Ten Practical Eco-Tips To care for God’s creation:
Buy local or organic when possible – Discover farmer’s markets; Purchase items whose packaging, ingredients and methods of production support healthy lives for the consumer, grower, and producer. Eat a plant-based diet once a week to conserve 1,400 lbs CO2.
Reduce consumption – Drive 20 miles less a week to save 820 lbs CO2. Choose a fuel efficient vehicle, ride the bus, walk and bike more. Maintain correct air pressure in tires.
Cut your electricity/heating gas/oil usage and reduce your utility bill:
Replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Turn off lights.
Close off heating vents in unused rooms. Turn down heat at night or when not home and run A/C less during the summer; Purchase a thermostat with a timer to adjust temperature.
Turn down thermostat on hot water heater.
Hang clothes on a clothesline. Wash clothes in cold water to conserve 600 lbs CO2.
Recycle – Do more than just fill the blue container; Learn how other plastics, paper, and metal items, computers, appliances, batteries and furniture are recycled appropriately.
Shop using reusable cloth bags; Avoid throwing away plastic and paper bags.
Reduce water consumption:
Take shorter showers and use showerheads that reduce water flow.
Place a weighted-down item in toilet to displace water, reducing consumption with every flush.
Run dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads.
Avoid use of plastic bottles, drink tap water instead. Use reusable water bottles that do not contain bisphenol A (BPA).
Make things last longer by shopping at /contributing to consignment shops or other organizations that help the needy.
Advocate for Catholic principles that support a healthy and sustainable environment. Vote for officials and ordinances that support such initiatives.
