Reduce consumption, waste and pollution

In this step, we will review processes and look for ways to reduce consumption of natural resources and ways to eliminate waste, including conserving energy, reducing water consumption, and reducing waste.  “Reduce” is probably the most important of the Three R’s to focus on initially.

Use these 17 deas to reduce energy usage, water consumption and waste:

1. Turn off lights, install timers or motion sensors
2. Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs)
3. Buy in bulk or buy items with reduced / recyclable packaging
4. Reduce car use, consolidate car trips into one, carpool, ride a bike, take public transit
5. Keep automobiles well maintained and recycle automotive fluids
6. Remove your name from mailing lists: https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/
7. Install low-flush toilets and water restrictors on faucets and shower heads
8. Improve Landscaping – Repair broken sprinkler heads, adjust timers, install a drip system, eliminate over watering and runoff, plant drought resistant plants, use mulch to reduce evaporation.
   NOTE: Some water companies use certain chemicals to treat the water that can be harmful to fish.  Reducing runoff may be a requirement in your area.
9. Avoid using disposable products, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins, paper towels, cups
10. Choose longer lasting products
11. Buy energy efficient appliances and durable goods
12. Buy locally-produced goods and buy from local stores
13. Avoid purchasing products that have a lot of packaging or have to be shipped to you
14. Change the chemicals you purchase to ones that have lower impact on the environment, including cleaning supplies, paint, pest control, fertilizer, etc.
15. Chemical Management: Reduce the amounts of hazardous chemicals that you purchase and store to the absolute minimum.  Keep chemicals in properly sealed containers stored in a locked closet. Keep an up to date MSDS binder nearby in case of accidents or spills.
16. Have appliances cleaned and serviced regularly to improve performance
17. Check the “Power Save” mode on all electronic devices, including computers, printers, fax machines and copiers.

Got others? We want to them to our list. Provide a comment below and we’ll see what we can do.