We have only one mother Earth! She is an excellent host…let us pay her back by being kind, considered and generous to her. Nothing fanatic…nothing drastic…just some simple adjustment that will make difference…please, choose if you can and if you want. She will appreciate it!

• Try to use only one napkin! (in the U.S. we use many napkins – we average 6 – 9 napkins a meal!) Try to use cloth napkins at home
• Use box paper matches instead of lighters. Lighters are manufactured from petroleum making them bigger contributors to pollution
• 10% of landfills are filled with telephone books. Recycle unused or outdated phone books or better yet – contact your local carrier and cancel its delivery (using an online source)
• Try not to pre-rinse, just scrape dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and run it full (you can save up to 20 gallons per dish-load!)
• 1/3 of landfills are filled with food scraps. They can be used instead to start compost thrown into your green recycling bin
• Dual flush toilet save 70% of water – you may buy a kit for $20 to adjust your toilet to dual flush: it will flush less water  or more water depending what direction you will turn the flushing lever . Easy to install!
• If you do not use coupons – sign off from junk mail (we can save $370 million in landfill in a year) at www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist
• Try to use a  telephone with a cord (versus cordless)  – it saves lots of energy
• Try not to use rubber bands if you can – they are made out of crude oil and are heavy pollutants
• Avoid using liners for a shower curtain – not needed – just wash your curtain
• Always try to remember to bring your own bag to any store
• Avoid bottled water if you can – water delivered in big jugs are ideal or buying a filter for your faucet– fill your own glass or bottle
• Bring your own water container and your mug to school or work
• Bring your own container to restaurant for leftovers (or take out!)
• Make copies of text only if you truly need it printed – buy recycled print paper and make double-sided copies
• Use dish towels rather than paper towels – use only “recycled” paper towels if you use them
• Try not to use synthetic sponges – they are manufactured from crude oil
• Always turn off your computer
• Try not leave your phone in charger longer than you need – even if phone is charged – it takes up energy
• Buy power strips so you can turn off all power when appliances are not in use
• Wash cloth in cold water (your laundry will be clean!!), wash only once a week
• Always try to buy local, organic food
• Try to buy fair trade products, they help developing countries exporting goods like coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, fresh fruit, and flowers, obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability
• Make an effort to walk or bike wherever you can (only 2.5% of students bike to schools located less than 2 miles from where they live)
• Try to use eco-friendly cleaning products – now available in Target and any local stores
• If you do not need them – do not take receipts from tellers, coffee shops, bagel shops, etc.Paraffin candles are made out of petroleum – try to buy soy or beeswax – they last 50% longer and do not pollute your house (paraffin candles emit the same exhaust as burning diesel – who would ever think of that!!!)

EARTH DAY IS EVERY DAY!