Top 10 sustainability tips for the individual

Everyone can make a difference. Yes, it’s cliché but too true to avoid. So I’ve listed some EASY ways for individuals to lead more energy-efficient lives and help out our environment. Earth Day is in one month on April 22 so hopefully you can get a head start on changing the wasteful habits of your life and replace them with more sustainable ones.

1. Set up a recycling can near your desk/kitchen (always somewhere nearby) so it is more convenient for you to recycle than to throw away.
2. Unplug appliances when not in use, especially computer monitors. This will decrease your power bill, as well as increase your battery life!
3. Walk more. You’ll save money on rising gas prices and reduce the carbon emissions released into the environment. Plus you might even lose some weight.
4. Only run a full dishwasher, if at all. Hand washing uses less water AND energy.
5. Wash clothes in cold water.
6. DO NOT paper or plastic it. Try to bring your own cloth tote bag to the grocery store.
7. Print double-sided.
8. Change your light bulbs to CSL.
9. If it’s yellow let it mellow, brown flush it down. You know the drill.
10. BYOM–Bring Your Own Mug to the coffee shop (they usually grant discounts for this sustainable behavior!)