50 Things You Can Do To Celebrate
Earth Day
To Reduce Electricity Use
Conserving energy (reducing use) and increasing efficiency (using technology that requires less energy to perform the same functions) are two ways to be more sustainable in and around your home. While none of these strategies will eliminate your electric bill, each can make a difference, and help you reduce your energy costs as well as our dependence on the electric grid.
Simple Change#1 Turn Off the Lights
When you leave a room, flip the switch, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Simple Change#2 Get Rid of Lint
Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load for faster drying.
Simple Change#3 Deep Clean Vents
Get your clothes dryer’s vent cleaned at least once per year, which keeps electricity usage and drying time down.
Simple Change#4 Add a Towel to Dryer Loads
Add a clean, dry bath towel to the wet clothes in the dryer for faster drying.
Simple Change#5 Go Low
Turn your fridge to the minimum recommended power level, as per the owner's manual.
Simple Change#6 Close Windows
Keep windows shut when the cooling or heating system is on.
More Complex, But Worth It#7 Consolidate Power
Use power strips for multiple electronic devices to turn off several devices with one switch.
More Complex, But Worth It#8 Unplug!
Use a surge protector and unplug electronics when not in use to reduce ‘vampire’ power drains.
More Complex, But Worth It#10 Brighten Up
Replace incandescent and CFL lightbulbs with higher efficiency CFLs or LED bulbs and dispose of the old bulbs properly.
To Conserve Water
We use gallons upon gallons of water each day without realizing it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. population has doubled over the past 50 years, while our consumption of water has tripled. With at least 40 states anticipating water shortages by 2024, the need to conserve water is critical.
Simple Change#11 Turn it Off
Don’t let the water run when lathering/cleaning your hands, brushing teeth and/or shaving.
Simple Change#12 Fill it Up
Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine to save water.
Simple Change#13 Complete the 5-Minute Challenge
Limit showers to five minutes. Try this survey to see how much you can save with a shorter shower and other water reductions.
Simple Change#14 Dawn/Dusk Watering
Water your lawn/garden in the morning or early evening to reduce water evaporation from heat.
More Complex, But Worth It#15 Fix That Leak
Leaky faucets can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year.
More Complex, But Worth It#17 Use Low Flow Toilets
Invest in a low-flow toilet, which can save nearly a gallon of water per flush.
More Complex, But Worth It#18 Xeriscape
Utilize hot, sunny parts of your landscape for xeriscape plants, which require less water.
To Reduce Solid Waste
Reduce, reuse, recycle – a familiar mantra, is also referred to as the “Three R’s” of waste management. All three help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw away, as well as conserve natural resources, landfill space, and energy. In the hierarchy of waste diversion actions, “reduce and reuse” are the top tier actions and have the greatest impact.
Simple Change#19 Reuse
Repurpose jars and other containers for food storage.
Simple Change#20 Cut Out Disposable Water Bottles
Eliminate purchases of single use plastic water bottles – use a refillable bottle instead.
Simple Change#21 Use Dishtowels/Towels
Use cloth towels/napkins instead of disposable paper towels/napkins.
Simple Change#22 Go Digital
Opt in for paperless bills, event tickets, and statements, which are typically an option online.
Simple Change#23 Buy Less Electronics
Think about if you really need the newest electronics - many phones and computers last for years and years!
Simple Change#24 Cook at Home
Cook at home more often, to reduce packaging from takeout food.
Simple Change#25 Write it Down
Bring a list to the grocery store and only buy what you need to reduce food waste.
Simple Change#26 Try Dryer Balls
Try reusable wool dryer balls instead of disposable dryer sheets in the the clothes dryer.
Simple Change#27 Save Trees
Print double sided, and only print when necessary.
Simple Change#28 Doing Double Duty
Reuse your old coffee grounds – spread the grounds over flower beds of acid-craving plants such as azaleas or rhododendrons.
More Complex, But Worth It#29 Recharge and Reuse
Switch to rechargeable batteries rather than conventional disposable ones.
More Complex, But Worth It#30 Recycle Bottles, Jugs and Tubs
Recycle when possible – check out the Fort Collins recycling guidelines as well as the on-campus guidelines.
More Complex, But Worth It#31 Drink with Cool Straws
Try reusable metal straws instead of disposable plastic ones.
More Complex, But Worth It#33 Fix It Don’t Ditch It
Repair items rather than throwing them away and buying new. This includes mending clothes, restoring electronics, etc.
More Complex, But Worth It#34 Change It Up
Recycle your plastic bags in unique ways like a plant pot.
More Complex, But Worth It#35 Upcycle
Repurpose old clothes into new items like purses and bags.
To Reduce Transportation Impacts
Transportation has significant impacts to our environment, burning most of the world’s petroleum – creating air pollution and contributing to global warming through the emission of carbon dioxide. Personal vehicle trips are a big local contributor, but thankfully we have options other than driving alone all the time.
Simple Change#37 Stop Idling
Turn off the engine, especially if you’re waiting for a train to pass.
Simple Change#38 Combine Your Efforts
Trip-chain and combine your errands to reduce car trips and gas exhaust.
Simple Change#39 Select Direct Flights
Choose flights without a layover when available- reduce carbon emissions and save time.
More Complex, But Worth It#40 Check the Vehicle
Get regular tune-ups, and frequently check your vehicle’s oil and tire pressure for a more gas-efficient ride.
More Complex, But Worth It#41 Use Your Body
Bike or walk instead of driving to reduce air pollution, save on fuel, and improve health. Check out CSU’s sustainable transportation options.
Other Earth-Friendly Ideas
The bottom line is to be mindful of the choices we make on a daily basis, and to take care of ourselves in the process. Some things can make our lives more balanced — keeping our mind, body, and spirit in check — while others are simply good choices for the environment. Either way, keep it simple and take care of yourself.
Simple Change#42 Listen
Check in with yourself - staying mentally healthy in times of uncertainty is also important for continuing to live sustainably.
Simple Change#43 Purchase Well
Buy organic and Fair Trade coffee/foods to support small scale farms and farmers markets.
More Complex, But Worth It#44 Beautify the Backyard
Make your backyard nature-friendly by adding a bird house or feeder.
More Complex, But Worth It#45 Earn Your Green Thumb
Grow your own herbs, spices, and/or produce for future eats.
More Complex, But Worth It#46 Green Up the Space
Add some greenery to your indoor and outdoor spaces – plants have been shown to improve health.
More Complex, But Worth It#47 Make the Switch
Switch to environmentally-friendly personal care products. Look for organic, chemical-free hair products, soap, and moisturizer.
More Complex, But Worth It#48 Thrift
Shop at secondhand stores to find fashion gems at a discount and eliminate buying new.
More Complex, But Worth It#49 Engage With Others
Have discussions with friends and family about what sustainability means to them.
More Complex, But Worth It#50 Watch Your Step
Learn more about the impacts of your carbon footprint on the earth.