• Conserving Energy: Monthly maintenance should include cleaning and/or replacing air filters on your air conditioning unit. Do not close the vents in unused rooms if you have a central air conditioning system. If you plan on being away on vacation then shut off all your electric equipment (like refrigerator, air conditioner etc.). Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Refrigerator temperatures should be kept at 36-38 degrees and your freezer at 5 or below. Stop opening the oven door so often because the temperature is reduced by 25 to 30 degrees each time. Cleaning the lint filter in your dryer after every load of laundry helps it run more efficiently and use less energy. Unplug that blender and televisions that are not used on a daily basis.

• Eliminating Environmental Waste in Your Home: The biggest threat to the environment both inside and out is the use toxic chemicals in cleaning. Consider what natural products, such as vinegar and baking soda, can be used in cleaning your home. If the natural items don’t work then find the least toxic cleaner that will sanitize effectively. Dispose of toxic elements properly. Never pour them in your backyard or in a water source.  

• Protecting Our Air and Water: Commute to work with a co-worker. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes. Turn off the faucet when washing dishes and brushing your teeth. Install a low-flow shower head. Recycle printer cartridges. Fix any water leaks and check for leaks in your car to prevent oil seeping into the ground.

• Reducing the Amount of Waste/Trash You Produce: Buy in bulk to help reduce the amount of packaging. Purchase items you can reuse instead of disposable ones. Maintain and repair items before throwing them out to purchase new ones. Use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of plastic ones. Use cloth instead of paper such as cloth napkins and tablecloths. Skip the paper plates and wash your own. Compost your yard trimmings and food scraps. Use rechargeable batteries for items that require frequent changes in batteries. Purchases gently used furniture or refurbish your existing furniture.

The best way to help the environment is to start at home. After you take personal steps to reduce your carbon footprint then you can move on to promoting environmental causes in your community and your state. If each person changed just a few of their habits the environment would benefit greatly.