemical pesticides or herbicides. Shade coffee plantations also provide habitats for many migratory birds.

Green Purchasing

1. Purchase organic or biodegradable products.
2. Purchase items that are durable and long lasting.
3. Choose to browse through store catalogues online instead of receiving paper copies in the mail.
4. Bring your own reusable canvas bag to carry grocery items.
5. Shop at stores offering sustainable apparel and products.
   • www.ecoist.com
   • www.loomstate.org