by Amalie Peregrine

Created on: July 08, 2010

Improving the environment is simpler than you think. Here is a list of 15 ways to do just that:

1)      The basics: Reduce. Use less. Pay attention to packaging and consider purchasing products with less. Use canvas bags and/ or boxes for carrying groceries.

Recycle. Try buying only products that can be recycled or composted, and look for creative ways to get rid of unwanted household items. Your community waste management agency will often have ideas to help.

Re-use. For creative recycling ideas, look at this program in San Mateo County, CA. http://www.recycleworks.org/schools/creativereuse.ht ml

2)      Plant a variety of trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables that are suitable for your area. Make a bat box or birdhouse from directions online.Native plants provide homes for beneficial insects, butterflies, birds and other species. Consult your local native plant society or college agricultural extension office to find out which plants are best suited for your area.

3)      Buy produce at farmers markets, local businesses and farms whenever possible.

4)      Pick it up. Bring a bag with you on your next trail or neighborhood walk. Every little bit helps. Don’t forget gloves.

5)      Attend a community watershed meeting. They can be a great source of information on the water habitat in your area. To locate a watershed resources, try contacting your local resource conservation district office (RCD) or community college.

6)      Conserve energy use and analyze your utility bill to see if you can be doing better.  PG&E has an informative website with useful energy saving tips at: http://www.pge.com/myhome/environment/calculator/ass umptions.shtml. A few small things you can do right now: Unplug appliances with LED lights before going to bed, turn lights off earlier in the evening and turn your computer on when you aren’t using it.

7)      Turn an abandoned lot into a garden. Be sure to call and check zoning regulations and obtain permission before beginning.

8)      Volunteer for a trail for a park restoration project in your community. Try checking with the National Park Service, or parks and recreation for information in your community.

9)   Knowing your carbon footprint can be a useful tool to understand how much

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