Question your everyday decisions and lifestyle by asking yourself questions such as:
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- From what source does the energy that I use in my home originate?
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- Do I use my car excessively? Could I carpool or take more public transportation?
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- What is my shirt made of?
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- What happens to my trash when I have finished with it?
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- What is my carbon footprint?
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- How many plastic water bottles do I consume per week?
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- Remember that water is one of the world’s most precious resources; use it wisely!
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- Keep in mind that energy is NEVER cheap (despite its price). Be mindful of when, and how, you can improve your own personal energy efficiency
Before buying something new, ask yourself:
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- Could your purchase be bought locally (in order to support local economies and reduce emissions produced by transport)?
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- Is your purchase made of sustainable materials?
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- Will this purchase help to lower your environmental impact (by consuming low amounts of energy and/or water)?
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- How will you dispose of this product when you finished? Where will this product “end up” when you finished with it?
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- Improve your recycling IQ! Learn about what you can, and should, recycle. The results may surprise you…
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- Compost (or donate) your organic waste. This precious material can be used to make natural, organic fertilizer, and should not be wasted in a landfill.
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- Don’t be afraid to inquire. Ask your favorite restaurants, hotels, clothing stores and supermarkets about their environmental policies and practices.
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- Use bags made out of cloth instead of plastic or paper at the grocery store.
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- Suggest the use of public transportation on your next outing.
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- At your next dinner party, show up with a bottle of organic wine. Spark up a conversation on the subject.
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- Give gifts that make a statement. Teach your friends and family about more sustainable products and decision-buying practices.
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