50 Simple Things: A Guide to Reducing your Carbon Footprint
Looking for a few simple ways to cut carbon? Earth Guardians has been recognized publicly for this comprehensive yet accessible little list. Pretty soon we’ll be launching a campaign that incentivizes folks to collectively commit to taking on one of these items for a week straight. Our goal is to track the carbon our global tribe is cutting. Meanwhile, scope out the list and get a head start on your carbon-cutting practice.
HOME
In the winter, turn down the thermostat and wear warmer clothes instead.
In the summer, avoid using the air conditioning. Consider getting an evaporative cooler instead.
Avoid using the clothes dryer, hang your clothes out to dry whenever possible.
Turn down the temperature on your water heater (130 degrees is hot enough).
Put a brick or rocks in your toilet tank to conserve water each time you flush.
Minimize toilet flushing - “if its yellow, its mellow, if its brown, flush it down”.
Remember to turn off your lights whenever not needed, especially during the day.
Put stereos and electronics on power strips and turn off when not in use.
Replace your light bulbs with LEDs, which use a lot less energy.
Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries for portable devices.
Minimize printing of documents from the computer, go paperless.
EATING
Eat vegetarian– or better yet: VEGAN! Remember to buy organic.
Buy locally sourced food when possible.
Eat organic food (pesticide and GMO free)— better for you and the planet.
Shop at local farmer’s markets.
Start a garden: grow some of your own food!
Compost leftover food, yard trimmings, and organic matter instead of throwing it in the trash.
Use all reusable plates, silverware, napkins, tupperware, etc. (Including when you get food to-go!)
Decide what you want before you open the refrigerator, don’t leave the door open.
Use a pressure cooker, especially for beans and grains.
Avoid supporting fast-food restaurants and chains. Eat at local, community-oriented restaurants.
Buy food in bulk! Plan ahead and bring reusable bags and containers to the market or store.
BATHING
Cut your shower time by 20% or take one fewer shower per week.
Turn off the water while shampooing or washing your body.
Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
The cooler the water, the better. Turn it down a few degrees.
CLEANING
Use rags or hand towels instead of paper towels or napkins.
Use non-toxic, environmental-friendly products for cleaning.
Minimize use of aerosols. Don’t buy it if halons or CFCs are listed.
SHOPPING
Local, local, local! Consider paying a little extra to support a local store or restaurant.
Shop at second-hand / thrift stores.
Organize clothing swaps & trade days with your friends / community.
Do some research– get good at distinguishing between greenwashing and legit sustainability standards.
Keep an extra reusable bag in your purse / backpack / bike / car.
Buy carrots, onions, potatoes, and other produce loose – no need to use a plastic bag.
Buy products made from or packaged in recycled materials.
Make your own! DIY!
TRANSPORTATION
Walk, rollerblade, skateboard, unicycle, or ride a bike.
Carpool and ride-share whenever possible.
Use public transportation (bus, subway, train) instead of a personal car.
Drive a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric car.
If you own a car, avoid using the air conditioning.
Be an eco-driver (slow acceleration, gradual deceleration, smart parking, etc.).
Keep your trunk clean, extra weight decreases gas mileage.
Make sure the tires on your car are properly inflated and balanced.
Keep your car tuned up and clean.
ACTIVITY
Replace screen time with socializing, creating, learning, art, and exercise.
Pick up litter when you walk; participate in (or start) litter pick-up days in your neighborhood.
Start or help with a community garden
Get outside every day. Get into the habit of regularly spending time in nature.
Buy a living Christmas tree and plant it somewhere after the Christmas season.
Plant trees in your community.
Adopt a street or trail, and keep it clean
Organize a clean up at a beach, lake, river, or creek.
RECYCLE AND REUSE
"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" – in that order!
Start by not buying something you'll wind up recycling. If you buy it, reuse it before recycling it.
Print off the "recyclables" list for the facility in your area. Post it on your fridge & refer to it when you're not sure.
Recycle old cell phones, mobile devices and batteries.
Donate to thrift organizations and shop at thrift stores.
Use, and re-use cloth napkins instead of paper.
Use containers to store food in your refrigerator. Minimize aluminum foil, plastic wrap and bags.
Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
Before you throw away plastic six-pack holders, cut each circle with scissors.
Visit / request a tour of your local recycling center.
Buy yourself a cool reusable water bottle. Carry it with you at all times.
Avoid using styrofoam and plastic as often as you can.
Bring a thermos or coffee mug from home to the cafe instead of using disposable cups.