• Always use a reusable shopping bag.
• Use reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
• Buy items made from recycled materials.
• Change all bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Turn off the lights and unplug all appliances and gadgets when not in use.
• Walk or bike whenever possible.
• Eat meat free at least once a week.
• Buy local as often as possible.
• Cancel your in mail catalogs and switch to e-catalogs.
• Refuse the plastic food utensils with carry out and delivery orders and use silverware instead.

Green Cleaning Tips

White Vinegar

• Fill a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water for a great window and mirror cleaner. Use old newspapers instead of paper towels.
• Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with automatic dishwashing liquid for dishes that are squeaky clean and sparkling.
• Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray on weeds and grass growing in patio and sidewalk cracks. Be careful not to spray onto surrounding grass and flowers.

Baking Soda

• Clean baked on food stains from a stove by making a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the crusted areas and let sit 10-15 minutes. Scrub and rinse.
• Clean up garage oil spills by sprinkling baking soda directly on stain. Let sit 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a wet bristle brush and rinse.
• Freshen sink drains by pouring ½ cup baking soda down the drain, then pour in ½ cup white vinegar. Let sit 5-10 minutes then pour in 1 quart of boiling water.

Lemons

• Brighten spring and summer whites by adding ½ cup lemon juice to a normal wash cycle.
• Freeze fresh lemons after using in drinks and dishes. Once a month add one to the garbage disposal and grind. This will freshen the disposal and sharpen the blades.