Freecycle Shm-recycle

Got some junk that you need to get rid of? Try Freecycle. This group allows you get and give items in your area for free. Anything goes, so keep your eyes open for that old Underwood typewriter you've had your eye on for years, it just might show up.

No More Bottled Water

Its the oldest joke in the book: getting people to pay for water when they can get it for free. Dont fall into the trap - skip the bottle. This saves plastic and saves resources from some other community whose water you are stealing. Municipal water is subject to more rigorous inspections and therefore can be better for you than that bottled stuff.

'Sup Up Your Ride

Switching an average car to a 13 mpg SUV uses as much energy as leaving your refrigerator door open for 6 years. Ouch! Try a hybrid SUV or consider renting or using Zipcar or Flexcar for those rare times when you need to drive a tank.

Make the Change to CFLs

You've heard it said a million times, and we'd be crazy if we didnt include it here, but change those lightbulbs to compact fluorescents. They last way longer, use way less electricity and don't get hot from wasted heat like normal light bulbs. If you're really feeling inspired, try LED lights, which are even better than CFL's but cost more.

See future posts for where to recycle these lightbulbs.

The Best Thing You Can Do To Help the Planet

Live more simply. Consume less. Share more. Unplug that tv. This is probably one of the greatest things you can do to help the planet.