Easy Ideas

  • Play an online game that supports DoSomething.org
  • Open your curtains on sunny days during the winter to heat your house.
  • Send an e-blast to family and friends with information on energy conservation and why it's important.
  • Change the settings on your computer to hibernate or sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity.
  • Going on vacation? Turn off the heat/AC/water heater.
  • Start reusing a reusable water bottle and just say no to plastic.
  • Put on another layer instead of putting up the heat.
  • Conserve energy by using your computer's "sleep mode" instead of a screensaver.
  • Buy organic food. It's better for you and our earth.
  • If weather permits, dry your clothes on the line.
  • When washing your clothes, use cold water and make sure the washer is full.
  • Unplug un-used electronics like your phone charger and stereo.
  • Is mowing the lawn one of your chores? Use a push mower to save the earth from up to 80 lbs of CO2 per year.
  • Don't idle in the car. Idling wastes gas and money, and generates pollution and global warming causing emissions.
  • Own a big vehicle? Carpool with friends to save fuel and cut your CO2 emission.
  • Buy minimally packaged goods and reduce garbage by up to 30%.
  • Buy products made or farmed locally.
  • Install a low-flower shower head.
  • Cut your shower time down to save on water heating costs.
  • Clear or replace dirty air conditioner filters. It'll cut your carbon emission and lower your energy bill.
  • Move your thermostat down two degrees in the winter and up two degrees in the summer.
  • Make sure your printer paper is 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
  • Run your dishwasher only when it's full.
  • Check your car's air filter once a month. You can keep 100 lbs. of CO2 from entering our atmosphere.
  • Keep 250 lbs. of carbon dioxide out of the air by making sure your tires are adequately inflated.
  • Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
  • Take digital photos to share on Flickr, facebook and MySpace. No need to print!
  • Make Sunday a no-shopping day and refrain from buying anything one day a week. You'll save money and help the environment!
  • Start a compost bin for your house.
  • Air dry your hair! We know it can take forever, but it uses less energy, and plus, you gotta love the wet look!
  • Drink tap water (use a Brita filter if you want) instead of bottled- it uses way less plastic and, in most cases, is just as ref
  • Go vegan for a day- wearing and eating no animal products for one day can impact the industry.
  • Live in a smaller space. New Yorkers have less impact than most people because it takes less energy to heat apartments.
  • Walk, bike, carpool, or take mass transit. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive!
  • Use recycled paper for your printer and notebooks, and reuse folders and pens.
  • Be a vegetarian for one day each week- this will emit way less greenhouse gas.
  • Use a push mower. This saves fuel and reduces CO2.
  • Don't idle your car.
  • Buy things with less packaging- nothing with multiple layers or individual wrappers. It saves money, and decreases pollution an
  • Only run your dishwasher when it's full just like the washing machine, this can save you tons and reduce CO2.
  • Keep your tires inflated at the right level- sounds weird, but it can save a lot of gas!
  • Keep the fridge closed! Decide what you want to eat before you open it, and if you can't find anything within a few seconds, clo
  • When you donate to an organization, find out where the money goes and make sure the organization supports your values.

Tips & Tools

12next ›last »