Why This Matters
Love it or hate it, using cruise control on the highway will make you drive more consistently.
Sign up for e-versions of your banking statements
Converting to electronic banking saves trees and gasoline, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and even saves water. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, despite the fact that there are 40 billion bills and other company documents mailed yearly in the United States alone, only 15 percent of Americans elect to pay online.
Reduce CD/DVD Usage for File Sharing
As office computers have grown more powerful, the files they produce have gotten a lot bigger. In terms of productivity, that's a good thing, but huge files can be eco-unfriendly when we don't handle them properly.
Reality: While most incandescent bulbs previously on the market didn't meet strict energy-conservation regulations that took effect in 2012, all the major lighting manufacturers are working overtime to come up with more energy-efficient versions of the Thomas Edison original.
Why This Matters
Polystyrene is a possible carcinogen and has been linked to endocrine disruption. It can leach from foam containers into the food or liquid it is holding, especially when heated (never put polystyrene in the mocrowave!).
Today's Tip: Eco-consciousness requires that we shrink our footprint and expand our vision.
The Dirty Dozen is a catchy name the Environmental Working Group has given the twelve conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that have the highest pesticides levels - even after peeling and washing.
Reality: America's 16 million acres of lawns present some serious eco-challenges, it's true.
Reality: Not if you're making it right. The secret to keeping the stink out is creating a perfect balancing act between your "browns" (carbon-based plant material) and your "greens" (nitrogen-based plant material).
Reality: Yes, this versatile grass grows lightning fast, making it extremely replenishable and a great alternative to hacking down old-growth forests.