15 Ways you can help the Earth:

1. Make your home more energy efficient. Turn off the lights! Clean your air filters so your systems don't work overtime. Programmable thermostats also help in reducing wasted energy.

2. Recycle! If an office building of 7,000 workers recycled all of its office paper waste for a year, it would be the equivalent of taking almost 400 cars off the road!

3. Save leftovers. You cook less, and you waste less!

4. Be nice to worms. They are very important! Worms help to increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil. They break down organic matter, like leaves and grass into things that plants can use. When they eat, they leave behind castings that are a very valuable type of fertilizer. Earthworms are like free farm help.

5. Do your part to bring awareness. Talk to your kids, do an activity together, and get outside to have fun!

6. Plant a tree or a garden. Growing your own veggies and fruits can lead to yummier meals and more money in your wallet too!

7. Use both sides of the paper when you're writing, drawing, or printing. You reduce the amount you're using that way :)

8. Save water. Every time you turn off the water while youre brushing your teeth, you're doing something good! Fix those leaky toilets or faucets because you could be wasting 200 gallons of water a day.

9. Clean up the trash! Pick up some litter, recycle those plastic bags and water bottles you may see on the street.

10. Put underwear in the freezer when it's hot.... wait.. what?! Yup! Apparently this will help during those hot summer days. You won't need AC as much... weird.

11. Take the shuttle or ride your bike to work. Or take a walk around the crescent! If you stay off the road just two days a week, you'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year. WOW! Also combining your errands can be an easy way to help make the earth a better place.

12. Maintain your car. Underinflated tires decrease fuel economy by up to 3%, and lead to increased pollution and higher green gas emissions. Also, SLOW DOWN! Driving 50 instead of 60 km/h will save you money! Accelerating and braking too hard can actually reduce your fuel economy as well.

13. Compost! It's much easier than you think, and makes great fertilizer.

14. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can.

15. Change your lightbulbs to CFL's (compact fluorescent bulbs). They last 10 times longer anyways and use at least two-thirds less energy! Keep an eye out for Energy Star products when you're shopping for new electronics or appliances.

 

Don't forget to help with Beautification day by contacting the PCRC! They will also be at the Home and Business Expo giving away gifts to those who bring in electronics and plastic bags to recycle. 

Main line: (204) 240-7272 (PCRC)      E-mail: info@PortageCRC.com
B-56 Royal Road North Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1  


Other Sources: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/save-earth-top-ten.htm