By Jennifer Jesperson

I wonder if Earth Day will ever be an actual holiday? It’s probably unlikely, but I like the thought of it.

Here are some really easy ways to Be Green! Some of these tips can even help you save money!

1. Turn off unneeded lights, even when leaving a room for a short time.
2. Once your cell phone is charged, unplug it from the charger!
3. Set your refrigerator temperature at 36-38 and your freezer at 0-5.
4. When using an oven, try not to open the over door more than necessary.
5. Unplug seldom-used appliances.
6. Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label.
7. Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.
8. Use electric appliances only when you need them.
9. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.
10. Shut off electrical equipment in the office when you leave work.
11. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.
12. Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.
13. Buy green electricity – electricity produced by low- or zero-pollution facilities.
14. Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury (e.g. old thermometers) at an appropriate drop-off facility.
15. Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.
16. Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, and water.
17. Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.
18. Have your home tested for radon.
19. Minimize pesticide use.
20. Turn off computers and other appliances when not in use.
21. Copy and print on both sides of paper.
22. Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.
23. Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.
24. Use recycled paper.
25. Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
26. Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with less toxic soy-based inks.
27. Telecommute!
28. Purchase radial tires and keep them properly inflated for your vehicle.
29. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving whenever possible.
30. Join a carpool to get to work.
31. Check and fix any water leaks.
32. Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.
33. Don’t wash dishes with the water running continuously.
34. Install a low-flow shower head.
35. Replace old toilets with new ones that use less water.
36. Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient.
37. Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.
38. Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and wrap.
39. hop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
40. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

If you are interested to become part of Stevenson’s Green Team for the 2009-2010 school year:

Green Team Sign Up Form