Starting back up where I left off:

13. Buy from local farmers! There are so many times that I’ve gone into the grocery store and found grapes trucked in from Chile, or who knows where.. Trucking in those fruits and veggies costs the Earth some valuable air from the emissions! If you buy locally, you reduce that carbon footprint and you know you’re helping your local farmers!

12. Use water efficiently in your home: Make sure you have a full load before running your dishwasher, buy water-efficient fixtures, and make sure you fix any leaky faucets! Look for the WaterSense label on various products to make sure they are water efficient!

11. Reduce Reuse Recycle: Something we’ve been doing lately is using the Mulching setting on our lawnmower instead of bagging it. The cut grass ends up decomposing and returning to the soil naturally. Instead of trashing things, reuse them! Plant seeds in egg cartons to start them off, or make a planter out of a plastic ice cream tub!

10. Travel Green! Stay in hotels that encourage their guests to use less water or energy. Re use your towels a couple of times before sending them to the laundry. Look for local food and souvenirs to reduce the need for major transportation. When you leave your house, unplug electronics and appliances that aren’t being used while you’re gone! Here are more tips on how to travel green.

9. Talk to your electricity provider about how much of your power comes from renewable “Green” power sources like wind, or solar. If green power consumption is an option, check the price differences. Check out the Green Power Locator!