Ten Ways to Make a Green Difference

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1.    Use microfiber towels instead of paper towels.  They are washable, reuseable, won’t fill up the landfill.

2.    Use public transportation when possible, combine trips when you can’t Carpool, use your bike, or walk, all will cut down on carbon emissions.

3.    Use fluorescent light bulbs. Get some free by ordering a free energy audit from Energy Trust of Oregon. They’ll assess your energy loss, and give you a list of ways to save energy.

4.    Eat local fruits and vegetables. Drink locally made beverages. Buy locally manufactured goods. Saves on the transportation to our area which results in fewer emissions.

5.    When traveling and staying in hotels, support green hotels and sustainable tourism companies. Re-use your towels (you do at home!) and say no to changing sheets every day.

6.    Try using natural cleaners – baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax, soap (instead of detergent which is petroleum based). “Natural Cleaning for Your Home” by Casey Kellar is a great resource.

7.    Do the tried and true: in the winter turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater; in the summer turn off the AC and open the windows.

8.    Give away instead of throw away. Make an effort to find someone or place who can use what you no longer need or use. The ReBuilding Center for windows, doors, and other home remnants.  The Freecycle Network is a great resource and Portland has a group.

9.    Say no to disposables. Rechargeable batteries instead of the ones that run out. An inexpensive digital camera instead of disposables. Fill a bottle with water instead of buying water from Maine or elsewhere.

10.  Calculate your carbon footprint and make additional small changes to make a difference.  There are several websites where you can, Carbon Footprint is one.