Earth Day 2010 - 10 Top Actions

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

Nothing is going to get better. It's not."

                                          Dr. Seuss -The Lorax

 Take time to watch this celebration of planet earth, reflect and then consider your impact ... what more could you do

1 Smart Shopping

 “Buy what you need, not what you want”

Consider renting and borrowing things that are seldom needed

Buy used items from garage sales and second-hand stores

2 Simple Savers

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs

Use aerators on faucets and shower heads

Weatherstrip windows and doors

3 Transportation Alternatives

Walk, cycle, car pool and use public transportation

When driving, reduce idling and maintain correct tire pressure

Consider car sharing programs or renting

4 Food Choices

Choose local and organic foods that are in season, and support local food producers

Eat less meat

5 Washing and Drying

Wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to air dry

6 Heating and cooling

For summer air conditioning, set your thermostat to 24°C or 25°C

For winter heating, set your thermostat to 19°C or 20°C

Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats

7 Close to Home

Vacation, travel and work as close to home as possible

8 Bathroom Basics

Take short showers instead of baths

Close water taps while brushing your teeth

9 Careful Cleaning

Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products

Make simple, natural cleaners with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and water

10 Don't Discard

Donate, reuse and recycle items before throwing them into the trash

Harmful materials like chemicals, batteries, electronics, etc. should be taken to local hazardous waste depots or recyclers

Courtesy of Canada Earth Day