Use these tips and information from our Living the Green Life webpage to help you be a better steward of the Earth and live more sustainably.
At Home
In the kitchen...
- Set the refrigerator temperature between 38 F and 42 F.
- Set the freezer temperature between O F and 5 F.
- Microwave whenever you can.
- Don't wash dishes with the water running.
In the dining room...
- Use cloth napkins.
- Use washable plates, cups and silverware.
- Serve condiments from recyclable containers.
- Provide personal glasses for beverages.
In the laundry...
- Wash and dry only full loads.
- Wash with warm water instead of hot.
- Rinse with cold water instead of warm.
- Hang wash out to dry.
In the bathroom...
- Shut off the sink while brushing your teeth.
- Shut off the shower while soaping or scrubbing.
- Install a low-flow shower head.
- Reduce the volume of water in your toilet tank.
In the living room...
- Switch off unnecessary lights.
- Dress warmly: don't turn up the furnace.
- Dress cool: don't turn on the air conditioner.
- Raise shades on winter days; lower them in summer.
In the yard...
- Compost leaves and grass clippings.
- Avoid pesticides, use nontoxic alternatives.
- Apply only as much fertilizer as the lawn needs.
- Use native plants which require little to no watering.
- Plant a tree.
In the garage...
- Recycle motor oil, antifreeze and car batteries.
Away from Home
In the car...
- Drive at the speed limit.
- Avoid sudden starts or stops.
- Don't overfill the fuel tank.
- Check the tire pressure monthly.
- Change air and oil filters regularly.
At the store . . .
- Don't buy over-packaged items.
- Choose products in reusable and/or recyclable containers.
- Buy concentrated cleaners and detergents.
- Return empty bottles and cans for deposit.
- Bring your own reusable bag.
At work...
- Send electronic copies whenever possible.
- Copy reports and memos on both sides.
- Circulate rather than copy paperwork.
- Reuse tubes and envelopes for mailing.
At play...
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Hike, row, sail, ski or paddle - don't motor.
- Build campfires with care.
- Observe, don't disturb wildlife and plant life.
- Share books, magazines, CDs and DVDs with friends, hospitals and prisons.
At school . . .
- Copy bulletins and exams on two sides, make notes and drafts on scrap paper.
- Reuse textbooks and school supplies.
- Serve reusable trays, dishes and silverware.
- Compost cafeteria vegetable wastes.
Everywhere...
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Tips for Planning a Sustainable Event
DEC recently enacted a new sustainable meetings and events policy to ensure that meetings it holds have a lower environmental impact. Other organizations can also host green meetings and events by following these guidelines. They can help reduce waste, conserve resources, save money, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Provide Clear Waste Disposal Options
- Ensure your meeting space has clearly labeled recycling, compost (if available), and trash bins.
- Minimize contamination by providing instructions on (or above) the bins about what can and cannot be disposed of in each bin.
Go Digital for Documents
- Instead of printing, share documents digitally ahead of time and use QR codes on the check-in table to share digital materials. This not only reduces paper waste but also ensures that attendees can easily access and share your documents on their devices. You can also have a few paper copies on hand for accessibility reasons if folks request one.
Provide Reusable Materials
- Provide water bottle filling options (filling stations or water pitchers) and use reusable cutlery and utensils for meals that are served.
- If the meeting is less formal, then ask attendees to bring their own reusable cups, bottles, and materials. This reduces the need for disposable items and promotes a culture of sustainability.
Consider Virtual Meetings
- Ask yourself: Can this meeting be held virtually? Virtual meetings eliminate the need for transportation, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with in-person gatherings.
Promote Carpooling and Public Transportation
- If an in-person meeting is necessary, encourage attendees to carpool. This will reduce an individual’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- In addition, make sure to send out directions to the meeting location via public transportation as well as driving so attendees know that taking transit is an option.
Choose Sustainable Promotional Items
- When providing giveaways or promotional items, opt for sustainable or experiential alternatives.
- Avoid single-use plastic products, and instead, consider eco-friendly options like reusable bags, plants or seeds, or experiences that leave no waste behind.
- If you are going to give out items, choose ones that can help the user live more sustainably, such as reusable cutlery sets.
Serve Lower Carbon Meals
- When offering meals at meetings or events, choose menus that emphasize lower carbon foods—such as those that are based around legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, local ingredients, and choosing seasonal ingredients. Want to learn more? Read a guide to low-carbon meals and tips on what to request from caterers.
