This list may seem long but they don’t all happen at once, set a few goals and add more as you feel

Maddy Ebbert

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Aug 7, 2019

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Bring your own

• Bring your own reusable bag to the grocery store
• Bring a bag for any shopping as well
• Bring your own reusable mug
• Carry your own water bottle
• Bring a container with you to dinner for leftovers
• Bring your own silverware to places known to have plastic
• Bring your own trash bag to pick up trash at the beach, hiking, etc.

Cleaning

• Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer
• Use wool drying balls instead of dryer sheets
• Use natural cleaners without harsh chemicals
• Only wash clothes when dirty, not after a single-use
• Use cloths towels instead of napkins & paper towels

Kitchen

• Use containers you already have, old yogurt, salsa etc.
• Use tea leaves instead of tea bags
• Buy in bulk if possible
• Compost
• Freeze leftovers
• Buy things in cans or glass instead of plastic
• Bar soap instead of liquid
• Grow your own herbs
• Shop local
• Shop farmers markets

Bathroom

• Switch to a bamboo toothbrush
• Use toilet paper not packaged in plastic
• Use toothpaste tabs or metal tubs
• Shampoo and conditioner bars
• Don’t buy make-up skin care products you don’t need
• Replace plastic razors with steel (after used to full potential)
• Easy DIY dry shampoo
• Bar soap instead of liquid
• Ditch makeup remover wipes and use a cloth

Clothing

• Thrift instead of buying new (ThredUp, Goodwill & Plato’s are a personal favorite)
• Research before you buy
• Donate or sell things before throwing out
• Only buy things you really need
• Borrow from friends first
• Repair or upcycle: add tassels, embroidery, buttons, etc.

Living

• Turn up the AC in summer
• Use windows or fans to cool living space
• Close blinds to keep out the heat during summer
• Turn down the heat in the winter
• Use blankets and extra layers during winter
• Open blinds to bring in heat in the winter
• Turn off lights and fans when not in use
• Go paperless for bills
• Unplug chargers, appliances, etc. when not in use

Transportation

• Carpool to social events
• Find someone to carpool to work with
• Take public transportation
• Walk or bike when possible
• Park further away and walk part of the drive
• Put up a sun shield to keep your car cool in summer

Say no to

• Plastic Bags
• Plastic silverware
• Plastic cups
• Straws
• Giveaways or freebies you won’t use (colleges are huge contributors of this)
• K-cups
• Plastic toothbrush at the dentist
• Junk mail