Plastics, Petrochemicals and Packaging
• Learn to love your unique looks without cosmetics—others will too.
• Use less laundry detergent. Are your clothes really that dirty?
• Borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and video games from the library, rental store, or friends.
• Use fewer household cleaners. Try soap and water, baking soda, or vinegar instead.
• Skip prepared and frozen food. Make dinners from scratch; make lunches from leftovers.
Food and Land
• Buy produce from local farms, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), or co-ops.
• Choose beans over meat.
Gasoline
• Share a car. Visit Carsharing.net for info.
• Buy an alternative-fuel car as your next vehicle.
• Carpool, walk, bike, or ride a bus to work and on errands when possible.
• Use a push mower and trim bushes by hand.
• Shop online or by phone rather than drive around.
Building Materials
• Fix up an old house rather than build new.
• Clean out your garage, basement, and closets rather than buy a home with more space.
Stuff
• Avoid shopping for fun.
• Share a lawnmower and tools with your neighbors.
• Rent a truck, power tools, and camping equipment when the need arises from a rental company.
• Limit your holiday gift giving and make personal gifts like homemade bread.
• Shop at garage sales and thrift stores.
Create Less Trash
Welcome to Mother Earth Living, the authority on green lifestyle and design. Each issue of Mother Earth Living features advice to create naturally healthy and nontoxic homes for yourself and your loved ones. With Mother Earth Living by your side, you’ll discover all the best and latest information you want on choosing natural remedies and practicing preventive medicine; cooking with a nutritious and whole-food focus; creating a nontoxic home; and gardening for food, wellness and enjoyment. Subscribe to Mother Earth Living today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.
