Top 10 To Help the Planet

From the April 2007 issue of Glamour Magazine
(Some of it is directly quoted - Article written by Lori Bongiorno)

1: Change a Bulb
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 65% less energy than regular ones. They cost about 30% more, but last up to 10 times longer. Buy a "warm white" kind and the light should look the same as usual.

2: Drive a Fuel-efficient Car
Hybrids run on fuel and electricity. Batteries are automatically recharged when you step on the brakes. They look the same as any car, but can get 40 to 80% more miles to the gallon and typically don't cost any more to maintain. They'll generally cost you $3,000 extra, but you could make that up in gas savings within 5 years and you could claim a tax deduction (go to irs.gov and search for "hybrid deduction").
Make any car greener by keeping the tires properly inflated and getting oil changes; it'll eat up less gas and reduce pollution. Also, don't speed! Going 65 instead of 75 can slash fuel consumption by 25%!!

3: Even Better: Bike or Take Public Transportation
And best of all: Walk! It's good for you and the environment.

4: Recycle!!!
Recycle plastic, glass, paper & cans. It keeps them from piling up in landfills and saves trees and energy. There are other things to recycle, too! You can recycle "e-waste" - electronic goods like phones and laptops (for info, see rethink.ebay.com). You can also recycle shampoo and lotion bottles; look for the triangular recycling label.

5: Clean Green
Ordinary household cleaners tend to have potentially toxic chemicals; pour them down the drain and they can make their way into groundwater. There are lots of effective eco-versions out there, like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer's.

6: Eat Local or Organic
Getting vegetables from a farmers' market saves fuel, because produce isn't transported long distances. And organic farming keeps chemicals out of the soul and you.

7: Buy Energy-Saving Things
Look for the "Energy Star" label on everything from computers to air conditioners.

8: Conserve Water
It's in more limited supply around the world - including in the western U.S. - due to increasing pollution and drought. Fix your leaks and also, try shorter showers!

9: Adjust Your Thermostat
Move it down a degree in winter and up a degree in summer, and you'll spare the air 500 pounds of carbon dioxide - and save up to 15% on energy bills.

10: Speak Up!
Send an e-postcard to your congressional rep at nrdc.org/action asking him or her to back legislation on global warming. Mention energy saving tips to your friends.



But whatever you do, don't get paralyzed by the enormity of the problem. "It's not about doing everything," says Laurie David, author if Stop Global Warming: The Solution is You! "It's about everyone doing something."