clipped from: www.seql.org   
 100 Ways to Save The Environment
In Your Home – Conserve Energy
  • Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month.
  • If you have central air conditioning, do not close vents in unused rooms.
    • Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120.
    Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket.
  • Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.
    • Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time.
    Set your refrigerator temperature at 36 to 38 and your freezer at 0 to 5 .

    In Your Home – Reduce Toxicity

  • Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury at an appropriate drop-off facility when necessary (e.g. old thermometers).
    • Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.
    Buy the right amount of paint for the job.
    Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, water or a little more elbow grease.
  • When no good alternatives exist to a toxic item, find the least amount required for an effective, sanitary result.
    • In Your Yard
    Avoid using leaf blowers and other dust-producing equipment.
  • Use an electric lawn- mower instead of a gas-powered one.
  • Leave grass clippings on the yard-they decompose and return nutrients to the soil.
    • Use recycled wood chips as mulch to keep weeds down, retain moisture and prevent erosion.
    In Your Office
  • Copy and print on both sides of paper.
    • Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.
    Use mailer sheets for interoffice mail instead of an envelope.Use mailer sheets for interoffice mail instead of an envelope.
    Set up a bulletin board for memos instead of sending a copy to each employee.
    Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.
  • Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.

    Ways To Protect Our Air

  • Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
    • Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.