I went to the SEOL website today and looked at easy ways to protect Mother Earth. I am trying to lower my carbon footprint and decided that I need to start out with the easy stuff and build on it. I am focusing on the things that apply to me. I am not going to include what I already do.

In my home to conserve Energy:

1. I am going to wrap my water heater in an insulated blanket.

2. I will turn off lights when I exit rooms. This should be easy and self explanatory, but I am bad at it.

3. I will change all of my lights over to compact flourescent bulbs.

4. I will Install weather stripping aroung my doors and windows.

In my home to reduce toxicity:

1. I will buy nothing that contains mercury. I really want to get my old mercury fillings taken out too, but I need to be able to afford it.

2. I will look into alternative cleaning supplies that don't have hazardous chemicals.

3. I will not over buy paint.

In my yard:

1. I will look into getting an electric or manual lawn mower rather than a gas one. I think my uncle John has a manual one that he would let me use.

In my office:

1. I will copy and print on both sides of the paper.

2. I will reuse office items.

3. I will use recycled paper and use discarded paper for scrap paper.

4. I will look into soy based inks.

5. I will stop using disposable cups.

Ways to protect our air:

1. I will recycle printer cartidges.

2. I will bike and walk when possible.

Ways to use less water:

1. I will install water saving devices.

Ways to protect our water:

1. I will recycle motor oil.

2. I will wash my car at the car wash and not in the driveway.

Create Less Trash:

1. I will buy in bulk and from loose bins when possible.

2. I will buy resuable products.

3. No more paper napkins and paper prooducts.

4. I need to use cloth shopping bags.

5. I will compost.