Going green without going crazy

Here are ten easy ways to help the environment, which may save you time and money while also helping to improve the environment.

Bike or drive. Garbage disposal or compost. Paper or plastic. Organic or non-organic. Trash or recycling.

Every day, consumers who want to do something to protect the environment are confronted with a dizzying array of choices, and the best choice is not always clear. However, reducing your impact on natural resources doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are ten easy ways to help the environment, which may save you time and money while also helping to improve the environment.

Conserve water

Fix your leaks
Leaking appliances, pipes, and faucets waste water and energy.
Insulate pipes
so you don’t have to run the water as long before it gets hot.

Conserve energy

Let the sun shine in
Open your drapes to allow the sunlight to warm your home, then close them in the evening or where you receive no direct sunlight to minimize heat loss due to drafts.
Adjust your thermostat
Turning your thermostat down when you leave or go to sleep during the winter can lead to noticeable savings on your heating bill. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, easy to install, and will adjust the temperature for you.

Cut fuel costs

Share rides
Consolidate shopping trips and invite friends to join you. Fewer trips mean less fuel used.
Bus, bike, or walk
Save yourself the stress of driving if you can. Some of the websites that offer free directions for vehicles also offer routes for pedestrians and public transportation.
Drive smarter
Keep your car well-tuned, your tires properly inflated, and avoid aggressive driving habits. You can learn more at www.fueleconomy.gov
Prevent spills
Use small, manageable containers to fuel your lawnmowers and other yard equipment. Approximately 17 million gallons of fuel each year is wasted when filling small engines alone.

Shop smart

Choose to reuse
Reusable containers and bags can save money in the long run and mean less material wasted.
Avoid junk mail
Millions of tons of junk mail end up in landfills each year. Check out www.reduce.org to learn how to cut down on unwanted mail.

Shop healthy

Choose fresh foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables require less processing and consume fewer resources than most packaged goods. Select produce grown during the current season when you can.
Buy locally
Co-ops and farmers’ markets are great places to look for locally-grown foods and can make grocery shopping fun.

Become involved

Expand your knowledge
Attend seminars and event such as the Minnetonka EcoFair. Look for books, brochures, and websites from reliable sources.
Contribute to your community
Join volunteer groups or other local organizations interested in improving the natural resources in your neighborhood.

Dispose of used items properly

Get the lead out
Did you know that cathode-ray TVs and computer monitors can contain as much as eight pounds of lead? Most electronics such as VCRs, DVDs, and computers contain some degree of heavy metals and must be disposed of at proper collection facilities where the metals may be removed and recycled.
Mercury is rising
Fluorescent light bulbs (both compacts and tubes) contain mercury that can be recycled if taken to your local hazardous waste facility. It is illegal to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury in your household trash.

Keep a safe and healthy home

Don’t fume
Look for paints and adhesives with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and try to schedule your indoor painting projects during the warmer months when you can open windows for ventilation.
Keep it clean
Common household products such as vinegar, baking soda, soap and detergent (and let’s not forget elbow grease) can be just as effective in some situations as other cleaners that may contain more harmful chemicals.

Landscape wise

Pick the right plant
Choosing plants for the right conditions in your yard (shady/sunny, wet/dry, clay/sandy, etc.) can mean less water, fertilizer, pesticides, and other long-term care. Native species can require less care when established, as they are adapted to local conditions.
Plant for energy savings
Tree that lose their leaves can help shade your home in the summer but allow sunlight in the winter months. You can use evergreens to help block winter winds.
Compost and mulch
Proper mulching around plants helps control weeds. Using compost can help rebuild topsoil by improving moisture retention and adding nutrients.

Control runoff

Keep pavement clean
Materials such as fertilizer, soil, grease, etc. can wash into the storm sewer where it is discharged in the local creek, lake, or wetland.
Capture runoff
Rain gardens can help infiltrate water into the ground and rain barrels provide free water from your roof that can be used in your yard. Be certain to direct your overflow with care to avoid your foundation or adjacent properties.