How to Protect The Environment

Many people are concerned about the state of the planet in terms of its energy supplies and changing climate. The clear message being broadcast by all responsible governments is that every person has a part to play in addressing these issues. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can protect the environment by: preventing pollution, recycling materials, looking after reserves of water and conserving energy.

Instructions

1. Prevent pollution by disposing of all your litter and waste in the correct, legal way, such as using on-street waste receptacles when you are out and about, or putting it in your domestic trash can when you're at home. Follow local procedures for normal waste disposal. Contact your local authority for advice on disposing of unusual waste items, such as paint and computer parts.

2. Recycle all materials that can be processed by your local authority. Place plastics, metals, paper and glass in the correct collection receptacles. Donate unwanted items to charity, such as The Salvation Army, who are happy to accept good condition clothing, furniture and even automobiles.

3. Look after reserves of water by making sure you turn off the faucet after use and by repairing leaks and drips. Purchase water-efficient appliances. Take showers instead of baths. Gather rainwater for garden use and use your lawn sprinkler less often or not at all.

4. Conserve energy by choosing Energy Star products. Turn these off, as well as lights, when you don't need them to be on. Use air conditioning and heating less often. Make sure your home is insulated correctly to maintain a steady temperature.

5.Reduce the amount of material you use. Print emails occasionally or not at all rather than printing them every time. Buy new things when you actually need them rather than on a whim. Organize a car pool with friends to use fuel efficiently. Efficiently managing your use of the world's resources protects the environment.

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How to Save the Environment

More and more people are doing their part to help the environment by recycling paper, aluminum, glass and plastic. You can help save the environment in many other ways by making small changes to your lifestyle. To help you along, make a list of ideas to save energy and natural resources and to reduce the amount of chemicals you use in your home. Keep the list on your refrigerator as a reminder, and add to it as you think of new ways to make your household more environmentally friendly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Buy used items whenever possible. The production of new products consumes energy and natural resources. Scour thrift stores, estate and yard sales, flea markets, online auctions and classified sites for clothing, appliances, electronics and furniture.

2. Rent or borrow items you use infrequently such as chainsaws, ladders and party decorations.

3. Buy items with as little packaging as possible. For example, bring a jar or plastic container to the grocery story and buy oatmeal and other grains in bulk. Buy supplies such as scissors, pens and note pads that are free of plastic packaging. Purchase fresh produce rather than canned or frozen.

4. Donate clothing, furniture, books, CDs and household goods you no longer need or give them to friends or family members instead of throwing them in the trash.

5. Turn off computers, lights and other appliances when not in use. Unplug "energy vampires" ---adapters for cell phones and other electronics as well as appliances with standby capabilities such as televisions and DVD players---which draw power when plugged into an outlet.

6. Use ceramic coffee mugs instead of disposable cups. Use a refillable aluminum water bottle rather than buying water in plastic bottles, which clog landfills and can leach a chemical called BPA.

7. Grow an organic garden. Commercial food transportation and storage is energy-intensive. When you grow your own produce, you eliminate the middleman and ensure your food is free of harsh pesticides. Can your fruits and vegetables so you will be able to eat them year round.

8. Conserve energy by cleaning the filters on your home's air conditioning unit once a month.

9. Use cloth napkins instead of disposable paper napkins, which account for 500,000 tons of paper-based trash each year, according to "Country Living" magazine.

10. Clean your home with organic products. You can use distilled white vinegar by itself or mixed with mild, organic soap to clean and deodorize nearly anything, including stoves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, glassware, coffee makers, exhaust fan grids, walls and grout.

11. Eliminate ants naturally. Spray white distilled vinegar or lemon juice around doorways and windowsills to deter ants from entering your home. You can also sprinkle mint, cinnamon, chili powder or black pepper in spots frequented by ants.

12. Build fireplace fires with man-made, petroleum-free logs made with bio-waxes and wood fiber. Artificial logs burn longer than firewood and produce 75 percent less carbon monoxide, according to "Country Living" magazine.

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