Here are a few tips from Glamour on how to be kind to the environment:

*Sign a petition to change the default margins on word processors to .75 at www.changethemargins.com This will help reduce the use of paper and save you money!

*Stop unwanted catalogs and paper waste at: CatalogChoice

*Sign up for online banking and stop paper bills whenever you can.

*Change the lightbulbs in your house to compact fluorescent bulbs that use 75% less energy than regular bulbs. You’ll save money on energy and help the environment!

*Try out public transportation every once in a while, or try biking or walking.

*Turn off appliances and lights when you’re not using them! Also, unplug appliances that aren’t being used. 75% of all energy consumed by household appliances is standby power!

*Invest a few bucks in reusable grocery totes. If you forget them in your car like I do, make the habit of carrying items without a bag if you don’t need it!

*This one is my favorites: buy some colorful dishes at a thrift store to use for parties. It’s better than wasting paper plates, and if they break, no biggie!

*If it’s broken, fix it! Don’t automatically throw something away because it’s broken. Try to repair it, or give it to someone who might be able to use it.

*Check out www.greenmaven.com to find out which products are environmentally safe.

*Put your computer in sleep mode instead of using the screen saver. At the end of the day, shut it down!

*Use filtered water and reusable bottles instead of buying bottled water.

*Buy music and movies online instead of hard copies.

*Switch to rechargeable batteries!

*Try natural cleaners such as the ones found at www.mrsmeyers.com they’re just as effective and with none of the harmful waste.

*Use window shades to control the temperature of your house instead of solely relying on central air. Also, keeping your air at 68 in the winter and 76 in the summer can greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

*RECYCLE

[Glamour via MindoftheBeav]