How to Cut Down Your Carbon Footprint

Everyone has become "Green" it seems like. But what can you do to help cut down on your "Carbon Foot Print"? What can you do to help the environment and perhaps even cut down on your monthly bills. Some of these steps seem obvious, but it is surprising how often these things are not done. Take a look at your electrical and/or gas bills. See how much you are paying a month. Decide where in your daily life you can cut down on your daily usage of energy. There are ways you can even make it fun!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yourself
• Recycle Bin
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Glue or Tape

1. Lighting-Turn off your lights in a room if you are not in that room. Every minute you have your lights off helps. If you are in your living room, turn off the kitchen light, the bedroom light, and the bathroom light. You only need the light on in the room you are occupying.
2. Water-Cut down your shower time. Do not use your dishwasher as often. It takes less water to hand wash your dishes then to run the dishwasher, and saves on the electricity too. If you cannot get out of the use of the dishwasher, always fill the dishwasher with a full load. This goes for the clothes washer. You can let your clothes air dry, this better for your cotton shirts.
3. Daily Life-Walk or take a bus when you can. Bring your own canvas bags to the store when buying food. Some stores provide a "recycle" bin for your saved up plastic bags. When you can, work from home.You will not waste gas by driving into work.
4. Make it fun-If you have magazines lying around, grab a pair of scissors, glue or tape and a piece of cardboard. Make a collage using the magazines as an art project. Make it about yourself, or make it as a present to give to someone. It's a creative present and it will cut down on your clutter. When you are done take the magazines and the scraps and put them in the recycling bin. This is a great craft to do with the kids.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient when making these changes. They won't happen over night.