For over 40 years, Earth Day—April 22—has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

We Can All Help!

Even a small change can make a big difference to the environment. No matter how busy you are, here are ideas you can easily add to your daily routine.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They’re more energy-efficient and last longer, so they’ll save you money in the long-run.
• Heat leftovers in a microwave. Faster heating = less energy use.
• Shut down and unplug. Chargers use energy if you leave them plugged in when not in use. On any appliance, a green glowing light means energy is being used.
• Turn off personal computers. The argument for leaving your computer on all the time is that turning it on and off somehow stresses the computer’s components. I don’t know a single person who leaves the TV on 24 hours a day. TVs contain many of the same components that computers do. TVs certainly have no problems being cycled on and off.
• Skip the screensaver. Screensavers actually use more energy than a static image, since they require the computer to do calculations. And they don’t even save your screen: Back in the days of the flying toasters, screensavers prolonged the life of your monitor, but that technology isn’t applicable to today’s newer screens.
• Recycle. When you can’t reduce or reuse/recycle. Understand your neighborhood program to make the most of it.
• Minimize idle time. When waiting to pick up the kids, turn off your car to save gas and reduce emissions.
• Donate used clothing, toys and household items. If you can’t use it, we bet someone else can!
• Check dishwater settings. Choose “air dry” or “no heat dry” to save energy.
• Shorten your showers. Every minute in the shower uses four to six gallons of water. Cut your daily shower by just one minute and you’ll save about 1,500 gallons in a year.
• Put on a sweater during the winter months. You’ll save 5% for every degree you turn down your thermostat.
• Wait for the full load. Whether cleaning dishes or clothes, run your machine only when you have a full load.