July 4, 2009
Conserve & Recycle
We've got dozens of easy tips to help you recycle and conserve at work, school and around the home.
Check back for regular updates!
Reduce Waste--Reuse These Items!- Coffee or soup cans--Make into flower pots, pen/pencil holders, etc.
- Glass or plastic jars--Store leftover food, buttons, nails, thumbtacks, etc.
- Used wood--Make into birdhouses, compost bins, etc.
- Motor oil cans & pesticide containers CANNOT be reused and should be disposed of properly.
- Colored paper & egg cartons--Use for arts and crafts projects
- Tuna cans--Reuse as muffin tins or candle molds
- Packing "peanuts" & bubble wrap--Reuse to ship packages
- Paper & plastic Bags--Use to clean up around the house or reuse at grocery store
- Paper and envelopes--Use to write notes or make lists before recycling
- Gift boxes--Use again. Also, reuse larger pieces of wrapping paper, bows, etc.
Ways You Can Help Plants
- Make sure to use only the correct amount of fertilizer in your garden
- Use copper strips to detract slugs instead of using slug bait
- Use cloth, not paper, napkins
- Dispose of pesticides properly--never pour into your drain
- Don't pick wild flowers
- Plant native trees or bushes
- Don't litter
- Use natural insect controls instead of pesticides
- Pull weeds instead of using herbicides
- Grow plants that are natural insect repellents, such as lemon balm
Conserving Energy/Reducing Air Pollution
- Use fluorescent bulbs (or lower wattage bulbs)
- Adjust the thermostat setting during summer and winter
- Turn off appliances when not in use
- Dry clothes outdoors instead of using a dryer
- Walk or bike instead of driving
- Turn off lights at night and when not in use
- Don't leave the refrigerator door open for long periods
- Limit how many times you go in and out of the house during a short period
- Recycle (aluminum, plastic, glass, newspaper, etc.) whenever possible
Conserving Water
- Run only a full dishwasher
- Turn off water while brushing teeth
- Take a shower instead of a bath
- Take short showers
- Only run the washing machine with full loads
- Sweep your sidewalk or driveway instead of hosing it down
- Water the lawn during early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
- When washing your car, turn off water hose in-between rinses. And don't let soapy water run into street drains - soap kills fish!
- Cover your pool when not in use
- Avoid dumping any household chemicals down the drain
Copyright © 2009, WXIN-TV, Indianapolis
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