We’re sharing practical green tips inspired by the book True Green by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin. These are straightforward, affordable habits anyone can adopt to live more sustainably, save money, and reduce waste. Place this list in a shared space—an office break room or a waiting area—to encourage others to make small, meaningful changes.
1. Replace disposable coffee cups with a ceramic mug at work and bring reusable utensils and a plate to keep at the office. This eliminates single-use plastics and paper cups that end up in landfills.
2. Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. Returning clippings to the soil feeds the grass naturally, retains moisture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
3. Start a compost bin. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste reduces landfill burden and creates nutrient-rich soil for gardens. It’s simple to set up and benefits your yard and houseplants.
4. Grow your own fruits and vegetables, even if you begin with potted herbs like basil or a tomato plant. Home-grown produce cuts grocery costs, reduces packaging waste, and helps you avoid pesticides.
5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and dispose of hazardous materials—like old oil paints and solvents—at appropriate recycling centers to prevent water contamination. Choose plant-based cleaners when possible.
6. Set refrigeration to efficient temperatures: about 40°F (4°C) for the refrigerator and around -5°F (-21°C) for the freezer. Maintaining efficient settings reduces energy consumption without sacrificing food safety.
7. Adjust clothing before changing the thermostat. Wear a sweater when you’re cold and lighter clothing when you’re warm to reduce heating and cooling usage. Small behavioral changes can lower energy bills significantly over time.
8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room. Unless you’ll return within a few minutes, switching devices off conserves energy and extends appliance life.
9. Use fans to circulate air. An oscillating table fan or ceiling fan moves air efficiently and allows you to depend less on air conditioning, saving energy and money.
10. Time your showers. A simple five-minute timer reduces water use. If you prefer not to install low-flow fixtures, timing your shower is an easy, immediate change.
11. Recycle consistently. Recycling is often easy and free through municipal services. Proper recycling reduces landfill waste and conserves resources—treat it as a routine part of household habits.
12. Reuse printer cartridges. Many office supply stores accept empty cartridges for recycling or refilling and may offer store credit, reducing plastic waste and cutting costs.
13. Promote double-sided printing at work. Encourage your employer to adopt duplex printing and place recycling bins near printers to reduce paper waste in the office.
14. Add indoor plants to your home and office. Plants improve indoor air quality, add natural decor, and can contribute to a healthier environment.
15. Shut down computers each night instead of leaving them in sleep mode. Powering down reduces energy consumption and helps equipment last longer.
16. Use reusable shopping bags. Fabric bags hold more groceries, reduce the need for single-use plastic bags, and are inexpensive and durable.
17. Choose Energy Star or similarly efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances lower energy bills, may be eligible for incentives, and reduce overall household energy demand.
18. Use libraries and rental services for books and movies instead of buying new copies. Borrowing reduces packaging waste and prevents clutter at home.
19. Consider a fuel-efficient vehicle when it’s time to replace your car. While a larger commitment, choosing a fuel-efficient model cuts fuel costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
20. Support local businesses for services and shopping. Buying locally keeps money in your community, often reduces shipping distances, and supports small-scale, sustainable practices.
Which of these changes could you adopt this week? Even five small adjustments can add up to meaningful environmental impact over time. Share your successes and other easy eco-friendly ideas to help more people live sustainably.
Updated note: Two practical upgrades we’ve implemented are converting an older toilet to a dual-flush model to save water and building a rain barrel to capture stormwater for gardening—both effective ways to reduce household water use.
